Federer and Nadal teamed up at the phenomenally successful Laver Cup and it was epically awesome

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal playing on the same team was a blockbuster success for the Laver Cup and providing some of the most amazing images in all of tennis history (really, no exaggeration).

The Laver Cup, a unique format unsanctioned by both the ATP and the ITF — and brainchild of Roger Federer — turned out like most things the Swiss player participates in: an enormous success. Pitting Team Europe against Team World, with tennis legends Bjorn Borg head-coaching the Europeans, mostly consisting of the Top 5 of tennis, and John McEnroe coaching Team World, things looked lopsided toward the continent that gave us Swiss cheese, Spanish matadors and German sausage, but what transpired was anything but routine.

The event featured marquee players who usually face each other across the net, this time on the same team, offering tennis fans an uprecedented sight: most of their favorites all on the sidelines together, cheering each other on, coaching each other through matches, high-fiving and joking around pre-match in the locker-room. And John McEnroe cursing.

Team World had youth with young guns Nick Kyrgios (22), Frances Tiafoe (19) and latest #nextgen sensation Denis Shapovalov (18) rooting for each other while sharing sideline benches, blaring music in the hallways, perfecting the chest pump and getting cursed at and inspired by McEnroe.

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But Team Europe featured the two legends that helped sell out all the sessions of the event, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, now on top of the ATP rankings. The big question of the event became whether the two rivals would end up playing on the same net as doubles partners. The prospect became too tantalizing for anyone to resist. When the announcement came that the two would indeed play on the elegant black court against Team World doubles partners John Isner and Jack Sock, the sports world went wild.

The match itself lived up to every expectation. And it wasn’t even the slam dunk that everyone assumed it would be. With Isner and Sock taking the second set, the match had tension and suspense. But in the end, the more famous players players, collectively known as #fedal, now newly crowned #fedalUTD, came through and won for Team Europe, 6-4 1-6, 10-5.

But they did so much more, leaving the tennis world with some of the coolest moments it’s seen. Who knows if it will ever happen again? We can only hope, but in the meantime, savor these priceless clips:

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the same table, with Captain Bjorn Borg, talking tactics on playing together. Just. Too. Awesome.

On the same net, whispering strategies. Collectively they hold 35 grand slams and each a gold medal in doubles. I think it’s safe to say they knew what they were doing.

Hilarious accident where they both went for the same overhead, but Federer ducked out just in time before almost getting knocked out by Rafa’s racquet. They still low-fived each other because they really are that cool and fast on their feet.

Their infectious, exhilarating joy in playing together. Just addicting.

The two of them celebrating their victory over Isner and Sock afterwards.

Federer and Nadal sharing a press conference, talking about each other and offering funnier quips, including who would switch country allegiance to make a permanent doubles team. Nadal put a stop to the dream when he said, “I don’t think that’s going to be a good idea,” Nadal smiled. “We can still dream.”

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Rafael Nadal giving advice to Federer in his match against Kyrgios, helping him save match point, and win 4-6 7-6 11-9. The score between both teams was close, and a loss to the Australian would have forced another doubles match to fight for the title. But Nadal told Federer, “Just to be a bit more aggressive,” Nadal said according to Sky Sports. “He is playing great, and controlling the points from the base line. But we thought that he could be a bit more aggressive on the forehand and Roger agreed.”

Proving that yet again, there is no other event like this.

Rafa cheering on Fed. Seriously, this really happened and it was everything a tennis fan can dream up.

Federer hoisting Rafa in the air after clinching victory for this team.

And having their fair share of champagne afterwards, showing that the Laver Cup really is the biggest party in tennis.

But don’t think Team World lost out, they had plenty of fun too.

Congratulations to all the tennis players who injected a much needed dose of energy and enthusiasm during a time that is usually a lull in tennis. Sure, there are tournaments going on, but some of the luster comes off after the grand slams finish and only the most diehard fans stick around for the rest of the season. However, with the Laver Cup, the images and clips went viral all over the internet and proved that tennis is the most fun party around.

Looking forward to the next iteration in Chicago next year. Maybe Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wrawrinka will join Team Europe too? Wouldn’t it be fascinating to see potential doubles partnerships among those three and Federer and Nadal? I’m predicting a fast sellout, again.

The big winner: tennis and all its fans.