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

Thierry Henry picks player who will surprise everyone at World Cup – ‘There’s a guy people don’t know about...’GettyRonnie O’Sullivan says snooker star can win 'multiple world titles' and gives update on futureGetty'The only thing he can do is now is tar his career...' - Arnold Allen gives damning verdict on Conor McGregor's comebackGetty ImagesGareth Barry on Thomas Tuchel advice, England squad picks and World Cup: 'He’ll be fighting'Getty

Advert

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
a day ago
2 days ago
4 days ago
  • Getty
    9 hours ago

    Tennis icon who is retiring this year hopes for Wimbledon wildcard

    The French Open semi-finalist is targeting a Wimbledon bow this summer

    Tennis
  • Getty
    a day ago

    'I wouldn’t teach it...' - Jannik Sinner told one of his trademark techniques could be injury threat

    The defending Wimbledon champion is anything but textbook

    Tennis
  • Getty Images/TNT Sports
    2 days ago

    French Open star breaks down after revealing missile attacks near parents' home

    The tennis player couldn't hold back the tears after the monumental win.

    Tennis
  • Getty
    4 days ago

    Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka walk out of press conferences early as French Open dispute intensifies

    Sinner and Sabalenka were among the top tennis stars who cut short their media duties.

    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