Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal. The Serene Swiss versus The Sexy Spaniard. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are professional tennis players who have a storied rivalry which many critics consider to be the greatest in tennis history.
They have held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour since July 2005 and are the only pair of men to have ever finished four consecutive calendar years at the top. Federer was ranked No. 1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks beginning in February 2004. Nadal, who is five years younger, ascended to No. 2 in July 2005 and held this spot for a record 160 consecutive weeks before surpassing Federer in August 2008. Thus, Nadal is currently ranked No. 1 and Federer No. 2.
Nadal leads their overall head-to-head series 12–6. Because tournament seedings are based on rankings, 14 of their matches have been in tournament finals. For three consecutive years, 2006–2008, they played in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, setting the Open era record for most encounters in a Grand Slam final. Nadal won every French Open, but Federer won two of the three Wimbledons. Both the 2007 and 2008 Wimbledon finals were epic five setters, and the latter has been lauded as the greatest match ever by many long-time tennis critics. They have also played in a record seven Masters Series finals.
There are many other significant qualities to their rivalry:* From 2004–2008 they combined to win 17 of the 20 Grand Slam titles, including 11 straight from the 2005 French Open through the 2007 US Open. Both achievements are all-time records. They also combined for 19 of the 27 Masters Series titles from 2005–2007.
* Federer had the most dominant four year run in tennis history from 2004–2007. His overall match record was 315–24, but this included a mere 6–8 against Nadal, who was the only man to have a winning record against him.
* Nadal has repeatedly denied Federer a Career Grand Slam by defeating him at the French Open every year from 2005–2008.
* Not only do both men possess Open era records for consecutive wins on a single surface – Federer on both grass (65) and hard courts (56), Nadal on clay (81) – but all three streaks were ended by the other man.
Both the 2007 and 2008 Wimbledon Finals were epic five-setters and the latter has been lauded as the greatest match ever by many long-time tennis critics. They also have played in a record seven Masters Series finals.
Federer has a versatile, all-court playing style and can hit all of the fundamental shots with a high degree of proficiency.He is an adept volleyer and an excellent baseliner who can dictate play with precise groundstrokes from both wings.David Foster Wallace described the exceptional speed, fluidity and brute force of this forehand motion as "a great liquid whip", while John McEnroe has referred to it as "the greatest shot in our sport" on numerous occasions. Federer plays with a one-handed backhand, and has an excellent slice, and can also fire top-spin winning shots. Federer tends to hit his groundstrokes early, while the ball is still on the rise.While this requires excellent reactions and footwork, it means that Federer hits his groundstrokes closer to the net than most of his opponents. This reduces the reaction time of his opponents and allows him to hit the angled winners that are a trademark of his game.
He can hit a strong shot on the run or while backpedalling, allowing him to switch from defence to offense. Federer's relaxed, smooth playing style belies his aggressive and opportunistic tactics, as he constructs points which allow him to hit winners with his powerful groundstrokes. Federer is capable of performing in high pressure situations, often saving break, set or even match points during a match. This is why he is so deadly in the game and he is that GOOD!
The Sexy Spaniard
Nadal plays with well-angled topspin heavy strokes, a strong two-handed backhand, fast mobility on the court, and a preference to play from the deep court. Though naturally right-handed, Nadal plays left-handed, and uses his dominant right hand as an anchor for his two-handed backhand. In addition, being naturally right-handed allows him to stay balanced regardless of which foot he puts his weight on; an exceptional talent when one tries to hit the ball after starting a move in the wrong direction. Although, a natural right-hander, Nadal claims he is left footed and that it is difficult for him to play with his right hand. Known for his excellent defence, Nadal hits well on the run and creates many winners from seemingly defensive positions. Because of his extreme athleticism, Nadal tends to go after every shot, even apparent winners from his opponents. Historically, Nadal's playing style has worked best on clay courts, and he was once considered a clay-court specialist. Recent success on other surfaces has helped Nadal shed that label, though he is still considered most dominant on clay.
Another one of Nadal's strengths is the mental aspect of his tennis game. His ability to come back from behind in a match greatly assists him. He also has good footwork, which helps him to prepare for tennis strokes and get around the court efficiently. In addition, he can put away short balls and comes to the net quite often. Rafael Nadal has an under-emphasized net game. He is able to volley deep, but his main strength at the net is his touch and feel. Nadal is good at angling volleys away from his opponents and can hit drop volleys well after running extremely quickly up to the net to return any drop shot made by his opponent.
These two are the greats in the modern era in tennis and have dominated the sport. Analysts have commented on how their differing personalities and playing styles have made the rivalry such a compelling one to follow. On court, they have a fierce and competitive rivalry against each other. But off court, they enjoy a good-spirited relationship.
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