Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal hit a new career peak with Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is going sky high with its latest Core Values campaign, featuring a new wave of legends. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two of the greats in tennis history, conquer new goals as they ascend the summit of Italy’s snow-peaked Dolomites—all in the name of LV.

Echoing the tagline of: “There are Journeys that turn into Legends” the inspirational video—shot by the inimitable Annie Leibovitz—sees the dynamic duo on an expedition of physical strength, mental determination, and incredible ambition; values evident within the House and its complementary Core Values icons. At over 3,000m elevation, the Spanish forehand master and the Swiss backhand extraordinaire, turn their on-court rivalry into companionship during the pair’s daring ascent—the visual being a metaphor for the Grand Slam champions’ incredible careers, which in spite of their nail-biting Grand Finals together, has blossomed into a deep mutual respect and enduring friendship.

“I know how many important icons have been part of this campaign, so for me personally, being part of it is something that I am very proud of, especially sharing it with Roger,” Nadal began on the opportunity. “He has been my biggest rival and now a close friend today. In my career I achieved more than I ever dreamt of, so at the end of the day, the legacy in terms of human beings is the most important value.”

Launched 17 years ago by Antoine Arnault and Pietro Beccari, the Core Values campaign has previously celebrated actor and UN ambassador Angelina Jolie; legendary dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov; Olympic champion swimmer, Michael Phelps; French film siren Catherine Deneuve; among others in unparalleled locations across the globe.

“It’s a unique opportunity to be working with Rafa,” Federer shared on the experience with his long-time opponent. “How could we be such rivals and then at the end of our careers be beside each other doing this campaign has been very cool. And where we are here today, I think it also embodies everything: at the peak of the mountains. For us it is something meaningful and special.”

Leibovitz spectacularly captures the LV-equipped pair—Federer with his classic Monogram Christopher backpack, a timeless style; and Nadal with his Monogram Eclipse version, a sartorial vision of tenacity—set against the unspoiled alpine vista. It’s a testament to the star players’ graciousness, good humour and humility even when they’re at their absolute peak.

This article originally appeared in harpersbazaar.com.au in May 2024

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