In a candid revelation, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has shed light on the profound impact that his longtime rival, Roger Federer, has had on his illustrious career. Nadal, known for his fierce battles with Federer on the court, expressed that watching the Swiss legend play has been more influential than his encounters with Novak Djokovic.
Despite facing Djokovic numerous times in his career, it is Federer who holds a special place in Nadal’s tennis journey. The Spaniard has clashed with Federer 40 times, with 24 of those meetings occurring in finals. Nadal holds a commendable record against Federer, winning 24 of their battles while succumbing in 16. Their last face-off in men’s singles was in the 2019 Wimbledon semi-final, where Federer emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter.
Nadal’s admiration for Federer extends beyond competitive matches, as the 37-year-old shared the court with Federer in the latter’s last competitive match in 2022 during the Laver Cup, partnering with the Swiss legend. Speaking on his deep respect and fondness for Federer, Nadal stated, “Since I have memory, he is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most. Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it,” as quoted by El Pais.
Currently participating in the Brisbane International, Nadal is gearing up for his first-round match against former US Open champion Dominic Thiem on January 2. Despite facing a loss in men’s doubles on December 31, partnering with Marc Lopez against the Australian pair of Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson, Nadal remains focused on his singles campaign. As he prepares for the Australian Open, scheduled to commence on January 14, Nadal aims for a triumphant return to the Grand Slam stage, eager to showcase his enduring prowess on the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Currently the world no.670, Nadal played his last match on the 18th of January 2023 when he lost to Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this season Rafael achieved a compiled 1-3 record.
Roger Federer in 2024
Now the world no., Roger played his last match on the 7th of July 2021 when he was overcome by Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6(4) 6-0 in the quarter in Wimbledon (draw).
Presently, during this year Roger has an overall 9-4 match record.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer played each other 40 times. Their head to head is 24-16 for Nadal. The last time they played, Roger Federer won 7-6(3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London (Wimbledon) in July 2019.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer |
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