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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal-Led Vintage Shanghai Image Elicits Sassy 6 Word Response from Swiss Maestro’s Former Coach

Published 10/13/2023, 7:35 AM EDT

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2006 was without a doubt a momentous year, set apart by remarkable moments and extraordinary tennis superstars. It was a season that saw the rise of a huge number of legends, like the G.O.A.T.s, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. The ATP Finals held in Shanghai at that time united the elite stars, and the occasion recently ignited a reaction from a tennis idol. Ivan Ljubicic not only shared the court with these legends but also coached the Swiss Maestro. He tweeted a sassy six-word remark on X that echoed the unique camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines the tennis court.

In 2006, Federer was the predominant power in men’s tennis and held the No. 1 rank with a string of Grand Slam titles. Also, Rafael Nadal had been ascending as a formidable clay-court professional. The tennis world was swirling with expectations for the 2006 ATP Finals in Shanghai. The renowned finals had exhibited a thrilling match between the world’s top eight players.

Former coach Roger Federer sparked a sassy nostalgia reaction with a vintage Shanghai photo

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X and social media platforms have revolutionized how fans and players interact. A fan-loved classic picture from the 2006 ATP Finals reemerged on the stage. The photograph caught the players of that noteworthy event. It featured a dashing young Federer, an energetic Nadal, and a large group of other talented stars like James Blake, Andy Roddick, and Ivan Ljubicic.

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This picture filled in as a piercing reminder of the impact of that tournament, which unfurled 15 years ago. It reflected the time when these emerging players dazzled courts with their unique talents and ambitions. They were all bound by the shared dream of making a mark on the tennis world. They were excited to make an imprint on the tennis world.

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Ivan Ljubicic posted with excitement, “By far best-looking Finals participants.”

The six sassy words captured the youthful vigor and the aspirational spirit shared by these athletes during that remarkable season. The tweet also incorporated the photograph from the 2006 ATP Finals.

The superstars were present in the locker room and displayed their commitment to the sport.

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Ljubicic once reflected on his emotions facing the Swiss Maestro

Ljubicic, who once faced Roger Federer on numerous occasions during his playing career, had a unique perspective on his encounters with the Swiss tennis legend. Federer’s exceptional skills and court demeanor left a lasting impression on the coach.

During his playing career, Ljubicic faced Federer 16 times on the tennis court. While he only managed to secure victory in three of those encounters, he acknowledges the valuable experience and insights he gained from competing against Federer. In a recent interview, the coach shared his thoughts on these matches and how they influenced his role as Federer’s coach. Under the Croat’s guidance, Federer continued to evolve as a player, adapting his game to stay competitive well into his 30s. This adaptability was one of the factors contributing to Federer’s remarkable longevity in a sport that typically favors younger talents.

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Beyond the technical and tactical aspects of coaching, Ljubicic also appreciated Federer’s personality and character. He described the Swiss ace as a model father, a loyal representative of his country, and a global superstar who remained remarkably accessible to fans and the media. These qualities made Federer not only an exceptional athlete but also an ambassador for the sport of tennis.

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas