Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer created a rivalry that will never be rivalled in the sport of tennis ever again.
Being honest, it might be the greatest rivalry ever to have existed in the history of sport full stop.
For sports lovers, choosing between Nadal or Federer is like being asked to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. You shouldn’t have to pick but society dictates that you really ought to have a favourite.
The swashbuckling and flamboyant Nadal was a specialist at the French Open, whilst the elegant and effortless Federer often dictated proceedings on the grass at Wimbledon.
In terms of the matches between the two players, they were often classics, with some of the occasions going all the way to five sets in the Grand Slam tournaments.
Goran Ivanisevic previously picked his favourite out of the two and for Nadal, he experienced some crushing defeats to Federer, often out on the grass, with one Wimbledon final leaving him crying inconsolably.
Roger Federer made Rafael Nadal cry at Wimbledon 2007
Three hours and 45 minutes on court playing tennis is a long time but that’s what these two greats served up in 2007.
Federer managed to shake off Nadal in a dominant fifth set, which he won 6-2 to settle the contest and claim another Wimbledon crown.
Nadal in typical fashion, stayed in touching distance throughout the tie but ultimately went down 6-7, 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 2-6.
However, in losing the clash to Federer, he admitted it was hard to get over and in an interview with Essentially Sports, he confirmed it as the defeat that hurt him the most.
He said: “I cried desperately. For an hour and a half. Because sometimes the disillusionment is terrible. Even if it’s just a tennis match.”
After the match, Nadal said on Federer: “The best player in history only had 14 and he already has 11. So he’s very close now. He’s still playing unbelievable.”
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer: The tale of the tape
Ultimately, the pair had some memorable battles but it was Nadal who came out on top when it came to the pair meeting each other.
Nadal won 24 times compared to Federer who managed 16 wins over his fierce rivalry with the Spaniard also winning more Grand Slam prizes.
In terms of Grand Slam matches, Nadal takes it again, with the Spaniard never losing to Federer at the French Open but claiming six victories against him.
It’s no surprise that Federer won three times compared to Nadal’s one win over him at Wimbledon, with that same score reversed in Nadal’s favour at the Australian Open.
Remarkably, the two players never had a match at the US Open during their careers.
It’s a shame that we now live in a world where Nadal and Federer aren’t blessing the sport but it’s fair to say that their legacy lives on.
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