Nadal’s tech fail in superstars’ hangout

Roger Federer dropped dad jokes by the dozen. Andy Murray landed zingers with the frequency and accuracy of his outstanding lob.

Rafael Nadal had technical issues during his live online chat with Roger Federer and Andy Murray Picture: Getty Images

Roger Federer dropped dad jokes by the dozen. Andy Murray landed zingers with the frequency and accuracy of his outstanding lob.

But most unusually for this time of the year, Rafael Nadal was fumbling for control, much to the mirth of his mates.

That is the blow-by-blow account of the latest clash of the tennis titans which occurred in Europe early Tuesday.

As is usually the case when the masters meet, fans around the globe lapped up the rallies as each man sought to best the other.

But there were no sizzling forehands struck, nor fist pumps following a feisty fightback.

Along with most sports in the COVID-19 world, this interaction occurred online without a ball in sight and the only winners struck were verbal.

In regular circumstances, Nadal would be aiming to win the Barcelona Open for the 12th time this week.

But with the main tennis tours suspended indefinitely, the biggest names in men’s tennis have been actively engaging fans via social media video chats.

While the other member of the Fab Four in Novak Djokovic was back-pedalling from an anti-vaccination storm, his peers were giggling with glee during the latest social media hook-up.

The interactions have given superfans of the superstars a glimpse at the friendships that occur in player lounges around the tour.

Djokovic and Murray, who were born a week apart in 1987 and exposed to tragedies as children, engaged in a social media rally earlier in April.

In it, they found agreement that the worst thing about 2015 were the colourful shorts worn by Stan Wawrinka.

The world No 1, who has sought to clarify a stance on shunning a COVID-19 vaccination if it becomes available, also made public a conversation with three-time major winner Wawrinka.

Knocked back from a Melbourne wine bar just hours after winning the 2014 Australian Open due to having a couple too many people in his entourage, Wawrinka said the secret to his late-career success was a love of fine Italian wine.

These chats, in general, have steered largely away from controversy or breathtaking news.

In the most recent interaction, Federer provided an update on his recovery from surgery on the knee he injured before his Australian Open semi-final loss to Djokovic.

“It is OK. I had it really good for the first six weeks, then it was a bit slower, now it is getting better again, but I have plenty of time,” he said.

“There is no stress, no rush. If there is anything positive (about the lockdown) that is the only thing, really. I just want the knee to be good. It doesn’t matter when I return.”

Nadal, who is upset by the tragedy that has befallen Spain, stated he was frustrated not to be playing during what is usually his most dominant period on the red dirt of Europe.

“I am sticking to my physical routines,” he said.

“From the gym of my academy, they were able to bring me some machines when (the) lockdown began, so I try to work (out) a little in the morning, a little in the afternoon.

“It is very important to have both the head and the body focused and it is what I am trying to do at all times.”

The zingers were frequent and regularly funny on Tuesday morning in Australia.

Spaniard Marc Lopez, who made the Instagram Live chat a foursome, touched on Federer’s superstar status when noting the online audience halved when the Swiss dropped out of the call.

When Nadal struggled to add Federer to the chat, Murray chimed in with a sledge; “This is brilliant. He can win 52 French Opens but not work Instagram.”

Federer, on learning his great nemesis had not touched a racquet since the tour was suspended prior to Indian Wells, feigned delight.

“Perfect. You won’t be able to play tennis anymore when you come back,” he said.

Nadal responded by saying; “I hope to remember something when I come back.”

For now, memories are all the fans of the superstars have. And they will be hoping the tennis circuit will be able to resume while the 30-plus stars are all healthy enough to succeed again.