Friendliest rivals in the world of sports – Fans and reporters alike are known to assign the word ‘˜bitter’ to any enmity, but many who are more than just rivals on the pitch.
Fans and reporters alike are known to assign the word ‘bitter’ to any enmity, but many who are more than just rivals on the pitch.
The term ‘rival’ means a person or group that tries to be more successful than his/her counterpart. Besides an individual, this could also be applied to any two teams competing in a sporting event where a proper rivalry takes place.
Their repeated meetings, longstanding connections and competitive spirit, can land them into rivals or foes on the playing ground.
While heated rivalries boost up the TV ratings and rake in the crowds, it’s not necessary that the rival will always humiliate his opponent.
Instead, in the case of these rivalries, there’s a special bond between the two that shows the true sportsmanship.
Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki (Tennis)
When will the men’s tennis see such bright of the day? Tennis stars Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki have become tennis’ world’s new BFF and it was evident ever since the American number one won this year’s US Open. It was reported that when the duo exited the 2014 French Open, they partied on a beach, spent hours at a nightclub and photobombing a beach wedding. It was Serena Williams who consoled Caroline Wozniacki after the latter’s break up with golfer Rory McIlroy and since then the pair has not looked back. They might be gunning for every point on the tennis court but this couple won’t let the friendship down just yet!
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol (Basketball)
Former teammates but now rivals, American basketball star Kobe Bryant still continues to be in good terms with Pau Gasol. The Spaniard signed on with the Chicago Bulls for the 2014-15 campaign whereas Bryant is still counting the moolah with the LA Lakers. In an interview, Bryant spoke in an emotional manner about his ‘pal’ Gasol. “He felt rejuvenated by going to a new situation. At the end of the day, he’s my brother before basketball.”
Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar (Cricket)
In the world of cricket, there have been many memories of the greatest rivalries but none to better than that of Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. The Master Blaster and the Spin Wizard were involved in numerous battles over the years but even so, their friendship remains intact. When Sachin visited Sir Don Bradman’s house in 1998, the Mumbai batsman was accompanied with Shane Warne and to this day, the duo share a great camaraderie off the field.
Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard (Football)
England midfield icon Steven Gerrard and Spanish star Xabi Alonso were teammates at Liverpool for five seasons before latter moved to Real Madrid. The duo, were one of the best midfield pairing in the English Premier League and have always been well-wishers of each other. Gerrard had once told famous English daily, “Xabi Alonso is the best midfielder I have played with. I miss playing with him.”
Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel (Formula One)
In the world of F1, there are moments that could turn childhood friends into foes but not Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. In an interview to the F1 official site back in 2012, Vettel spoke highly of Kimi. “Yes. He (Raikkonen) is straightforward and honest and he tells you if he has a bad day. Period. He is real. He’s not political. He’s never up to something. If he doesn’t want to tell you something he will say so and not hum and haw. He doesn’t beat around the bush, never coming to the point.” With rumours of Vettel linking up with Ferrari next year, these two ‘buddies’ could strike a great bond.
