Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are different in many ways, but there are also things that connect them, such as their desire to leave a lasting legacy.
The two tennis legends are two of the most successful tennis players in the history of the sport and the ATP Tour. They are also some of the most beloved tennis players the sport has ever had, and that latter part is actually what both of them deem more important.
While they were on the tennis courts, they wanted to do as best as possible because that was in their competitive nature. A player can't win 20 or more Grand Slams without being a tremendous competitor, and both of them are, but that's not what they hope people remember them for.
They're both more concerned about being good people and leaving a positive and lasting legacy. When they visited the Dolomites, Nadal had a chance to talk with Federer about the topic of 'legacy', and he shared what they discussed during his speech at his Rafa Nadal Academy.
"A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit the Dolomites in the company of my friend Roger Federer. There in the mountains we had a very interesting conversation about a word that I think is very important: 'legacy'."
"Both Roger and I agreed on this topic. How would we like to be remembered in a few years? What do we want future generations to think of us? It's nice that our successes, our titles and our records are recognised, but as the years go by it's likely that someone will come along and do better."
Interestingly, both Nadal and Federer agreed on how they want to be remembered. They'll be remembered as good people but also as great tennis players, but what matters to them aren't their achievements.
"What is important, therefore, is how we will be remembered. Therefore, Roger and I both agree that we would like to be remembered as good people. We live in a society that emphasizes the present above all else."
"When you are at university or on a tennis court, you have to say to yourself from time to time: 'How would I like my classmates to remember me? What about my teachers? My friends?' I could tell you to try to be influential in your environment, but I prefer to use the term leader. The people around you should see you as someone to follow for the values you transmit."
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