Roger Federer identified one of his victories over Rafael Nadal that had an extra significant meaning over the rest.
The legendary tennis duo are regarded by many as the greatest players of all time and their rivalry is lauded as one that transcended the sport.
The Swiss Maestro’s cool and calm demeanor and elegant tennis style up against the fierce competitive nature and physical playing style of Nadal made for some spectacular matches.
Of the 40 matches they contested against one another however, there is one that means the most to Federer, and he did not see it coming.
What is Roger Federer’s most memorable victory over Rafael Nadal?
In 2016, Federer bowed out of Wimbledon at the semi-final stage following a loss to Milos Raonic.
After undergoing knee surgery, he did not play again until the Australian Open the following year, where he enjoyed one of his greatest runs to a Grand Slam title.
After coming through a tough four-setter in the opening round, Federer secured an emphatic straight sets win over Tomas Berdych before beating Mischa Zverev and outlasting Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka in five-set battles.
This set up a final with his great rival and friend Nadal in which was their first major final against one another since the 2011 French Open.
In a captivating back and forth encounter, it was Federer, 35 at the time, who defeated Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 to win his first major since 2012 after the longest injury layoff of his career. “The triumph at the Australian Open in 2017 over Rafa has special meaning,” the 42-year-old told GQ.
“After a challenging 2016 season post knee surgery, the road to recovery was long. Many doubted, including myself at times, whether I could return to top form, let alone win another Grand Slam title.
“However, the stars aligned, and the determination paid off with the support of the team to lift another Grand Slam title Down Under and prove that I could still contend on the highest levels. And doing it against Rafa, my chief rival, made it extra special.”
What is Roger Federer’s head to head record vs Rafael Nadal?
The first of Federer and Nadal’s 40 matches came in 2004 at the Miami Open.
The Spaniard shocked the World Number One at the time 6-3, 6-3, when he was just 17 years of age.
Their last meeting came in the 2019 Wimbledon semi-finals, which Federer claimed 7-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to what would be his last final at the All-England Club.
Nadal won 24 of the 40 contests against Federer, but the eight-time Wimbledon winner claimed six of their last seven matches.
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