Behind the ‘raw’ photo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that captures their enduring friendship in 2012, Nadal had this to say after winning in their third rubber at the Monte Carlo Masters: “I have a special place in my heart for Roger – he was one of the biggest guys I had the honour to play against. I will always remember him as the best match of my career and the same goes for him. I will forever be grateful.”
Rafael Nadal: On winning his 11th ATP title at the Monte Carlo Masters
It was hard to separate the two: Nadal had his arms around Federer’s shoulders as they headed to the trophy ceremony after both players triumphed over the third seed Denis Istomin, the 19-year-old American who beat them both in the semifinals. Their friendship was also on display as they shared a cigarette, drank beers and chatted away on the court after their quarterfinal. “He is a good friend that means a lot to me and is the reason I wanted to play tennis”, said Federer afterwards. “I know that if I play well and play well, even if he loses, I will still play well.”
That would make the sixth time that the pair have faced off since 2010, and the fifth time in the quarterfinals since 2012, when Federer’s semi-final victory over Federer was also marred by a photo that showed the two men playing on top of a bridge together and with Federer’s arm around his rival’s shoulder. Federer had admitted he was surprised by the photo, but said: “I have to say that for the first time, since the (2011) French Open, I don’t like something happening in public.” Federer also said that the photo made him feel “more relaxed and much more confident”, but he told The Telegraph that he felt a deep sense of responsibility at leaving his former friend on the court. “I feel great,” Federer said. “I feel responsible – not in the way Roger feels, but in the sense that I want them to be happy.”
Roger Federer: On winning his 11th ATP title at Monte Carlo Masters
Federer said: “I was happy, but I