Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are on fantastic terms despite their incredible rivalry that has been going on for a couple of decades. Roger was very quick in congratulating Rafa Nadal after he won his 21st slam at the Australian Open, posting the following message:
“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.”
When asked to comment on Federer’s message, Nadal replied:
“I think we’ve always respected each other greatly. We’ve achieved a lot of positive things. So beyond who gets more Grand Slams or who’s the best or not, we’ve achieved something more important, handling a sports rivalry in a healthy way, positive; I think life is better when you live these things in the right way.”
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Currently ranked no.5, the Spaniard played his last match on the 30th of January when he defeated world no.2 Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the final in Australian Open to win his 90th career title.
At the moment, during this season Nadal has achieved a compiled 10-0 win-loss record. Rafael has won 2 titles in 2022 in Melbourne and at the Australian Open.
Roger Federer in 2022
At the moment ranked no.30, the Swiss played his last match on the 7th of July 2021 when he capitulated to world no.11 Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6(4) 6-0 in the quarter in Wimbledon (draw).
This season Federer owns an overall 0-0 record.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer clashed against each other 40 times. Their head to head is 24-16 for Nadal. The last time they competed against each other, Roger Federer won 7-6(3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London (Wimbledon) in July 2019.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.