Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal continue to make magic even off court.
The iconic champions partnered to make the tennis dreams of a pair of Italian girls come true.
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You may remember during the dark days of the pandemic when good friends Vittoria and Carola warmed the hearts of fans all over the world playing tennis in a rooftop rally in southern Italy that went viral. Two young players showing their spirit to live in the moment and pursue their passion in spite of all the pain from the pandemic touched the hearts of people all across the world— and prompted Federer to surprise the girls and hit with them on their rooftop in July of 2020.
The Swiss Maestro was so impressed by the pair he promised to help them realize another tennis dream.
Recently, Federer and Nadal made that dream come true partnering with Barilla, Federer’s long-time sponsor, to send the girls to the Rafa Nadal Academy in his native Mallorca for a one-week training camp.
“Surprises are not over yet,” Federer says at about the 35-second mark of the video below. “I happen to know a really good summer camp that would be perfect for you two girls.
“I’ve spoken to the Rafa Nadal Academy and Barilla and I would like to send you there. So why don’t you start packing? Enjoy it!”
“It was almost like a movie—it didn’t seem real,” Vittoria said. “We already had this beautiful surprise: A dream hitting balls with Federer and spending the day with him. Then even a week at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar.”
The girls got to meet Rafa and had such a blast they both spoke about wanting to to extend their stay.
In July of 2020, Federer travelled to Liguria, Italy to surprise the videos’ bubbly protagonists as they were filming a video about their exploits.
Here’s a reminder of that charming meeting.
The pure moment of warmth and camaraderie, brought three tennis players (one with a few more major titles than the other two) together celebrate their unconditional love for the game as a form of therapy and a passion of a lifetime.
Tennis can be cathartic, celebratory and unifying force, too.
Photo credit: Barilla