Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal produced arguably the greatest rivalry of tennis history.
Their contrast in styles and the fact they were the world’s best produced some of the finest matches ever played.
They pushed one another to improve their games and looking back the pair were absolutely essential for each other’s careers.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced on the biggest stages tennis has to offer, but there was one event where they did not do battle, to the surprise of many.
Which Grand Slam did Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal not play each other at?
Federer and Nadal played one another 40 times throughout the course of their illustrious careers.
The iconic duo competed for the biggest tournaments in the game and made history in the process, but there was one event where they did not face off against each other.
Surprisingly Nadal and Federer have never played at the US Open, despite having a combined total of nine titles between them at Flushing Meadows.
Back in 2010 Federer wished that could face the Spaniard in New York, but the pair both retired without that becoming a reality.
“I think it’s an advantage or disadvantage, depending on when you play against him. Many times I did play him during the clay court season” Federer said.
“Look, I was able to beat him two times, but I’ve also lost to him over ten times. So depends where you play him. Unfortunately we hardly ever get a chance to play here in the States where conditions maybe suit me more. That’s the way it is.
“I think we get excited when we play each other, but I don’t think we miss each other when we don’t play. We’ve had that many matches against each other, and the matches are tough and grueling on both of us.
“There’s a huge hype around it, which is also a bit exhausting at times. Look, I hope I can play him at the Open.”
What are Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s respective US Open records and their head-to-head hard court record?
Federer and Nadal were both very successful during their careers at the US Open.
The Swiss Maestro won five successive tournaments from 2004 to 2008, and is tied with Jimmy Connors with the most number of titles.
Nadal has four US Open championships to his name, the second highest number of titles along with John McEnroe.
Federer has won 89 matches and lost 14 at the US Open and has a win percentage of 86% while Nadal has won 67 and lost 12, and possesses a win percentage of 85%.
Of the 40 matches they played against each other, 20 were contested in hard courts and Federer has won 11 of those encounters, including their last five meetings on the surface.
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