The legends of tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, have set high standards for other young players to follow in the sport. Considered the best to play the sport of tennis, the duo has enthralled fans with their wonderful displays on the court. As a result, many young players have been mesmerized by their talent and have tried to take learnings from it. Recently, one such youngster, Alex de Minaur, followed the tradition set by Federer and Nadal.

The 24-year-old is one of the top players of the next generation. He has had a good 2023 season, where he performed consistently across the tournaments. Ahead of the beginning of the 2024 season, Minaur took inspiration from the legendary duo and imitated their famous move.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal tradition followed by Alex de Minaur

Back in 2014, pictures of Federer hugging the Koala Bear in Brisbane went viral all over the internet. He did this before taking part in the Brisbane International. Since then, it has become quite a tradition amongst tennis players. Even the Spanish legend, Rafael Nadal, performed this act in 2017 before his appearance.

Years later, Australian tennis star, Alex de Minaur, has re-created Federer and Nadal’s exemplary move by taking a selfie with a Koala bear. Recently, he took to Instagram to showcase his wonderful move. Sharing a post on his official Instagram handle, Minaur said, “The pic vs what it took to get the pic.”

In the first slide, he shared the selfie with the bear. The two posed wonderfully as their picture went viral on Instagram. Subsequently, Minaur also shared glimpses of his efforts to get the selfie with the Koala bear. Nonetheless, it was a moment to cherish for the youngster, who will hope for a positive start to the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, did you know that Alex de Minaur has been fortunate to play against Roger Federer? The two met at the final of the 2019 Swiss Indoors. Before their match, Federer made a special remark on Minaur.

What did Federer say about Minaur?

The Swiss maestro won the match between them comfortably in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. However, before their match, Federer revealed to taking a cautious approach against his Australian opponent.

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Talking about this, he said, “It’s going to be a very special match tomorrow eyeing a 10th title, happened only once to me so far in Halle, I‘m relaxed in a good mood, will try to push him (Alex de Minaur) to the limit, he has a lot of self confidence and is very dangerous on this surface indoor.”

Imitating the best, Alex de Minaur will now hope to have a good start to the 2024 season in his home country. He’ll take part in the Brisbane International that commences next week.

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