Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are currently first and second in the list of highest Grand Slams won by a male player
Rafael Nadal became the latest tennis celebrity to grab the headlines following his iconic Instagram video chat with Swiss maestro Roger Federer.
Spaniard Nadal surprised his millions of fans and followers by going live on his social media handle on Monday. The video went even viral when he engaged in a conversation with his rival-on court but friend off it, Federer.
The duo couldn’t help but smile after seeing each other online during this time of coronavirus crisis that has restricted people to their homes. Both the players talked in lengths about a variety of topics engaging themselves and the people across the globe.
Now let’s take a look at the three things that stood out during the conversation between the two.
1. Federer’s rehab going well
Nadal while speaking to Federer enquired about his status during the lockdown. Federer replied saying that he was feeling good and that his rehab was going well.
“I had a really good first six weeks, then things got a bit slower, now it’s good again. But I have plenty of time obviously. There’s no rush. I’ve been hitting a bit against the wall, doing my rehab and my fitness,” Federer replied.
Federer had recently in February undergone a right-knee surgery after suffering an injury during the 2020 Australian Open. The duo later joked about not getting another surgery.
This was Federer’s second surgery in his career while Nadal has had many before.
2. Federer asks Nadal why he plays left-handed despite being a righty
Meanwhile, Federer added some spice to the conversation by asking Nadal if he was naturally a left-handed tennis player. A curious Federer also asked the Spaniard why he played with the left hand despite being a right-handed person.
“I cannot play righty. That’s just a legend!” exclaimed Nadal. “My basketball skills are with the right, everything else is with the right, but not with football or tennis. I started playing with two-handed backhand and forehand. The people I was working with probably didn’t know if I was righty or lefty,” he then explained.
3.Maiden Instagram live appearance with someone
Most interestingly this was Nadal’s first-ever Instagram live appearance with someone and it was clearly evident from his actions online.
The World No.2 had trouble connecting with Federer in his first attempt. However, the Spanish star joked about his own inefficiency in the platform by calling himself a disaster.
“As you can see, I’m a disaster in everything. But I’m trying hard,” Nadal said.
Nadal’s fellow compatriot and three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray also pointed out Nadal’s poor Instagram skills by cracking a joke while speaking to each other.
“This is brilliant… He can win 52 French Opens, but not work Instagram,” Murray joked.
Nadal clearly needs to brush up his Instagram skills, considering his form online yesterday.
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