sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Roger Federer played Rafael Nadal 'on water' using specially designed court and the footage is incredible
Home>Tennis
Updated 15:20 25 Jun 2025 GMT+1Published 15:19 25 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Roger Federer played Rafael Nadal 'on water' using specially designed court and the footage is incredible

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are two of the GOATs of tennis.

This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group will make a commission on anything purchased

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal once played on water using a specially designed court.

Federer and Nadal are two of the best players to ever step foot onto a tennis court.

During their careers, the pair won a combined total of 42 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal was particularly dominant on clay as he had an exceptional record at the French Open, lifting the title on 14 occasions.

Advert

Meanwhile, Federer's best results came on the grass in England, where he has won the Wimbledon title eight times.

Over the years, the pair have been involved in many exhibition events, including playing on a 50-50 court made out of grass and clay.

Back in 2011, prior to the Qatar Open, the pair were tasked with playing on a court that was submerged and floating on the Gulf of Doha. Federer and Nadal were seen hitting rallies in ankle-deep water.

However, due to the nature of the specially designed court, the pair were only able to hit volleys as the ball would stop completely once it touched the water.

Speaking about the experience, Nadal said: "It was a fantastic experience. For the past three years, we have done a few different things, and this one was a very nice experience."

Federer added: "Good fun. It was so different. You’re always excited and nervous to see how it will turn out. It is always nice promoting an event and an entire tour with Rafa."

Swiss maestro Federer went on to win the Qatar Open that year, beating Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4, in the final.

Nadal's bid to win the tournament was stopped by Davydenko in the semi-final stage after losing 3-6, 2-6.

Back in 2022, Federer played his last ever match during the Laver Cup inside the O2 Arena in London.

The then-41-year-old teamed up with Nadal in the doubles, but they were beaten by the Team World pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Two years later, it was Nadal's turn to call time on his career.

The Spaniard's last match came in the Davis Cup, which took place in Malaga, Spain.

Similar to Federer, Nadal did not have a fairytale ending as he was beaten by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, losing 4-6, 4-6.

Where to buy last-minute Wimbledon tickets

The Wimbledon ballot may have closed for another year, but it’s not too late to buy advance tickets if you know where to look.

If you don’t mind splashing out on the experience, Seat Unique has the option to book ‘VIP Debenture Behind The Server’ and ‘VIP Debenture Front 5 Rows’ tickets.

These tickets offer 'unparalleled views' of the court, so you won't miss out on any of the action.

As for resale tickets, you'll want to head over to StubHub and Viagogo.

Featured Image Credit: OOPS Magazine

Topics: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Tennis, Wimbledon

Marcus Chan
Marcus Chan

Recommended reads

Luke Riley makes bold prediction ahead of blockbuster fight on Conor McGregor v Max Holloway cardGetty ImagesForget Conor McGregor - Lone'er Kavanagh is the UFC star you should be watching this weekendGetty ImagesF1 and F3 trainer reveals gruelling physical and mental work drivers must do for each race ahead of British GPGettyDavid Croft proposes new Olympic sport with drivers from 'around the world' ahead of British GPGetty

Advert

Choose your content:

17 hours ago
a day ago
2 days ago
  • Getty Images
    17 hours ago

    Six players who could stop Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominating men's tennis

    From established contenders to rising teenagers, these are the names hoping to disrupt men's tennis.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    a day ago

    'Nothing transphobic about a sex test' - WTA's new genetic testing rule sparks huge response

    Players will be required to take just one test in their lifetime if the results come back negative for the SRY gene.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Novak Djokovic admits he 'made a mistake' with advice given to Jannik Sinner

    Sinner knocked Djokovic out of the Wimbledon semi-finals, with their rivalry set to be renewed at the US Open.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    WTA makes controversial decision directly impacting female players ahead of the US Open

    The change comes into effect on July 21, just 41 days before the US Open commences.

    Tennis
  • Where to buy last-minute Wimbledon tickets as 7-day countdown begins
  • Novak Djokovic reveals who he prefers out of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal after feeling 'unwanted'
  • Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer played £1 million tennis match on half-clay, half-grass court to decide true GOAT and the results will amaze fans
  • Carlos Alcaraz has already settled the Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal tennis GOAT debate