“Necessity is the mother of invention.” And, that is exactly why 2 Italian women came up with the novel idea of playing tennis from their respective rooftops amid the pandemic. Maintaining safe social distance the two junior players from Liguria, Italy took the game to a whole new level back in April.
Most incredible thing you’ll see today.
These two women are playing tennis from rooftop to rooftop in the Italian city of Liguria to pass time during the pandemic.
Sports.🌎❤️🎾🌎🇮🇹🌎 pic.twitter.com/Nse4Pu6xCa
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) April 18, 2020
13-year-old Vittoria and 11-year-old Carola became overnight sensations after their video was applauded by many people online, reports the Indian Express. Now, almost after three months, the girl received an epic surprise thanks to their viral video. In a once-in-a-lifetime moment, tennis legend Roger Federer joined the duo in a friendly match.
Incredible to see… again! One of the most spectacular and unusual tennis matches we have seen in a while. 📍 Liguria, Italy 🇮🇹 @rogerfederer #TheRooftopMatch pic.twitter.com/a7FfCSkvr0
— Barilla (@Barilla) July 31, 2020
In the clip shared by Italian pasta brand Barilla, both girls can be seen praising Federer as their favorite player. However, the girls, who thought it was just another interview, were not aware that the Swiss professional tennis player was right there. The duo was shocked and screamed in excitement when Federer appeared and offered to play a match with them on their rooftop. They yelled in joy, “We cannot believe it, Federer is on our rooftop!”
Not only did Federer hit a few balls with them but also enjoyed a meal with the girls. He also clicked selfies and signed a tennis ball for the duo. However, the surprise didn’t just end there as the 38-year-old tennis star offered to enroll them in the Rafa Nadal Academy to train in a summer camp.
Many people online were left impressed by Federer’s kind gesture and the girl’s jovial reaction:
What a lovely surprise for the girls. The surprise on their faces was priceless. Play tennis and eat pasta with The 👑🐐 and they have the added bonus of going to training at Rafa's tennis academy!!! Roger and Barilla really go down well together 🤗
— Lola Longfield (@TitanRFederer) July 31, 2020
There is nothing more priceless and rewarding than the innocent smile of a child.
— Bruno 79 (@Bruno_G79) July 31, 2020
Such a joy to see the happiness all around!! The sheer joy of hitting with @rogerfederer is so evident on the girl's faces…LOVE IT!!
— Sunita Sigtia (@sunitasigtia) August 1, 2020
The looks on their faces when they saw him though, adorable.
— Bobito (@bobito64) July 31, 2020
The champion, the girls, the shocked faces, the laughters, the delicious pasta, the rooftop tennis, Rafa's summer camp….they all come together to write a perfect and heartwarming story for the legend, Roger, and his adorable fan. Thanks Barilla for this incredible video. 🥰
— HappyLife (@HappyLifehere) July 31, 2020
The word legend just doesn't do this man justice, true gentleman.
— Moon12 (@Moon1245709417) July 31, 2020
OMG 😮 I’m 😭 . . . I’d loved that video when they shared them playing on the rooftop. I’m soooo happy for those girls. Roger actually surprised them and showed up to play with them. 👏🏽👏🏽🤴🏻GOAT🎾
— CoffeeLiciousLady (@LiciousCoffee) July 31, 2020
A good story in hard times with a nice end. Happy for the girls.
— Jonathan Escrivà (@JonathanEscriva) July 31, 2020
I can't stop smiling 🙂 and at times tearing up…🥺 so happy for these girls…Roger truly is an amazing person who has a heart of gold. The surprise at the end really is the cherry on the top. This clip indeed brighten up our day. Thank you, Roger! 😁
— HappyLife (@HappyLifehere) July 31, 2020
I literally teared up! What a genuine great champion RF is ! That unbridled joy on his face interacting with fans is a sight to behold, though honoring his sponsorship commitments, one can’t deny the true love he has for tennis and his fans! Good luck girls
— Padma Venkatachari (@pcvcsv) July 31, 2020
Honestly, we are equally excited about this spectacular surprise. We hope the girls have a great time at the academy.