The ‘Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal’ record-breaking showdown in Cape Town, South Africa was accompanied by 50,000 tennis fans across all generations. Their match raised a huge amount of money for the Roger Federer Foundation.

Amidst the joyous moments on the South African court, Federer revealed some inner conversations between him and Rafa.

In the year 2009, the Swiss legend completed his Career Slam reverie at Roland Garros, and back then, the 12-time French Open champion Nadal had tears of joy when Federer claimed that niche in tennis.

“He’s (Nadal) a great person with great values,” Roger Federer shared on the exhibition court. “He told me today that he cried when I won my French Open in 2009. He was so happy for me.”

The duo is much more than a rivalry in the sporting world. Once they get off the professional tennis courts, the two glass towers are companions for life.

“Rafael Nadal promoted this sport in the best possible way” – Roger Federer

Federer continued to share that tennis was easy under Rafa’s absence. When Federer made his breakthrough at Wimbledon 2003, Nadal was a budding tennis player on the tour.

After Rafa’s breakthrough at French Open 2005 winning on the ATP Tour became much more challenging. The Spaniard has taken the sport to another level and the Swiss maestro developed his game in his presence.

“It’s a great rivalry. I know he only knows his career with me on the court, I knew a few years without him which was nice… because there was no Rafa which made things maybe a little bit easier. He’s been wonderful for the game, he’s promoted this sport in the best possible way,” Federer added.

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In the sixth edition of the ‘Match for Africa’, Federer defeated Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The also played doubles match. Nadal teamed up with the comedian Trevor Noah and Federer with Bill Gates.