"Never thought I'd see Djokovic & Federer end up being more pally than Novak & Nadal" - Fans amused by Serb & Swiss' reunion at Shanghai Masters

Fans were filled with joy, nostalgia, and admiration upon witnessing the reunion of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. One fan expressed surprise at seeing Federer and Djokovic having a more friendly relationship than Rafael Nadal and Djokovic.

Federer participated in an exhibition event at Shanghai Masters on Friday, October 11 with Hong Kong singer and actor Eason Chan. During his warm-up inside the stadium, the Swiss tennis legend met his former rival, Djokovic.

The pair had a warm smile on their faces as soon as they saw each other. 43-year-old Federer jokingly called 37-year-old Djokovic an "old man" before hugging and catching up.

Many fans on Reddit were delighted by the playful and heartwarming interactions between the two legends.

"You just can't watch this video without smiling," one fan wrote.

"Insane aura in that room right there," another fan wrote.

"Perfect dap. Just two goats now mastering the dap," a third fan wrote.

Many enjoyed the lighthearted moment when Federer called Djokovic "old man."

"Haha. The way Novak smiled so naturally hearing Roger go, “hey, old man” ✨" one fan wrote.

"Novak definitely looks great and plays great for an “old man.” It’s heartwarming to see Roger and Novak together. Well done Shanghai Rolex Masters," another fan wrote.

One fan, however, expressed surprise that the Serb and the Swiss seemingly became friendlier than Djokovic and Nadal. They wrote:

"It’s nice to see they’re genuinely cordial now. Never thought I’d see it where Novak and Roger ended up being more pally pally than Novak and Rafa."

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Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic pay tribute to Rafael Nadal's iconic career

(L-R) Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at Laver Cup 2022 (Image: Getty)

Rafael Nadal announced his final tournament in an emotional video on social video. The Spaniard will end his 23-year career after the completion of the Davis Cup Finals in November.

Roger Federer was one of the first to react to Nadal's post on Instagram. The Swiss, who has created a beautiful friendship with the Spaniard, commented:

"What a career, Rafa!" Federer wrote. "I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honor!"

Soon after, Novak Djokovic posted several images of himself with Nadal on social media. In his heartfelt caption, the Serb claimed that Nadal's biggest achievement is that he inspired millions of children to start playing.

"Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever. Only you know what you had to endure to become icon of tennis and sport in general," Djokovic wrote.

Djokovic also wrote that he would be present in Malaga as Nadal plays the final matches of his professional career representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals.