Behind the ‘raw’ photo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that captures their enduring friendship, an ‘unwritten’ truth emerges
It’s a story Roger Federer has told countless times: the time he found out Nadal was married.
It’s a story he has told almost as many times, but it’s far from the whole truth.
On the eve of the third Grand Slam of the year, Federer and Nadal are at the top of the sport. There is every reason to believe they will be world champions for a fourth time.
Yet the two men’s personal lives have been deeply intertwined for more than two decades now.
The seeds were sown well before the Open Era began.
That the two will meet this weekend in London, where Federer’s Wimbledon hopes are being crushed by Nadal’s dominance of the clay court season, is a result of a very personal and intense relationship.
And for Federer, that is just what his mind and soul need right now.
“You can’t just have a good day at work and play tennis,” Federer said several days ago. “You don’t have that kind of freedom. For me, it’s important to have personal life that’s a distraction.
“It was a big challenge to play tennis when I was younger but I didn’t have the chance.”
As Federer was finishing his first Masters title at the US Open in 2005, he received a phone call from Nadal’s father, who wished him good health and sent him many good wishes.
Nadal had just lost his first grand slam title at Roland Garros to Roger Federer.
Federer had had to sit and watch as his compatriot won another in two rounds.
“It was a very special day for me because my first victory was against my dad’s son,” Federer said, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“Because we’re different in so many