Rod Laver is an Australian sporting icon; a player who was so special in his own right that Australia’s most historic tennis stadium was named after him.
The Rod Laver Arena remains the most recognisable Australian tennis venue. The court has hosted some of the greatest matches in tennis history, including the 2011 Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – the longest Grand Slam final in history.
Roger Federer, another star of the sport, also contested some of tennis’ biggest matches on the iconic sky blue court in Melbourne.
Federer, a winner of six Australian Open titles, had the opportunity to hit with Rod Laver ahead of the 2014 Australian Open.
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After practising with Laver, Federer admitted that he was ‘very nervous.’
Roger Federer said hitting with Rod Laver was a ‘dream come true’
Ahead of the 2014 Australian Open, Roger Federer contested an exhibition match against French star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Federer won the match 6-7, 6-3, 7-5.
The match was a fundraising event for Federer’s charity, the Roger Federer Foundation.
Prior to the contest, Federer stepped onto court with Rod Laver.
Laver is an 11-time Grand Slam champion and the only player in tennis history to win all four majors in a single year.
In fact, Laver completed the feat twice, in 1962 and 1969.
As per Reuters, Federer said: “Hitting with Rod Laver for me clearly is an absolute dream come true. It’s in his arena as well, it’s named after him and he deserves it so much.
“He told me that his wrist was hurting less on the forehand so he asked me to play there a bit more often.
“While I was playing my racket was feeling extremely heavy, that means I was very nervous which I really was because you don’t want to miss a shot.
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“I was happy we had some rallies. What an honour it was for me and I hope that the crowd enjoyed it and I’m very thankful that he was willing to do something like this because it’s not normal in any way and that’s why I really appreciate it.”
Rod Laver’s message to Roger Federer after his retirement
Roger Federer broke the hearts of tennis fans worldwide in 2022 when he retired from his playing career.
The Swiss maestro played his final match alongside Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup. The pair lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in three sets.
Following Federer’s final outing on court, Rod Laver posted a short message on social media thanking Federer.
On X, Laver said: “Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket.”
