Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer created one of the biggest rivalries in all of sport, but off the pitch they maintained a good relationship. After Nadal’s record 14th French Open victory, Federer sent a congratulatory message to the Spaniard.
Nadal now has a record 22 Grand Slams, while Federer and Novak Djokovic are tied for second with 20 majors. Federer didn’t take part in Roland Garros as he is still recovering from knee surgery.
Speaking on his relationship with Federer, Nadal said they have a good relationship. “With Roger I have a good relationship and a special feeling. After the win, he wrote me a message to compliment me,” Nadal said during his chat with Angelo Mangiante on Sky Sports, according to Sportskeeda.
Rafael Nadal on his victory at Roland-Garros:
Just a week before Roland-Garros, there were fears that Nadal could not play due to chronic foot pain. Nadal was able to do something to “sleep” his foot for two weeks and claim a record 14th French Open title after beating Casper Ruud in the final.
“It’s an incredible story, difficult to explain for me, but it’s like that and I’m particularly happy about it. The last three and a half months have been difficult, there has been a lot of work behind but also with a lot of limits.
To be able to go all the way to Roland Garros with a win is very exciting,” said Nadal. Moreover, Nadal predicted a bright future for Italian tennis as he believes an Italian will definitely win a Grand Slam in the next few years.
“I have played several times in Italy. In the end, there are many similarities with Spain, the language is similar, it is a friendly country of Spain. When I am in Italy, I always feel my house.
I believe Italy is going on a very good job with the tennis players and we are seeing positive results with Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, Lorenzo Sonego and Lorenzo Musetti. Lots of young players with great chances of winning a Grand Slam and I’m sure it will happen,” Rafael Nadal said.
