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Tennis world goes bonkers over Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal photo

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Rafa Nadal (pictured left) congratulates Roger Federer (pictured right) after their Wimbledon match.
Rafa Nadal (pictured left) and Roger Federer (pictured right) embrace at the net at Wimbledon. (Getty Images)

The tennis world has reacted with excitement and joy after a photo of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal emerged during a special tradition at Wimbledon.

Federer left the tennis world stunned after making a surprise visit to London to take part in a parade of champions at the Centre Court Centenary Celebration at Wimbledon.

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The 40-year-old received a huge applause as he strode out onto Centre Court at Wimbledon to a standing ovation.

Federer hasn't been on the ATP Tour since last year's Wimbledon appearance.

He has slowly been working his way back to full fitness and has committed to playing the Laver Cup in September and the Swiss Indoors in Basel in October.

But, it was a photo of Federer enjoying a laugh with Nadal that sent the tennis world into a spin.

Speaking at the All England Club, the Wimbledon account posted the photo of the duo sharing a laugh.

Rafa Nadal praises Roger Federer at Wimbledon

Nadal was previously asked what it was like being at Wimbledon without Federer.

The 20-time grand slam champion had played at Wimbledon every year since 1999 until this current tournament.

And Nadal said he missed his greatest rival and friend on Tour.

“I think I answered that question, but I'm gonna say it again,” Nadal said.

“Well, it's a negative thing. But the life, that's the circle of life, you know.

"Time happens, and the watch, the clock never stops. This kind of stuff we need to get use.

Roger Federer (pictured right) thanks the crowd next to Novak Djokovic (pictured left) at the Roger Federer (pictured right) next to Novak Djokovic (pictured left) at the Centre Court Centenary Celebration at Wimbledon.at Wimbledon.
Roger Federer (pictured right) next to Novak Djokovic (pictured left) at the Centre Court Centenary Celebration at Wimbledon. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images) (Shi Tang via Getty Images)

"But in a personal way, of course my personal relationship with Roger have been always great, and probably my greatest rival.

“At the same time all the things that we shared together on court is something difficult to describe, the emotions, all the things.

"And of course I personally miss him in the tennis tour, and tennis of course miss him, tournaments, fans, everyone.

“We can't create a story just about Wimbledon,” Nadal continued to say. “I think Roger Federer is important in every single tournament.

"Not only Wimbledon. Is a well-missed player in every single event of tennis, without a doubt.”

Federer was greeted with a deafening roar when he was the last of the former champions including Australian greats Margaret Court, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Pat Cash and Lleyton Hewitt to parade on to centre court on Sunday.

And Federer gave the fans a glimmer of hope that he would return at Wimbledon to compete in 2023.

"Just tried to be successful here and represent the sport well. I hope I did that and I hope I can come back ... one more time," he said.

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