Nadal and Federer, who have won 42 grand slam titles between them, teamed up one last time on Friday to play in a doubles match for Team Europe against Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe representing Team World.
Afterwards, pictures of the two men — whose rivalry had transcended tennis — crying next to one another during the post-match ceremony in front of standing ovations and live music from Ellie Goulding, circulated on social media.
Despite winning two grand slams, Nadal’s season has been overshadowed by a foot injury and a more recent abdominal injury that forced him to forfeit his Wimbledon semifinal.
He is also expecting his first child with wife Mery Perello soon, Reuters reported.
“As a result, well, I’ve had to deal with all that, which is a different pressure to the one you’re used to in your professional life. But, well, luckily everything is good and we are much more calm. And in that sense, I’ve been able to come here, which for me was the most important thing.”
