Tsitsipas Shares Tale of Partying with Tennis Icons Federer and Nadal
Most tennis enthusiasts would eagerly seize the chance to enjoy a night out with legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. For Greek professional Stefanos Tsitsipas, this fantasy became a reality, as he recently detailed his experience of socialising with both sporting icons.
The world number 43 recounted the memorable evening during an appearance on the What's The Call podcast, revealing that while Federer proved to be a sociable and spontaneous character after a few drinks, Nadal displayed a more reserved demeanour.
Laver Cup Celebration Leads to Unforgettable Evening
Tsitsipas explained that the occasion took place during the Laver Cup, where he, Federer aged 44, and Nadal aged 39, concluded the night by dancing on tables. "I got drunk for the first time with Rafa and Roger," Tsitsipas admitted. "It was the first time I drank alcohol in my life. Great way to start it. I couldn't ask for anything better."
He added that Federer encouraged him to partake, saying, "Come on, you have to drink something," as Tsitsipas had no prior experience with alcoholic beverages. According to the Australian and French Open finalist, the evening wrapped up with him and former Austrian star Dominic Thiem singing and dancing on the tables, which he simply described as "fun."
Contrasting Personalities on Display
Tsitsipas highlighted the distinct personalities of the two tennis greats. He noted that eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer was approachable, confident, and very spontaneous, but "in a good way." In contrast, Nadal appeared more introverted during the festivities.
This is not the first instance where Federer has openly discussed celebrating victories. In 2019, he recalled getting drunk after winning one of his five US Open titles, stating, "I've never had a diet in my life. And I like to celebrate a victory with a good glass of champagne." Federer mentioned that it took him three and a half days to fully recover from that particular celebration.
Other Players Weigh In on Night Out Preferences
Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis also shared insights into the drinking habits of Federer and Nadal. Speaking on the Tennis Brothers YouTube channel, Kokkinakis suggested that Nadal doesn't mind a night out, recalling a players' party in Acapulco where tequila was involved. He described Federer's style as "classy," typically opting for wine or champagne.
Kokkinakis further speculated that Novak Djokovic would be inclined towards a chaotic night on the town, based on celebratory posts following his Olympic victory in 2024. "I reckon Novak would be loose. I have seen some videos. I reckon Novak would be a fun night out," he added.
The anecdotes from Tsitsipas and others provide a rare glimpse into the off-court dynamics of tennis superstars, showcasing how their personalities translate beyond the competitive arena.
