BREAKING NEWS: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal discuss their ‘lifelong friendship,’ favourite matches against each other, and shooting with Louis Vuitton…

So, how do you get two GOATs to team up on a cold mountaintop? Given their familiarity, Nadal and Federer explained exclusively to GQ via email that the assignment was perhaps easier than it appears. As Federer expressed it, the appeal was in both the idea and the companion.

“It’s an honour to follow in the sporting footsteps of the Louis Vuitton campaign that previously included Messi and Ronaldo, and Pelé, Maradona and Zidane,” he stated. “Rafa shares similar values and mutual respect, and he is a special friend and rival who has played a key role in my development as a professional athlete, competitor and person.

Nadal echoed similar sentiments. “To be honest, I thought from the beginning, what a great opportunity and honour, not only because of the brand itself—one of the most emblematic brands in France and in the world—but also due to the fact that it was something together with Roger,” he stated.

We’d always spoken in the recent years to do things and this was the best opportunity at this very moment.”

Theirs is a unique rivalry: while they’re responsible for a few of the most iconic tennis matches of all time (particularly their 2008 Wimbledon final), they’ve grown close since first competing in 2003. “I have always said that Roger has inspired millions of people around the world, me included.

I believe that our rivalry has definitely raised the bar in sports in terms of healthy rivalry and how athletes can try their best on the court, to the maximum, definitely wanting to win by all means but with a huge respect for the rival. The rivalry stayed always on court and we knew it had always to be like that,” Nadal said.

Federer, meanwhile, explained that their relationship encompasses both on- and off-court activities. “On the court we have challenged each other to evolve, improve and reach heights we never would have managed without the rivalry,” Federer said. “Off the court our relationship has grown from fierce intense competitors to a lifelong friendship driven by our genuine personalities and shared values.

GET MORE NEWS HERE