Roger Federer sends children to Rafa Nadal’s tennis academy as legend retains promise
Roger Federer revealed that he despatched his two twin boys to previous rival Rafael Nadal‘s coaching centre after they discovered a “love” for tennis. The Swiss star was on the opening of the Rafa Nadal Academy again in 2016. Two years in the past, the 20-time Grand Slam champion joked that he can be sending his children to the Mallorcan facility and it appears Federer saved his phrase.
A 12 months after Federer’s emotional retirement on the Laver Cup, there are indicators that tennis followers might sooner or later see some future generations of the his household on a match court docket. The 42-year-old revealed that his two units of twins – 14-year-old ladies and nine-year-old boys – had taken up the game and even hung out at tennis academies over the summer time.
And one of many academies belonged to his previous rival and good pal Nadal. The Spaniard opened the Rafa Nada Academy in his house of Manacor seven years in the past with Federer by his aspect as a particular visitor. And issues got here full circle this summer time as his twin boys Leo and Lenny spent a few days on the coaching centre.
“All four kids love it,” he informed the Wall Street Journal. “The girls didn’t love it in the beginning but as they get better, they’re enjoying it and playing points now. They were up at [John] McEnroe Academy in East Hampton, and the boys were in Mallorca at the [Rafael Nadal] camp for a couple of days.”
The former world No 1 additionally admitted that he hadn’t spent an excessive amount of time on a tennis court docket himself since retiring 12 months in the past, solely getting the rackets out to hit together with his children – in addition to a one-off with pals within the Hamptons. And Federer mentioned he was attempting to make a while to educate his 4 youngsters after they confirmed an curiosity in his occupation.
He added: “It’s obviously an interesting dynamic, because I’m the dad, and not a former player. It is what it is.” The 103-time title winner ended his 24-year enjoying profession on the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena surrounded by his biggest rivals – Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The Big Four had been all a part of Team Europe. And Federer’s last match was a doubles outing on the group occasion alongside Nadal, with the pair dropping to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. They had been each in tears after the ultimate ball was hit, sitting on the participant bench and crying as Ellie Goulding sang throughout a ceremony honouring Federer’s profession.