5 players who are close friends with Rafael Nadal ft. Roger Federer, Serena Williams
Rafael Nadal is not only known for his command over tennis, especially as the 'King of Clay' but also the spirit of sportsmanship that has directed his career. Additionally, through 22 Grand Slams and a record 14 French Open titles, Nadal has spent more than two decades on tour and is good friends with a range of fellow tennis players.
While Nadal is known for being soft-spoken and dominating the court with his powerful strokes, there are a few tennis players, including a few on-court rivals with whom he shares great camaraderie.
With that said, let's take a look at five tennis players who are close friends with Nadal.
#5 Serena Williams
Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams are both well known as the GOATs of tennis and hold multiple records in their respective categories, along with the third and second-most Grand Slam titles won in the Open Era.
Both are two of the only five tennis players who have achieved the Career Golden Slam and even shared the stage during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. They also share a relationship based on mutual respect and appreciation and a friendship wherein the two speak up in support of the other.
Among many such wholesome moments, one instance involves the time Williams shared how she has always been a Rafa fan and also named her dog after the Spaniard. She said (via Sky Sports):
"He's done a lot in 2022. He's been busy. I've always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him. He's so cute. I miss the little guy. So obviously I'm always rooting for Rafa. So yes, he's been really inspiring in everything that he's done this year, and he has a lot more to do”.
#4 Marc Lopez
Rafael Nadal shares a particularly special bond with compatriot Marc Lopez that goes beyond that of a coach-sportsperson. The two have previously won five doubles titles together, including an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, the two are also great friends off the tennis court.
Earlier this year, the Spanish doubles champion shared how Nadal reached out to him for one last match in Brisbane and despite having retired from the sport, he could not say no to Nadal.
Speaking about the same, Lopez said (via ATP):
"As everyone knows, I was already retired, but it’s true that Rafa told me when I retired: Hey, you played in Barcelona with Feli, in Madrid with Alcaraz, and I would like us to play together one last time.....I didn’t expect it; he told me while training in Kuwait that he wanted to play a match before the singles, and he suggested we play together.
"Personally, playing for the last time with Rafa, even if it wasn’t a good match, always brings joy. Aside from being on his team now, he is one of my best friends, and he has helped me a lot throughout my career. I will always be grateful for everything he has given me in tennis and in my personal life."
#3 David Ferrer
Another tennis player with whom Nadal shares great friendship is again a fellow Spaniard and former World No. 3, David Ferrer. While the two have faced each other on the court multiple times and shared an intense rivalry, they are great friends off it.
Ferrer said goodbye to tennis in 2019 on his home soil in Madrid but his decision to retire was made clear well before the same, when he was forced to retire against Nadal at the 2018 US Open. However, while speaking about the match, Ferrer emphasised that he had no regrets and was happy to have faced his friend as part of one of his last few Majors. He said (via Deccan Herald):
"It was special because I finish my last Grand Slam playing in the centre court with Rafael, a very good friend. Sad because I can't finish the match. But it's not a problem. I am a lucky man."
"I was happy when I was drawn to play Rafa here, it was a gift play centre court with him" he added.
#2 Carlos Moya
Spanish former tennis player Carlos Moya has not only been a fellow World No. 1 like Nadal but has also faced the 14-time French Open champion, with Nadal holding a 6-2 lead.
Their relationship as that of teammates, rivals and friends translated to that of a coach-player in 2016, with Nadal winning eight Grand Slam titles under his guidance.
Soon after becoming his coach, Moya opened up about his relationship with Nadal and how their friendship plays an important role in the same. He said (via Tennis World USA):
"We are a team and the key of everything is in him... The experience of being a good coach is given by the details you look at when you are off the court. Rafa has enough humility to understand that you have room for improvement and evolution."
"I work with him but, first of all, we keep being friends. So there is a lot of honesty between us and when something does not work. We tell each other things even the not best ones to hear. He is open to listen and that's the key for a player-coach relationship."
#1 Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer share a unique rivalry. This is largely because they have played some of the most intense matches in the history of tennis and along with Novak Djokovic, dominated tennis for almost two decades.
The two have faced each other 40 times with Nadal leading 24-16. While both Nadal and Federer have individual fanbases, their rivalry - Fedal, has a huge fanbase of its own. Both tennis stars have been vocal about their support for the other's successess and losses and the love they share for each other.
Talking about his equation with Nadal, Federer said (via GQ):
“Rafa shares similar values and mutual respect, and he is a special friend and rival who has played a key role in my development as a professional athlete, competitor and person.
"On the court we have challenged each other to evolve, improve and reach heights we never would have managed without the rivalry. Off the court our relationship has grown from fierce intense competitors to a lifelong friendship driven by our genuine personalities and shared values."
Recently, as per the Swiss' agent, a treat for Fedal fans awaits as the duo might face each other once again for an exhibition match at Santiago Bernabeu, leaving tennis fans excited and happy.