Roger Federer And Refael Nadal Serve Up Charity Portraits

The ATP has commissioned its top tennis players to create unique self-portraits to be auctioned off for charity ahead of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on November 21-28 at London’s O2 Arena.

Each qualifying tennis-star, eight total, have been asked by the ATP to participate in this creative commission, and so far, qualifiers Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have completed their self-portraits by smashing paint-covered tennis balls at a giant canvas. Each canvas was overlaid with a stenciled image which, when removed, revealed their signature move on court.

Talking about the initiative, Nadal said that it was a challenge to put the balls on the silhouette.

“Making the artwork was fun and something I’ve never done before. It’s a great way to celebrate the World Tour Finals coming back to London,” News of The World quoted Nadal, as saying. “Last year the crowd and the stadium were amazing although I didn’t play my best tennis. Hopefully this year I will arrive playing well again and will try to do my best in front of the London fans who add such a special feeling to the event,” he added.

Meanwhile, Federer said “It was great fun being invited to create my self-portrait – it was not so easy to hit from a long way back, but I think I did a good job.”

The artwork created by the final eight players, will be on exhibit during tournament week at the new fan zone inside the O2.