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Awkward post-match moment cracks up Federer and Nadal

Rafael Nadal wasn't particularly impressed after his performance in the Shanghai Masters final, but he couldn't contain his laughter during an awkward moment in the trophy presentation.

Nadal had been on a 16-match winning streak before succumbing to a red-hot Roger Federer on Sunday night, and the Spaniard looked visibly disappointed with his limp display in the 6-4, 6-3 loss.

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But Nadal's mood was lifted after the match when Federer cracked up at the World No.1's attempt to speak Chinese.

As you can see in the video above, the master of ceremonies asked both Nadal and Federer to say a few words to the Shanghai crowd, with Nadal's phrase notably easier than Federer's.

Great moment between mates. Image: Getty
Great moment between mates. Image: Getty

Nadal looked rather sheepish as Federer showed his prowess in the Chinese language, with both men cracking up at the humorous moment.

It wasn't lost on fans watching at home, with many taking to social media to show their admiration for the tennis legends.



Federer extended his winning streak over Nadal to five games with the straight-sets victory, snaring his 94th career title to draw level with the great Ivan Lendl.

The Swiss maestro heaped praise on his opponent after the game in a brilliant moment of sportsmanship.

"We didn't think maybe we were going to have the year we did, I definitely didn't," Federer said on court, reflecting on their continued success even at this late stage of their careers.

"It's nice to share this court with you today and I hope there are more to come in the tournaments we've got left.

"It's been a pleasure playing against you here today."

Nadal, for whom defeat sees Federer close the gap at the top of the world rankings as the year approaches its climax, has enjoyed a remarkable season of his own.

His triumph in Beijing last weekend was also his sixth of the year as he continues to defy doubts about his fitness following repeated injury.

"I could maybe have done some things better," said Nadal.

"Of course was not the best match of the week for me... but when someone plays better than you in most of the things that really matter in this sport, then it's tough."

He declined to say if he had been hampered by a problem with his right knee, which had a bandage on it during the match.

"I don't want to talk about that now, sorry," Nadal said.

"After losing a final it's not the moment."

with agencies