Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—their names are etched into tennis history, each representing a unique style of play, unmatched grit, and a shared legacy in one of the sport’s most competitive eras. While their on-court battles have captivated fans, it’s the behind-the-scenes moments, particularly their training sessions together, that offer a glimpse into the camaraderie, respect, and lessons that have shaped their careers.

In a recent interview, Murray opened up about his experiences training with Nadal and Federer, reflecting on the challenges, insights, and memorable moments that came from sharing the court with two of tennis’s greatest icons.

The Early Days: Training with Nadal

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have shared a rivalry spanning over a decade, but their relationship began long before their battles on the ATP Tour. As teenagers, both were rising stars, grinding through junior tournaments with dreams of making it big. Their paths often crossed in those early years, and it wasn’t uncommon for them to hit the practice courts together.

Murray recalls those early sessions fondly. “Training with Rafa was always intense. Even back then, you could see how much he cared about every point, every shot,” Murray said. “He brought an energy to the court that was contagious. It made me realize the level of focus and commitment you need to succeed.”

What stood out most to Murray was Nadal’s physicality. “Rafa never held back, not even in practice,” Murray noted. “He’d chase down balls like it was the final of a Grand Slam. It taught me the importance of leaving it all on the court, no matter the situation.”

Learning from Federer’s Precision

In contrast to Nadal’s relentless energy, Roger Federer’s training style left an entirely different impression on Murray. Known for his elegance and precision, Federer’s approach to practice sessions was a masterclass in efficiency and control.

“When you train with Roger, you’re struck by how effortless he makes everything look,” Murray shared. “His timing, his footwork—it’s all so smooth. But beneath that ease is an incredible amount of preparation and thought. Every shot he hits in practice has a purpose.”

Murray often describes Federer as a “genius” of the sport. Training alongside him pushed Murray to focus on the mental aspects of the game. “Roger is a problem-solver,” he said. “He’s always thinking a few steps ahead, figuring out how to adapt and outmaneuver his opponent. Watching him work through drills was like getting a masterclass in strategy.”

The Lessons They Shared

While their styles and personalities are distinct, both Nadal and Federer shared qualities that deeply influenced Murray’s own development as a player. “What I learned from both of them is how to push yourself to the limit,” Murray said. “Rafa showed me the value of resilience and never giving up, while Roger taught me how to stay calm under pressure and trust your instincts.”

Training with these legends wasn’t always easy. Murray admitted there were days when he felt outclassed. “There were times when I’d think, ‘How am I ever going to beat these guys?’ But those moments also fueled my drive to improve. You don’t get better by staying in your comfort zone, and training with them forced me to step up my game.”

A Bond Beyond Rivalry

Despite their fierce competition on the court, Murray, Nadal, and Federer have always shared a mutual respect and camaraderie. Training together strengthened those bonds, creating a sense of understanding that extended beyond the game.

“When you’re on tour, it can be a lonely experience at times,” Murray said. “Training with Rafa and Roger reminded me that even though we’re competitors, we’re also part of the same journey. We’re all working toward the same goal, pushing each other to be better.”

This bond was particularly evident during the 2019 Laver Cup, where Murray had the opportunity to watch Nadal and Federer up close as teammates. “Seeing how they supported each other and worked together was incredible,” he said. “It made me appreciate how much we’ve all contributed to this era of tennis.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, Murray credits those training sessions with Nadal and Federer as pivotal moments in his career. They weren’t just about hitting balls—they were about learning, growing, and understanding what it takes to compete at the highest level.

“Training with them wasn’t just preparation for matches; it was an education,” Murray said. “It shaped my mindset, my approach to the game, and even my perspective on life. I’ll always be grateful for those experiences.”

Conclusion

For Andy Murray, training with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer was more than a glimpse into greatness—it was an opportunity to push his limits and refine his craft. Those sessions were filled with intensity, respect, and shared passion for the game, leaving a lasting impact on Murray’s journey as a player and as a person.

As fans, we often focus on the matches, the trophies, and the rivalries. But it’s the moments behind the scenes—on the practice courts, away from the cameras—that truly define the legends of the sport. For Murray, Nadal, and Federer, those moments have shaped not only their careers but also the legacy of an extraordinary era in tennis.