WATCH: When Roger Federer Wanted Rafael Nadal to Visit Him As he Felt Lonely at Rotterdam Open

Published 03/18/2021, 8:30 AM EDT

Both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer didn’t take part in the ATP Rotterdam Open this year. Andrey Rublev emerged as the winner of the tournament, but fans must have missed both the 20-time Grand Slam winners this year at the tournament.

However, they will still remember Federer’s famous press conference in which he admitted that he was missing Rafa during the Rotterdam Open 2018 and was feeling lonely without him and his family.

Even though they are fierce rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are really close to one another. Both the legends respect each other on and off the court and are great friends. It was because of this that Federer accepted that he had been missing playing against Rafa at the Rotterdam Open 2018.

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In the press conference before the finals, the Swiss maestro himself asked a journalist about Rafa’s whereabouts. When he got to know that the Spaniard was not in the Netherlands only but was busy with his Foundation’s work, he said that Nadal should come around.

“He should come around,” began Federer with a laugh. “To hang out maybe you know. I’m lonely here. My family’s not here.”

Federer ultimately emerged as the winner of that tournament. However, it was this heartwarming gesture that surely won the hearts of tennis fans.

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Roger Federer was ready to go and meet Rafael Nadal himself

Interestingly, Federer was even ready to go to Rafa’s place himself to hang out with him. Since Rafa was the World No. 1 player at that time, Federer sarcastically said that he would have to approach him. “Or I have to go you know. He is world number one. That is how it goes you know,” added Federer.

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Fans love watching the superstar duo competing against each other on the court. As of now, both Nadal and Federer aren’t playing at the Miami Open 2021 but fans will hope that they will soon get to see them play against each other in a Grand Slam final. Who will reach the 21st Grand Slam title sooner- Federer or Nadal?

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Written by:

Anshul Singh is a tennis author at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing Journalism Honors from Delhi University. Having significant experience with content, Anshul has authored over 500 tennis articles. He has previously worked as a writer and an editor for DU Express, penning riveting articles on sports, politics, and culture.

WATCH: When Roger Federer Wanted Rafael Nadal to Visit Him As he Felt Lonely at Rotterdam Open

Roger Federer was ready to go and meet Rafael Nadal himself

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