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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (AP)
His achievements aside, Rafael Nadal also developed a wholesome relationship with his long-time on-court rival Roger Federer.
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal announced his retirement today. Nadal pro in 2001 at the tender age of 15. In no time, Nadal established himself as one of the best players in the world, winning 22 grand slams during his glorious career. His achievements aside, Nadal also developed a wholesome relationship with his long-time on-court rival Roger Federer. The Swiss tennis maestro retired a couple of years ago, competing in the 2022 Laver Cup for one last time. The duo first squared off in 2004 and have since given us several moments of their best rivalry and friendship. Let us take a look at some of those classic moments from the past.
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Rafael Nadal 1, Roger Federer 0
The 2004 Miami Open witnessed history as the duo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal laid down the foundation of one of the greatest-ever rivalries in sports history. Ranked 34th before entering the tournament, Nadal stunned Federer 6-3, 6-3. It also ended Federer’s 12-match winning streak at the time.
2008 Wimbledon Battle
Four hours and 48 minutes, that is how long Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal kept going for in the 2008 Wimbledon final. Rain delayed the start of the final which is considered to be one of the finest matches ever in the sport’s history by John McEnroe. Nadal eventually overcame his Swiss rival, beating him 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7 in the final. It was Nadal’s first Wimbledon crown and first grand slam win outside Paris.
Australian Open Success in 2009
The 2009 Australian Open final marked Rafael Nadal’s seventh consecutive major showpiece against Roger Federer. In his first major hard-court final, the Spaniard defeated Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-2. He was the first Spanish male/female to win the Melbourne Slam. In doing so, he also denied Federer a record-tying 14th Grand Slam title.
Iconic Charity Match Promo 2010
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal shared an unbreakable bond off the tennis court. Such was evident in 2010 when the duo engaged in a promotion for a charity match they were set to play in Switzerland later that year. The cameras were on as the producer requested them to say their lines but what followed next went on to become one of the most chucklesome moments in Tennis history.
The Last Dance
Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis in 2022. He was set to leave the sport after competing in the Laver Cup where he teamed up with iconic players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. It was fitting to see Nadal team up with Federer in what would be the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s last match.
