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Roger Federer faces Bernard Arnault in a tennis match in Sicily

07:45

By: Sahili Aya

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Tennis legend Roger Federer and French businessman Bernard Arnault met on court in Sicily this week, combining sport, friendship and a touch of luxury at the Taormina Tennis Club.

The former Swiss champion joined Arnault for a session on the Italian island on Wednesday. According to La Sicilia, Federer arrived by yacht before taking to the clay court with the LVMH chairman and CEO.

The encounter offered a glimpse into a relationship that extends beyond the tennis court, with Arnault having previously spoken publicly about his friendship with the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Federer swaps professional competition for a friendly game

Federer, who retired from professional tennis after a career featuring 103 ATP titles, no longer competes on the circuit but continues to play recreationally.

For Arnault, playing alongside one of the greatest players in tennis history is something of a recurring privilege. The French businessman has previously explained that the pair occasionally spend holidays together and that Federer sometimes agrees to hit a few balls with him.

Arnault has also joked about their results when they play doubles, suggesting that the partnership rarely ends in defeat.

A long-standing sporting friendship

The relationship between the two men has been discussed publicly on several occasions. Arnault recently recalled their meetings during an appearance on Guillaume Pley's Legend podcast, where he spoke about his familiarity with the Swiss star.

Their latest encounter in Sicily appears to have continued that informal tradition, this time against the backdrop of Taormina and the Mediterranean.

Federer's presence also gave the occasion an unmistakable sporting dimension. Despite stepping away from professional competition, the former world No. 1 remains closely associated with tennis and continues to attract attention whenever he returns to a court.

Taormina provides the setting

The Taormina Tennis Club provided the setting for the unusual meeting, bringing together one of the world's most recognizable athletes and one of Europe's most prominent business figures.

Rather than a competitive professional fixture, the session was a private sporting moment between two acquaintances who share an enthusiasm for tennis.

For Federer, it was another opportunity to enjoy the sport without the pressure of the ATP Tour. For Arnault, it meant once again sharing a court with a player whose competitive career helped define an era of modern tennis.