WATCH: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal embark on mountain trek, experience Spaniard's first snowfall together as they reunite in Louis Vuitton campaign
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have reunited in style in an unexpected campaign for Louis Vuitton. The duo showed off their camaraderie as they embarked on a trek up a snowy mountain.
Federer and Nadal caused a stir in the tennis community earlier this year when they reunited at the Spaniard's academy in Mallorca. The 20-time Grand Slam champion also shared a picture of them posing alongside their agents, piquing fans' interest and sparking conjecture about a potential project in the works.
It appears that fans may have arrived at the correct conclusion as behind-the-scenes footage of their Louis Vuitton campaign has emerged, depicting the duo sharing a warm embrace as they came together for the shoot.
Decked out in stylish attire, they embarked on a mountain trek, with the Swiss legend poking fun at Nadal's unfamiliarity with the snowy terrain.
"I don't think he's aware of what's going to hit him," Federer said.
The pair cut stylish figures while posing for pictures together against the stunning snowy backdrop.
Federer's observation proved accurate, as Nadal admitted that he isn't used to the snow like the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
"I am not used to the snow, as Roger is. He lives in the snow," Nadal said.
"First time he sees snow," the Swiss interjected.
Nadal also hilariously revealed that he couldn't feel his ears, prompting the Swiss legend to burst into laughter. Nevertheless, the Spaniard shared that he enjoyed the experience, albeit conceding that he wouldn't want to spend an entire week in the snowy conditions.
"I don’t feel my ears, but I’m enjoying it a lot, the shooting and I’m having fun. For me, if I had to spend one week here, it would be different, but today I really enjoy it," he said.
"Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other" - Roger Federer on the evolution of his relationship with Rafael Nadal
While interacting with fans during a Uniqlo event last year, Roger Federer reflected on the evolution of his relationship with Rafael Nadal. The Swiss legend disclosed that Nadal was shy when they first became acquainted and mostly followed his lead out of respect.
However, Federer shared that, as Nadal grew into his personality, their friendship began taking root, with their teams and families also getting along very well.
"Then I saw Rafa grow into his personality, he got more confident and then we started playing each other every other weekend and obviously got the rivalry very tennis but always got along well … Not only the two of us but also our teams - My parents, his parents; my coaches, his coaches; my sister, his sister," he said.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion also revealed that their conversations shifted towards shared experiences of marriage and fatherhood as they grew older.
Despite not being able to stand each other initially, the former World No. 1 emphasized that they had developed a fast friendship and expressed his hope for Nadal to make a comeback to the tour.
"We also started respecting the rivalry we used to have, and we almost miss it, playing each other every other weekend. Back in the day, we couldn’t stand each other probably for that, but he is a great man, and I wish he can come back one more time," he said.
Nadal indeed made his highly anticipated comeback during the clay season and is gearing up to compete at the 2024 French Open.