Some iconic personalities in the world are loved by everyone not just because of their expertise in their field but for the values they carry forward. For example, let’s take Ratan Tata an industrialist who passed away recently due to an age-related illness. For his death, the whole nation is mourning the loss of the legendary figure who has been the pillar of infrastructural growth and development in the country. It’s not because he was the well-known Industrialist who gave success to the Tata group, he was valued for being a leader and the actions, and values he carried to make the country better. That’s why everyone loved him and he earned that respect for himself. Similarly, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are those pillars in the Tennis fraternity who have been building blocks of the sport.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are those kind of personalities who became leaders. Toni Nadal former coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal expressed his feelings about these tennis legends. Toni says, “There are athletes who, due to their exceptional abilities, have become leaders in their disciplines; others who have magnified and even transcended their own sports; and only a few who, through their attitude and actions, have moved beyond the realm of sports to become leaders in society.”

“I believe, without fear of being mistaken and fully prepared to accept any criticisms that may come my way as his uncle, that my nephew, like his greatest rival for many years, Roger Federer, belongs to the latter category,” Toni added. Both Federer and Rafa are loved by many who don’t even follow the game of tennis. It’s because of their Off-the-court actions and the charity work they carry around when not playing tennis. They both took the right stands for every issue the world faces.

The tennis greats have achieved many Grand Slams and ATP trophies but the biggest thing they achieved was the people’s love they get showered wherever they go. They have gone beyond sports are recognized by people around the world and become leaders in society.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the biggest rivals in Tennis and yet when Roger announced his retirement Rafael Nadal couldn’t control his tears, this shows how much respect they both share as rivals. Nadal will also retire from the sport next month at the Davis Cup finals after 23 year great tennis career.