The Federer-Nadal rivalry today has been branded by most critics as the most phenomenal in tennis history. Both players come from opposite poles – Federer is 27 while Nadal is still 22; the former is Swiss, the latter is Spanish; the former is right-handed, the other is left-handed; and the first prefers grass, while the second prefers clay. So much for distinctions, other than the fact they stand and weigh the same (both are 6’1 in height and 85 kilos), the only thing that that links them together is their same passion when holding a tennis racket.
Beginning March 2005 until September 2008, Nadal and Federer together won 14 of the Grand Slam events and 22 out of 34 Masters Series. In all these games, they have met in court for 18 times and Nadal won 12 of these and Federer only 6. Since he began as a pro, Nadal was always an obstacle to Federer snagging a Career Grand Slam victory because aside from having lost the French open to Gaston Gaudio in 2004, it was Nadal who denied him the coveted Grand Slam victory for bagging the championship in the French Open for four consecutive times since 2005.
The Beginnings of a Rivalry
Before Rafael Nadal turned pro in 2001, Federer already had a 4-year advantage over him in the men’s professional. Roger Federer ranked World No. 1 beginning February 2004 and maintained his spot for a record of 237 consecutive weeks. The rivalry began in July 2005 when Nadal ascended to World No. 2. From then on, the world witnessed the world’s greatest tennis rivalry which is so consistent that both have occupied the top 2 spots spanning 4 years already to date. As a matter of fact, their rivalry is so fierce that they are the only men in the open era of tennis to ever have played 6 Grand Slam finals against each other.
2004-2007: The Federer Years
It was in March 2004 when Federer and Nadal met in open court in Miami for the Miami Masters. Federer then was World No. 1 while Nadal was World No. 36. Nadal, though only 17 years at time bet Federer in straight sets. During that year, Federer became World No. 1.
The preceding year of 2006, Nadal denied Federer his Grand Slam title when he defeated him during the French Open. Although Nadal proved him dominance in clay court, Federer still remained on the top of the list. However, Nadal was not that far as he rose to World No. 2.
In 2006, they dominated the tennis events again with Federer still remaining as World No. 1. They played against each for 6 times, with Nadal winning 4 of these events. Federer won all three Grand Slam titles – the Australian Open, the Wimbledon and the US open except the French Open, which was again, largely dominated by Nadal.
2007 was another year for Federer, becoming the first male professional tennis player to win three Grand Slam Titles (all except the French Open) in a single year for 3 different years. Out of 5 games against Nadal, Federer won 3 of these.
2008: Nadal Overtakes Federer
Federer began the year 2008 as World No. 1. In a twist of events, however, Nadal overtook Federer to claim the World No. 1 spot in August 18, 2008 when Federer lost early in the Canada Masters and Cincinnati Masters. Nadal’s rise ended the 4 and a half years of Federer’s reign as World No.1. Nadal becoming World No. 1 surprised many because he was one match of slipping to World No. 3 in a close match against Novax Djokovic during the semifinals of the Masters Series. The rivals played against each other for 4 times and Nadal proved his worthiness of becoming World No. 1 as he defeated Federer in all events and earned his first Olympic gold medal in the recent Beijing Olympics.
2008 Wimbledon: Their Best Game Ever
Critics applaud the 2008 Wimbledon as the greatest Wimbledon match and Sports Illustrated even consider it as the greatest tennis game in history. Their Wimbledon game was the third consecutive year where they have met for the finals. The event ended nearing night time with Nadal proving to be better that day, winning the 5th set 9-7. It was the longest recorded final in the history of Wimbledon spanning 4 hours and 48 minutes and the first Wimbledon to be ever won by Nadal.
Off Court Friends
Despite their rivalry in court, off court, Federer and Nadal are good friends and have shown respect and fondness for each other. In fact, in May 2008, Federer agreed to play in an exhibition game against Nadal in Majorca, the latter’s place of residence. It was called the Battle of Surfaces, where they played in a hybrid court, half clay (preferred by Nadal) and half grass (preferred by Federer). Nadal won that match. Also, in the August 2008 issue of Sports Illustrated, where they both appeared on the cover, Nadal named Federer as one of his 3 favorite sportsmen.
The Quest for Year-End World No. 1
Tennis has always been an exciting sport and is indeed blessed to have these two great sportsmen who keep the tennis passion alive. With Federer winning the recent US Open, his hopes of finishing year-end No. 1 is kept alive. The big question now that all tennis fans are asking for is – who will become 2008’s year-end World No. 1? Will Federer reclaim the top spot which he held during early part of the year or will Nadal be more successful in clinging tight to it? That for sure, is uncertain but there is one thing certain – the Federer-Nadal rivalry is the best showdown in tennis history.
