No professional rivalry in the history of tennis is as storied as the one between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
However, earlier this year, the two caused a stir in the tennis community when they reunited at the Spaniard’s academy in Mallorca. Federer also shared a picture of them posing alongside their agents, piquing fans’ interest and sparking conjecture about a potential project in the works.
It seems the fans’ query has been answered, with Nadal and Federer showing off their camaraderie as they embarked on a trek up a snowy mountain in a campaign for Louis Vuitton.
The French fashion house unveiled the latest chapter in its “Core Values” campaign, which stars the revered tennis champions, photographed side-by-side on a journey to the summit of Italy’s Dolomites mountain range. The inspiring shots were lensed by Annie Leibovitz, who captured the sports stars on a dual journey of ambition and self-discovery.
Also read: Rafael Nadal’s endorsements, investments, and notable charity work
Core Values was launched 17 years ago by Antoine Arnault and Pietro Beccari with the tagline: “These are the journeys that turn into legends.” In this iteration, Nadal and Federer are seen not as competitors but companions, sharing a 3,000-metre ascent into the mountaintops.
However, this is far from the fashion house’s first time playing sports-rival matchmaker. Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Louis Vuitton brought together football rivals Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. In a viral image, also lensed by Leibovitz, the pair played a game of chess atop an LV trunk.
Also read: Roger Federer’s endorsements, investments, and notable charity work
Speaking on the Louis Vuitton campaign and working with Federer, Nadal said:
“I know how many icons have been part of this campaign, so for me personally, being part of it is something that I am very proud of, especially sharing it with Roger – he has been my biggest rival and now a close friend today. In my career, I achieved more than I ever dreamt of, so at the end of the day, the legacy in terms of human beings is the most important value.”
Federer echoed his sentiment, by stating:
“It’s a unique opportunity to be working on this campaign with Rafa. How we could be such rivals and then at the end of our careers be beside each other doing this campaign has been very cool. And where we are here today, I think it also embodies everything: at the peak of the mountains. For us, it is something meaningful and special.”
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