Behind the ‘raw’ photo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that captures their enduring friendship, there’s more drama in their private lives. For the last few years, they have been the top-ranked men’s tennis players in the world, with Nadal leading Federer by a slim two points.
The pair share a powerful bond, which is why Nadal recently proposed to his girlfriend, Mirka Radanova, who works as his agent. Nadal has known Radanova and her family for 25 years and recently proposed to her.
But Nadal’s public statements didn’t stop him from making his feelings for Radanova known to her.
‘I have had a love-hate relationship with Roger since 1999 when I met him and he was just that. He was just like a normal guy in a way, and I love him as a human being, and he’s an example to me but he’s not the ideal person for my life,’ Radanova told ESPN in an extensive interview last month. ‘But I have accepted this relationship and I love him.’
We caught up with Radovan, 44, who has had seven children with Nadal, 16 with his previous wife, Jelena Markovic, who was shot and killed in January 2007, and 22 with Radanova.
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Rafa Nadal since 1999
Radovan has been with Raf
