Federer–Nadal rivalry: Difference between revisions
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The '''Federer–Nadal rivalry''' is between two professional [[tennis]] players, [[Roger Federer]] of Switzerland and [[Rafael Nadal]] of Spain. They are currently engaged in a storied rivalry, which many consider to be the [[List of tennis rivalries|greatest]] in tennis history.<ref name="asgoodasitgets">{{cite news | publisher = ''International Herald Tribune'' ([[Associated Press]]) | title=Federer-Nadal rivalry as good as it gets | url= http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/07/sports/TEN-On-Tennis-Rafa---Roger.php | date = 7 July 2008| accessdate = 2009-02-14}}</ref><ref name="moveoverborgmac">{{cite news | first=Paul | last=Weaver | title = Move over McEnroe and Borg, this one will run and run in the memory | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jul/07/wimbledon.tennis4 | publisher= The Guardian | date = 7 July 2008 | accessdate = 2009-02-14 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="asgoodassportgets">{{cite news | first = Martin | last = Flanagan | title = Federer v Nadal as good as sport gets | publisher=The Age | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/tennis/federer-v-nadal-as-good-as-sport-gets/2008/07/11/1215658132528.html | date = 12 July 2008 | accessdate = 2009-02-14 | language = | location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref name="bodo-rivalry!">{{cite web|url=http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/2009/01/tj.html|title=Rivalry!|last=Bodo|first=Peter|date=30 January 2009|work=Peter Bodo's Tennisworld|publisher=Tennis.com |accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref><ref name="macgregor">{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=macgregor/090203&sportCat=tennis|title=Greatest rivalry of the 21st century? |last=MacGregor|first=Jeff|date=3 February 2009|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> They have played 28 times, and Nadal leads their nine-year-old rivalry 18–10.<ref>{{cite news |author= |coauthors= |title=Ten great tennis rivalries |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/ten-great-tennis-rivalries-1429447.html |quote=Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal. Time span: '04-present (18 matches). Head to head: Nadal 12, Federer 6. Grand Slam finals: Six; Nadal leads 4–2. Wimbledon: Three finals, 2006, 2007; 2008; Federer won first two, Nadal won Sunday's epic. After Sunday there can be no doubt these two now rank alongside the great tennis rivalries. |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=July 8, 2008 |accessdate=2010-12-08 }}</ref> |
The '''Federer–Nadal rivalry''' is between two professional [[tennis]] players, [[Roger Federer]] of Switzerland and [[Rafael Nadal]] of Spain. They are currently engaged in a storied rivalry, which many consider to be the [[List of tennis rivalries|greatest]] in tennis history.<ref name="asgoodasitgets">{{cite news | publisher = ''International Herald Tribune'' ([[Associated Press]]) | title=Federer-Nadal rivalry as good as it gets | url= http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/07/sports/TEN-On-Tennis-Rafa---Roger.php | date = 7 July 2008| accessdate = 2009-02-14}}</ref><ref name="moveoverborgmac">{{cite news | first=Paul | last=Weaver | title = Move over McEnroe and Borg, this one will run and run in the memory | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/jul/07/wimbledon.tennis4 | publisher= The Guardian | date = 7 July 2008 | accessdate = 2009-02-14 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="asgoodassportgets">{{cite news | first = Martin | last = Flanagan | title = Federer v Nadal as good as sport gets | publisher=The Age | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/tennis/federer-v-nadal-as-good-as-sport-gets/2008/07/11/1215658132528.html | date = 12 July 2008 | accessdate = 2009-02-14 | language = | location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref name="bodo-rivalry!">{{cite web|url=http://tennisworld.typepad.com/tennisworld/2009/01/tj.html|title=Rivalry!|last=Bodo|first=Peter|date=30 January 2009|work=Peter Bodo's Tennisworld|publisher=Tennis.com |accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref><ref name="macgregor">{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=macgregor/090203&sportCat=tennis|title=Greatest rivalry of the 21st century? |last=MacGregor|first=Jeff|date=3 February 2009|publisher=ESPN.com|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> They have played 28 times, and Nadal leads their nine-year-old rivalry 18–10.<ref>{{cite news |author= |coauthors= |title=Ten great tennis rivalries |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/ten-great-tennis-rivalries-1429447.html |quote=Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal. Time span: '04-present (18 matches). Head to head: Nadal 12, Federer 6. Grand Slam finals: Six; Nadal leads 4–2. Wimbledon: Three finals, 2006, 2007; 2008; Federer won first two, Nadal won Sunday's epic. After Sunday there can be no doubt these two now rank alongside the great tennis rivalries. |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=July 8, 2008 |accessdate=2010-12-08 }}</ref> |
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Federer and Nadal are the only pair of men to have finished six consecutive calendar years as the top two [[ATP Entry Ranking|ranked]] players on the [[ATP Tour]], from 2005–2010. They also hold the record of longest consecutive reign at world No. 1 and 2. They held the top two rankings for 211 consecutive weeks between July 2005 to August 2009, when Nadal fell to No. 3 behind [[Andy Murray]].<ref>http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh</ref><ref>http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=rh</ref> |
Federer and Nadal are the only pair of men to have finished six consecutive calendar years as the top two [[ATP Entry Ranking|ranked]] players on the [[ATP Tour]], which they accomplished from 2005–2010. They also hold the record of longest consecutive reign at world No. 1 and 2. They held the top two rankings for 211 consecutive weeks between July 2005 to August 2009, when Nadal fell to No. 3 behind [[Andy Murray]].<ref>http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh</ref><ref>http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=rh</ref> |
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Nadal has won twelve of their fourteen encounters on clay courts, while Federer has won six out of eleven matches on hard courts, and two out of their three meetings on grass courts. Because tournament seedings are based on rankings, 19 of their matches have been in tournament finals, including an all-time record eight [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] finals, and a [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000#Records and trivia|record]] nine [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000|Masters Series]] finals (tied with Nadal-Djokovic).<ref name="atp-therivalry">{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/Federer-15-Quest/Nadal-Rivalry.aspx|title= Rafa & Roger: The Rivalry|date=29 January 2009|publisher=ATP's official site|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> |
Nadal has won twelve of their fourteen encounters on clay courts, while Federer has won six out of eleven matches on hard courts, and two out of their three meetings on grass courts. Because tournament seedings are based on rankings, 19 of their matches have been in tournament finals, including an all-time record eight [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] finals, and a [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000#Records and trivia|record]] nine [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000|Masters Series]] finals (tied with Nadal-Djokovic).<ref name="atp-therivalry">{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/Federer-15-Quest/Nadal-Rivalry.aspx|title= Rafa & Roger: The Rivalry|date=29 January 2009|publisher=ATP's official site|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> |
Revision as of 17:22, 9 July 2012
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Wimbledon_Men%27s_final_2008%2C_Federer_serves_for_3rd_set.jpg/300px-Wimbledon_Men%27s_final_2008%2C_Federer_serves_for_3rd_set.jpg)
The Federer–Nadal rivalry is between two professional tennis players, Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain. They are currently engaged in a storied rivalry, which many consider to be the greatest in tennis history.[1][2][3][4][5] They have played 28 times, and Nadal leads their nine-year-old rivalry 18–10.[6]
Federer and Nadal are the only pair of men to have finished six consecutive calendar years as the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour, which they accomplished from 2005–2010. They also hold the record of longest consecutive reign at world No. 1 and 2. They held the top two rankings for 211 consecutive weeks between July 2005 to August 2009, when Nadal fell to No. 3 behind Andy Murray.[7][8]
Nadal has won twelve of their fourteen encounters on clay courts, while Federer has won six out of eleven matches on hard courts, and two out of their three meetings on grass courts. Because tournament seedings are based on rankings, 19 of their matches have been in tournament finals, including an all-time record eight Grand Slam finals, and a record nine Masters Series finals (tied with Nadal-Djokovic).[9]
From 2006 to 2008 they played in every French Open and Wimbledon final. Their 2008 Wimbledon final—which Nadal won—has been lauded as the greatest match ever by many long-time tennis analysts.[10][11][12][13]
History
2004–2005
Federer and Nadal played their first match in March 2004 at the third round of the Miami Masters. Nadal, only 17 years old and ranked No. 34 at the time,[14] surprised many by winning in straight sets. Their second meeting was one year later, again in Miami, but this time in a best-of-five-set final. Federer recovered from a two-set deficit to win in five sets.[15]
They played again two months later in the semifinals of the French Open, which was their first match on clay. Nadal defeated Federer in four sets en route to his first Grand Slam title.
2006
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Roger_Federer_and_Rafael_Nadal_at_the_2006_Wimbledon_Championships.jpg/300px-Roger_Federer_and_Rafael_Nadal_at_the_2006_Wimbledon_Championships.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/10/Federer_Nadal_trophy_presentation_2006.jpg/200px-Federer_Nadal_trophy_presentation_2006.jpg)
In 2006, Nadal and Federer faced each other in six matches.
Nadal won the first four, beginning with the Dubai final in February. This was Federer's first loss of the year and ended his Open era record of 56 consecutive wins on hard courts.[16]
The clay season ensued, and Nadal continued his dominance on clay, defeating Federer in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters, the Rome Masters, and the French Open,[17] in what was their first Grand Slam final. Federer won the first set quickly, but Nadal fought back and took the next three sets to capture his second French Open title.[9]
They faced off again a month later in the final of the Wimbledon Championships, which was their first meeting on grass. Federer won in four sets to capture his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title.[18][19]
They did not meet again until the semifinals of the year-end Masters Cup. Federer won in straight sets, en route to his third Masters Cup title in four years. At year's end, Nadal's career head-to-head advantage was 6–3.
2007
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Federer_Monte_Carlo_2007_crop.jpg/200px-Federer_Monte_Carlo_2007_crop.jpg)
Nadal and Federer faced each other five times in 2007, and Federer won three of their matches.
For the second straight year, Federer and Nadal played in three finals on clay. Nadal won the first meeting in straight sets, winning his third consecutive Monte Carlo title. A few weeks later they met at the Hamburg Masters, where Federer defeated Nadal for the first time on clay and ended his 81 match winning streak on clay.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Nadal_2_Monte_Carlo_2007.jpg/250px-Nadal_2_Monte_Carlo_2007.jpg)
Their next encounter was the French Open final, and Nadal won their much-anticipated rematch in four sets, capturing his third consecutive French Open title.[9]
Their last two meetings in 2007 were also a repeat of 2006: the finals of Wimbledon and the semifinals of the Masters Cup. Once again, Federer won both matches, though their Wimbledon final lasted five sets instead of the previous year's four sets.[20]
2008
Federer and Nadal played four times in 2008, and Nadal won all four times, extending his career advantage to 12–6. For the third straight year, Federer and Nadal played in three clay-court finals. Nadal beat Federer in the Monte Carlo Masters for the third straight year, capturing his Open era record fourth consecutive title there.[9] A few weeks later Nadal avenged his only clay-court loss to Federer by defeating him in three sets for his first Hamburg Masters title.
Also for the third straight year, they played in the finals of the French Open. Nadal won his fourth consecutive French Open title, in a lopsided three-set match.[9]
Nadal and Federer also met in the finals of Wimbledon for the third straight year, in the most anticipated match of their rivalry.[21][22][22][23] Amidst rain delays, they played the longest final in Wimbledon history (4 hours and 48 minutes), and Nadal captured the title by winning the fifth set in near-darkness.[10][11][12][13] This match broke Federer's Open Era-record 65 match winning streak on grass, which spanned more than five years.[24]
2009
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Federer_2009_Australian_Open_crop.jpg/200px-Federer_2009_Australian_Open_crop.jpg)
Federer and Nadal played each other only twice in 2009, splitting their matches.
Both players began the year strong, reaching the finals of the Australian Open. This was the first hard court Grand Slam final for Nadal, but Federer was undefeated in 8 hard court finals (5 US Open, 3 Australian).[25] The final was a long match (4 hours and 23 minutes), with Nadal prevailing in five sets.[5][25][26]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Nadal_Australian_Open_2009_5.jpg/200px-Nadal_Australian_Open_2009_5.jpg)
Federer rebounded against Nadal at the Madrid Masters, defeating him in the final in straight sets.[27] This was a pivotal match because it broke Nadal's five match winning streak against Federer. The victory by Federer also ended Nadal's 33 match winning streak on clay and foreshadowed the Swiss' historic victory at Roland Garros, which completed his Career Grand Slam.
2010
In 2010, Federer and Nadal played twice, with Nadal winning the first and Federer winning the second match.
The two met in the final of the Madrid Open, one year after their last match, and Nadal defeated Federer in straight sets.
Federer and Nadal met in the 2010 ATP World Tour Finals' final, marking their third meeting at the year-end championships and their first ever meeting in the finals. Federer continued his indoor dominance against Nadal, winning in three sets. This was an important victory for Federer, as it was his sole victory over Nadal that season and gave him his fifth title at the year-end tournament.
2011
Federer and Nadal played four singles matches, with Nadal winning the first three matches and Federer winning the last match. Their lone doubles match was at the BNP Paribas Open. Federer, partnering with Stanislas Wawrinka, defeated Nadal and Marc López in the semifinals.
In their first singles match of 2011, the two met in the semifinals of the Miami Masters, where Nadal won in straight sets.[28]
They met in the semifinal at the Mutua Madrid Open, and Nadal won in three sets.[29]
They then met in the finals of the 2011 French Open, their first Grand Slam meeting since the 2009 Australian Open final. Although it was a competitive match, Nadal again defeated Federer in four sets to win his tenth Major title and sixth French Open crown.[30]
Their final meeting of the year came in the round-robin stage of the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals. Their match, a rematch of the previous year's final, saw Federer win a lopsided match in straight sets.[31]
2012
Federer and Nadal first met during 2012 in the semifinals of the 2012 Australian Open. Nadal improved his hard-court record over Federer with a win in four sets.
They next met in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters, where Federer won the match in straight sets en route to claiming his fourth Indian Wells Masters title.
Analysis
Significant aspects
The rivalry between Federer and Nadal has been a huge part of both men's careers. Nadal denied Federer a Career Grand Slam and two Calendar Year Grand Slams (in 2006 and 2007) by defeating him at the French Open every year from 2005 to 2008, but Federer succeeded to win a Career Grand Slam in 2009 after Nadal was beaten in the fourth round. Federer also prevented Nadal from winning the ATP World Tour Finals, beating him in the 2010 finals.
Both men not only possess Open era records for consecutive wins on a single surface — Federer on both grass (65) and hard courts (56) and Nadal on clay courts (81), but each of these streaks was broken by the other man. Their respective dominance on grass and clay was the impetus for the "Battle of Surfaces", an exhibition match on a half-grass, half-clay court in May 2007.[32]
Their Grand Slam histories are of particular interest, especially their all-time record of eight finals encounters[9] and the fact that all but four (Federer–Del Potro, 2009 US Open and Nadal–Djokovic, 2011 Wimbledon, 2011 US Open, and 2012 Australian Open) of their losses in Grand Slam finals are to each other; Federer is 2–6 against Nadal, who has had to defeat Federer during each of his first six title runs — five times in the final and once in a semifinal. Also, their 2008 Wimbledon final is widely considered the greatest match in tennis history.[10][11][12][13]
Their record six consecutive calendar years atop the rankings is due in large part to their unprecedented combined performance in Grand Slams, as they have captured 22 of the last 27 Grand Slam titles (12 for Federer, 10 for Nadal) from the 2005 French Open through the 2011 French Open. This includes an all-time record 11 consecutive titles from the 2005 French Open through the 2007 US Open. Furthermore, Federer won three titles in 2004, increasing the total to 25 of 32, and Federer's 2003 Wimbledon title brings the total to 26 of the last 34 Grand Slams won between the two of them.
They have also dominated in other tournaments, such as combining for 31 of the 54 Masters Series titles from 2005 through 2010 (13 for Federer and an all-time record 18 for Nadal), including 8 of 9 in 2005 (4 each).
Head-to-head tallies
The following is a breakdown of their head-to-head results:
- All matches: Nadal, 18–10
- All finals: Nadal, 13–6
- Grand Slam matches: Nadal, 8–2
- Grand Slam finals: Nadal, 6–2
- Tennis Masters Cup/ATP World Tour Finals matches: Federer, 4–0
- Tennis Masters Cup/ATP World Tour Finals finals: Federer, 1–0
- ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Masters 1000 matches: Nadal, 9–4
- ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Masters 1000 finals: Nadal, 6–3
- Best of five set matches: Nadal, 10–3
- Five-set matches: Nadal, 3-2
- Best of three set matches: Nadal, 8–7
Results on each court surface
- Clay courts: Nadal, 12–2
- Hard courts: Federer, 6–5
- Indoor: Federer, 4–0
- Outdoor: Nadal, 5–2
- Grass courts: Federer, 2–1
Clay
Nadal and Federer have played 14 of their 28 matches on clay with Nadal holding a 12–2 advantage over Federer. Nadal has generally dominated on the surface. From 2005 to 2008, he won every French Open, defeating Federer in each of those tournaments (in the 2005 semifinal and the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 finals), and won at least 2 of the 3 clay Masters events each year from 2005–2010, defeating Federer in 6 of those. Statistically, Nadal has the highest win percentage on clay of any player in ATP history. [33] As a result, some analysts and players, such as Pat Cash and Conchita Martínez, consider Nadal the greatest clay-court player ever.[34] Nadal has won all of their seven meetings in best of five set matches on clay.
Grass
Federer has been the preeminent grass-court player of his era, and Nadal has been a good one. During this time, Federer won the Wimbledon Championships seven times, and Nadal won the championships twice. Five of Federer's titles were consecutive titles (from 2003 to 2007), and the sixth and seventh titles were won in 2009 and 2012. Nadal won the title in 2008 and 2010. Federer and Nadal met in three consecutive Wimbledon finals from 2006 to 2008; Federer won the first two finals, while Nadal won the last one. The 2008 Wimbledon final has been lauded as the greatest match ever by many long-time tennis analysts.[10][11][12][13]
Hard
Federer has a 6–5 advantage on hard courts. An important distinction is the relative success of the two players on indoor and outdoor hard courts. In the former, Federer leads Nadal with a 4–0 record, while on outdoor hard courts, Nadal leads 5–2. The quicker conditions of the indoor hard courts fit Federer's style.
Federer was the best hard court player from 2004 to 2007, winning 9 of the 15 hard court Grand Slam tournaments and 6 of the 9 Masters Cups, plus a record 4 wins at Cincinnati. Nadal has always had solid results on hard courts, winning 9 tournaments since 2005, including five Masters Series tournaments. Nadal has improved considerably over the years, reaching the semifinals of both hard court Grand Slams for the first time in 2008, winning the 2008 Olympics singles tennis tournament on hard courts, defeating Federer in the Australian Open final in early 2009, and winning the US Open for the first time in 2010.
Despite Nadal's success on hard courts, some analysts[35] have criticized his lack of consistency in reaching tournament finals (especially the U.S.Open finals) for skewing the overall head-to-head results. Nadal has said that Federer is the "favourite" on "these kinds of surfaces" (referring to their match at the 2012 Australian Open).[36] But, out of their first four matches, three were on hard courts, with Nadal winning two of these.[12][37][38]
Skill comparisons
Federer is considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time,[39] while Nadal's performance on clay has prompted many experts to regard him as the greatest clay court player of all time.[40][41][42]
Federer has been more successful than Nadal on fast courts because he hits a flatter forehand and has a faster serve. Indoor hard courts are one of the faster surfaces, so Federer's flatter shots there result in a lower bouncing, faster moving trajectory. Thus, Nadal's topspin is less effective on fast courts such as indoor hard courts, but is the most effective on slow courts, such as clay. Nadal has improved his serving speed and placement over the years, but Federer still serves faster on average and earns more aces and service winners, while Nadal has an overall stronger ground stroke game.[43][44][45]
While Nadal is statistically weaker on hard courts, Nadal has won on hard courts at the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Australian Open, the US Open, and at various Masters series tournaments. In addition, Nadal has won Wimbledon, played on grass courts, twice.
During interviews, people like fellow player Andy Murray and former player and coach Paul Annacone have called Nadal one of the best tennis players ever.[46] In November 2010, former player Björn Borg said that Federer is the greatest player, but "Rafa has the chance to be the greatest player" if he stays healthy.[This quote needs a citation] John McEnroe said, "there is an argument to be made that Rafael Nadal may be the greatest player eventually, even possibly now."[47] In response to a question posed by a journalist at the 2010 French Open regarding whether Nadal is better than Federer, Nadal replied, "I think this person don't know nothing about tennis." The journalist asked why, and Nadal told the journalist, "so you don't know nothing about tennis. You see the titles of him and you see the titles of me? It's no comparison. So that's the answer. Is difficult to compare Roger with me now, because he has 16 Grand Slams; I have 6. Masters 1000, yeah, I have more than him. But for the rest of the things the records of Roger is very, very almost impossible to improve."[48][49] At the press conference following his semifinal win in the 2010 U.S. Open, Nadal was asked whether his head-to-head advantage over Federer means he is better. Nadal replied, "Head to head is not an element for me. Is a part of the statistics, but is not the decisive element."[50]
Relationship and competitive dynamic
Both Federer and Nadal's personal and professional relationship is good-natured and gracious.[51] Though they are both highly competitive, they maintain a healthy regard for each other and have had virtually no source of personal animosity. The two have made slight criticisms of one another in the past, nevertheless. For example, Federer complained of Nadal's slow, deliberate style of play on the eve of the 2008 Wimbledon final.[52] Nadal criticized Federer before the 2012 Australian Open for his failure to be more vocal about players' grievances on issues such as scheduling and prize money. He subsequently apologized for making his views public, however, and both players maintained that they still enjoyed a good relationship.[53]
Despite their cordial relationship, both men have a somewhat different attitude towards their rivalry. When Federer was securely atop the tennis world he was ambivalent towards the notion of a rivalry with an opponent five years younger than himself.[54][55] But after their memorable 2008 Wimbledon final he had no choice but to acknowledge its significance, even admitting "it definitely becomes more and more special the more times we play against each other."[55] A few weeks later, after Nadal had officially surpassed him in the rankings, Federer offered this compliment: "Look at what he had to achieve to get it. That's what I like to see."[56] Nadal has always cherished the rivalry because he looks up to Federer as both a role model and a measuring stick for success.[57][58]
When interest in their rivalry increased, both Federer and Nadal collaborated to arrange occasional charity exhibition matches to benefit their charities' philanthropic interests. The most recent was the Match for Africa, played on 21 December 2010 in Zurich, Switzerland, which Federer won, and a follow-up match played in Madrid on the following day, titled "Joining Forces for the Benefit of Children," which Nadal won.
Cultural impact
The rivalry has also increased overall interest in tennis. The highly-anticipated 2008 Wimbledon final drew strong television ratings for tennis in both the U.S. and across Europe.[11][59] The match was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which was the first time in years that tennis had made the cover of Sports Illustrated.[12][60]
Pairing Federer and Nadal
Significant achievements
- From the 2003 Wimbledon Championships to the 2011 French Open, Federer and Nadal have won an unprecedented 26 out of 32 Grand Slam titles. In this time, both men have also completed the Career Grand Slam (Nadal has also completed the Career Golden Slam by winning the 2008 Beijing Olympics).
- From Nadal's first Grand Slam victory at the 2005 French Open until the 2011 French Open, Federer and Nadal had won 22 of 25 Grand Slam titles (12 for Federer, 10 for Nadal). The exceptions were the 2008 and 2011 Australian Open, won by Novak Djokovic, and the 2009 US Open, won by Juan Martín del Potro.
- Federer and Nadal are the only No. 1 and No. 2 pair in the open era to contest the French Open and Wimbledon men's finals back to back in a calendar year. They are also the only pair in the history of tennis to contest both of these finals back to back for three consecutive years (2006–08).
- In the history of tennis, Federer and Nadal are the only pair to face each other in eight Grand Slam singles finals (2006–08 Wimbledon, 2006–08, 2011 French Open, 2009 Australian Open) in the span of 6 years. This broke the previous record of seven finals set by Bill Tilden and William Johnston (1919–25 U.S. Championships). Their match at the 2012 Australian Open also marked a record 10th time two players had faced each other in Grand Slam men's singles matches, tying with the record set by John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl.[61]
- Federer and Nadal are the only No. 1 and No. 2 pair to win 11 consecutive Grand Slam singles tournaments between them (from the 2005 French Open to the 2007 US Open). In this period, Federer won 3 consecutive titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open and 2 consecutive titles at the Australian Open, while Nadal won 3 consecutive French Open titles.
- During the open era, only two pairs of players have played each other in the final of the same Grand Slam singles tournament three consecutive years: Becker–Edberg (1988–90 Wimbledon) and Federer-Nadal (2006–08 French Open and 2006–08 Wimbledon).
- Federer and Nadal are the only pair to win at least four consecutive finals at three different Grand Slams during the same period (2005–08 French Open for Nadal, 2003–07 Wimbledon and 2004–08 US Open for Federer).
- From the 2004 Wimbledon Championships to the 2011 French Open, the pair appeared in 25 of 28 Grand Slams finals, winning all of them except the 2005 Australian Open, the 2008 Australian Open, the 2011 Australian Open, and the 2009 US Open.
- Federer and Nadal have combined to win 8 consecutive Wimbledon (2003–10) and 8 consecutive French Open (2005–12).
- Federer and Nadal won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open trio for 4 consecutive years (2005–08).
- During the open era, only 5 pairs of players have met each other in the final of 3 or more different Grand Slams, Lendl-Wilander (1983 Australian Open, 1985 French Open, 1987 US Open), Becker-Lendl (1986 Wimbledon Championships, 1989 US Open, 1991 Australian Open), Agassi–Sampras (1990 US Open, 1995 Australian Open, 1999 Wimbledon Championships), Federer-Nadal (2006 French Open, 2006 Wimbledon Championships, 2009 Australian Open) and Djokovic–Nadal (2010 US Open, 2011 Wimbledon Championships, 2012 Australian Open, 2012 French Open).
- Of the four occasions on which two players who have completed career Grand Slams have faced each other at a Grand Slam, two (the 2011 French Open final and the 2012 Australian Open semifinal) have involved Federer and Nadal; the other two involved Roy Emerson and Rod Laver.[61]
- Nadal and Federer had never both been beaten by a third player in Grand Slam finals until the 2009 US Open, when Juan Martín del Potro defeated both Nadal and Federer en route to claiming the title.
- The only players to ever defeat both Federer and Nadal at any Grand Slam event were Juan Martín del Potro (2009 US Open) and Novak Djokovic (2011 US Open).
List of all matches
ATP, Davis Cup, and Grand Slam main draw results included.
Legend (2004–2008) | Legend (2009–present) | Federer | Nadal |
---|---|---|---|
Grand Slam | Grand Slam | 2 | 8 |
Tennis Masters Cup | ATP World Tour Finals | 4 | 0 |
ATP Masters Series | ATP World Tour Masters 1000 | 4 | 9 |
ATP International Series Gold | ATP World Tour 500 Series | 0 | 1 |
ATP International Series | ATP World Tour 250 Series | 0 | 0 |
Davis Cup | Davis Cup | 0 | 0 |
Singles
Federer—Nadal (10–18)
No. | Year | Tournament | Surface | Round | Winner | Score | Length (H:MM) | Sets | Federer | Nadal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 2004 | ![]() |
Hard | R32 | Nadal | 6–3, 6–3 | 1:10 | 2/3 | 0 | 1 |
2. | 2005 | ![]() |
Hard | Final | Federer | 2–6, 6–7(4–7), 7–6(7–5), 6–3, 6–1 | 3:43 | 5/5 | 1 | 1 |
3. | 2005 | ![]() |
Clay | Semi-final | Nadal | 6–3, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 | 2:47 | 4/5 | 1 | 2 |
4. | 2006 | ![]() |
Hard | Final | Nadal | 2–6, 6–4, 6–4 | 1:53 | 3/3 | 1 | 3 |
5. | 2006 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–2, 6–7(2–7), 6–3, 7–6(7–5) | 3:50 | 4/5 | 1 | 4 |
6. | 2006 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–7(0–7), 7–6(7–5), 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(7–5) | 5:05 | 5/5 | 1 | 5 |
7. | 2006 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 1–6, 6–1, 6–4, 7–6(7–4) | 3:02 | 4/5 | 1 | 6 |
8. | 2006 | ![]() |
Grass | Final | Federer | 6–0, 7–6(7–5), 6–7(2–7), 6–3 | 2:58 | 4/5 | 2 | 6 |
9. | 2006 | ![]() |
Hard (i) | Semi-final | Federer | 6–4, 7–5 | 1:53 | 2/3 | 3 | 6 |
10. | 2007 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–4, 6–4 | 1:35 | 2/3 | 3 | 7 |
11. | 2007 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Federer | 2–6, 6–2, 6–0 | 1:55 | 3/3 | 4 | 7 |
12. | 2007 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–3, 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 | 3:10 | 4/5 | 4 | 8 |
13. | 2007 | ![]() |
Grass | Final | Federer | 7–6(9–7), 4–6, 7–6(7–3), 2–6, 6–2 | 3:45 | 5/5 | 5 | 8 |
14. | 2007 | ![]() |
Hard (i) | Semi-final | Federer | 6–4, 6–1 | 0:59 | 2/3 | 6 | 8 |
15. | 2008 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 7–5, 7–5 | 1:43 | 2/3 | 6 | 9 |
16. | 2008 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 7–5, 6–7(3–7), 6–3 | 2:52 | 3/3 | 6 | 10 |
17. | 2008 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–1, 6–3, 6–0 | 1:48 | 3/5 | 6 | 11 |
18. | 2008 | ![]() |
Grass | Final | Nadal | 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 6–7(8–10), 9–7 | 4:48 | 5/5 | 6 | 12 |
19. | 2009 | ![]() |
Hard | Final | Nadal | 7–5, 3–6, 7–6(7–3), 3–6, 6–2 | 4:23 | 5/5 | 6 | 13 |
20. | 2009 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Federer | 6–4, 6–4 | 1:26 | 2/3 | 7 | 13 |
21. | 2010 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 6–4, 7–6(7–5) | 2:10 | 2/3 | 7 | 14 |
22. | 2010 | ![]() |
Hard (i) | Final | Federer | 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 | 1:37 | 3/3 | 8 | 14 |
23. | 2011 | ![]() |
Hard | Semi-final | Nadal | 6–3, 6–2 | 1:18 | 2/3 | 8 | 15 |
24. | 2011 | ![]() |
Clay | Semi-final | Nadal | 5–7, 6–1, 6–3 | 2:36 | 3/3 | 8 | 16 |
25. | 2011 | ![]() |
Clay | Final | Nadal | 7–5, 7–6(7–5), 5–7, 6–1 | 3:40 | 4/5 | 8 | 17 |
26. | 2011 | ![]() |
Hard (i) | RR | Federer | 6–3, 6–0 | 1:00 | 2/3 | 9 | 17 |
27. | 2012 | ![]() |
Hard | Semi-final | Nadal | 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 7–6(7–5), 6–4 | 3:42 | 4/5 | 9 | 18 |
28. | 2012 | ![]() |
Hard | Semi-final | Federer | 6–3, 6–4 | 1:31 | 2/3 | 10 | 18 |
Records
- Only pair in Open Era history to have met 8 times in Grand Slam finals
- Only pair in Open Era history to have met 4 times in finals at one Slam (at the French Open)
- Record of 5 matches played against each other at the French Open
- Record of 20 finals played against each other on the ATP tour
- Record of 9 finals played against each other in Masters 1000 (tied with the Djokovic–Nadal rivalry)
- This rivalry is ranked seventh in terms of matches played.
Doubles
Federer—Nadal (1–2)
No. | Year | Tournament | Surface | Round | Winner | Score | Opponents | Federer | Nadal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | 2004 | Indian Wells | Hard | R32 | Nadal/Robredo | 5–7, 6–4, 6–3 | Federer/Allegro | 0 | 1 |
2. | 2007 | Rome | Clay | R32 | Nadal/Moya | 6–4, 7–6(7–5) | Federer/Wawrinka | 0 | 2 |
3. | 2011 | Indian Wells | Hard | SF | Federer/Wawrinka | 7–5, 6–3 | Nadal/M. Lopez | 1 | 2 |
Exhibitions
On 21 November 2006 they played an exhibition match on a hard court in Seoul, South Korea. Federer won 6–3, 3–6, 6–3.[62]
On 2 May 2007 they played in the "Battle of Surfaces" on a hybrid court that was half clay and half grass. This match was held at the Palma Arena in Palma, the capital city of Nadal's native Mallorca. Nadal won 7–5, 4–6, 7–6(10).[63]
On 21 December 2010 they played in Zürich, Switzerland on a hard court a charity tennis match for the Roger Federer Foundation. Federer won 4–6, 6–3, 6–3. They played another exhibition match on December 22, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. Nadal won 7–6(3), 4–6, 6–1. This was a charity tennis match for the Fundación Rafa Nadal (Rafael Nadal Foundation).
On 1 January 2011 they played in the final of the knockout exhibition tournament; the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on a hard court. Federer had beaten Söderling in the previous round and Nadal had beaten Berdych in the previous round. Nadal won the encounter by a score of 7–6(4), 7–6(3).
On 8 March 2011 the two played a set at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon, USA. Nadal won the charity exhibition 7–5.
On 31 December 2011 they played again at Mubadala 2011 Mubadala World Tennis Championship (December) on a hard court, this time for third place. Nadal won again 6–1, 7–5.
Performance timeline comparison (Grand Slams)
W | F | SF | QF | #R | RR | Q# | P# | DNQ | A | Z# | PO | G | S | B | NMS | NTI | P | NH |
- Bold = beat/lost to in final.
- Italics = beat/lost to in an earlier round.
1999–2004
Player | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | |
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LQ | 1R | 1R | LQ | 3R | 4R | 1R | 3R | 3R | QF | QF | 4R | 4R | 1R | 1R | 4R | 4R | 1R | W | 4R | W | 3R | W | W |
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A | A | 3R | 2R | 3R | A | A | 3R |
2005–2010
Player | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | |
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SF | SF | W | W | W | F | W | W | W | F | W | W | SF | F | F | W | F | W | W | F | W | QF | QF | SF |
![]() |
4R | W | 2R | 3R | A | W | F | QF | QF | W | F | 4R | SF | W | W | SF | W | 4R | A | SF | QF | W | W | W |
2011–2012
Player | 2011 | 2012 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | AUS | FRA | WIM | USA | |
![]() |
SF | F | QF | SF | SF | SF | W | |
![]() |
QF | W | F | F | F | W | 2R |
Career evolution
Federer and Nadal were born about five years apart. Federer's birthday is August 8, 1981, while Nadal's is June 3, 1986. A different viewpoint of their career evolution is offered by taking the season they entered with an age of 17 as starting point. For instance in 2004, Federer started the season being 22 years old; at the end of that season, he accumulated a career record of four Grand Slam titles, a total of 22 singles titles and his final ranking was No. 1 at 23 years old.
- () = active record (updated Monday July 9, 2012)
Age (end of season) | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
![]() |
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
Grand Slam titles | Federer | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | (17) |
Nadal | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | (11) | ||||||
Grand Slam match wins | Federer | 0 | 7 | 20 | 26 | 39 | 61 | 85 | 112 | 138 | 162 | 188 | 208 | 228 | (244) |
Nadal | 6 | 19 | 36 | 56 | 80 | 95 | 120 | 143 | (157) | ||||||
Total titles | Federer | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 22 | 33 | 45 | 53 | 57 | 61 | 66 | 70 | (75) |
Nadal | 1 | 12 | 17 | 23 | 31 | 36 | 43 | 46 | (50) | ||||||
Total match wins | Federer | 15 | 51 | 100 | 158 | 236 | 310 | 391 | 483 | 551 | 617 | 678 | 743 | 807 | (853) |
Nadal | 45 | 124 | 183 | 253 | 335 | 401 | 472 | 541 | (583) | ||||||
Ranking | Federer | 64 | 29 | 13 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | (1) |
Nadal | 51 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | (3) | ||||||
Weeks at number 1 | Federer | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 100 | 152 | 204 | 237 | 262 | 285 | 285 | (286) |
Nadal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 46 | 76 | 102 | (102) |
Federer–Nadal Grand Slam Era
Year | Australian Open | French Open | Wimbledon | US Open |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | ![]() |
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2004 | ![]() |
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2005 | ![]() |
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2006 | ![]() |
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2007 | ![]() |
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2008 | ![]() |
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2009 | ![]() |
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2010 | ![]() |
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2011 | ![]() |
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2012 | ![]() |
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See also
References
- ^ "Federer-Nadal rivalry as good as it gets". International Herald Tribune (Associated Press). 7 July 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - ^ Weaver, Paul (7 July 2008). "Move over McEnroe and Borg, this one will run and run in the memory". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Flanagan, Martin (12 July 2008). "Federer v Nadal as good as sport gets". Melbourne: The Age. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Bodo, Peter (30 January 2009). "Rivalry!". Peter Bodo's Tennisworld. Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ a b MacGregor, Jeff (3 February 2009). "Greatest rivalry of the 21st century?". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Ten great tennis rivalries". The Independent. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal. Time span: '04-present (18 matches). Head to head: Nadal 12, Federer 6. Grand Slam finals: Six; Nadal leads 4–2. Wimbledon: Three finals, 2006, 2007; 2008; Federer won first two, Nadal won Sunday's epic. After Sunday there can be no doubt these two now rank alongside the great tennis rivalries.
{{cite news}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Rafael-Nadal.aspx?t=rh
- ^ http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=rh
- ^ a b c d e f "Rafa & Roger: The Rivalry". ATP's official site. 29 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ a b c d Jenkins, Bruce (7 July 2008). "The Greatest Match Ever". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2009-02-14. Cite error: The named reference "greatestmatchever" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d e Alleyne, Richard (7 July 2008). "Wimbledon 2008: John McEnroe hails Rafael Nadal victory as greatest final ever". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 2009-02-14. Cite error: The named reference "McEnroe-greatestmatch" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d e f Wertheim, Jon (9 July 2008). "Without a doubt, it's the greatest". Tennis Mailbag. SI.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14. Cite error: The named reference "wertheim-greatestmatch" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b c d Tignor, Steve (8 July 2008). "W: Report Cards". Concrete Elbow. Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14. Cite error: The named reference "tignor-greatestmatch" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Rafael Nadal's 2004 Ranking History". ATP's official site. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Nadal proves to be the real deal". BBC Sport. 5 April 2005. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Nadal Ends Federer's Winning Streak". The New York Times. 5 March 2006. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Fantastic finish in Rome: Nadal edges Federer in five-hour thriller". USA Today. 2006-05-15. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Wimbledon Profile: Rafael Nadal". 20 June 2007. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Jenkins, Bruce (8 July 2007). "Only Nadal in way of Federer's record run". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Cheese, Caroline (8 July 2007). "Federer wins historic fifth title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Federer, Nadal set for Wimbledon showdown". CBC Sports (Associated Press). 5 July 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ a b Ubha, Ravi (18 June 2008). "Nadal enters Wimbledon final with clear mental edge". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Bodo, Peter (5 July 2008). "Karma on Nadal's side". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon08/news/story?id=3475473
- ^ a b "Nadal defeats Federer to win Australian Open title". Tennis.com (Associated Press). Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Tignor, Steve (2 February 2009). "Oz: The A-List". Concrete Elbow. Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ AP. "First title of year gives boost to Federer". Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
- ^ "Nadal Tops Federer To Set Djokovic Final". atpworldtour.com. ATP Tour, Inc. 2011-04-01. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
- ^ "Nadal Holds Off Federer For Final Berth". atpworldtour.com. ATP Tour, Inc. 2011-05-07. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
- ^ "Nadal Denies Federer To Win Sixth Roland Garros Crown". atpworldtour.com. ATP Tour, Inc. 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
- ^ "Federer Stuns Nadal, Qualifies For SFs". atpworldtour.com. ATP Tour, Inc. 2011-11-22. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
- ^ Christopher Clarey (2007-05-01). "Tennis: Nadal to meet Federer in an exhibition". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ^ "FedEx ATP Reliability Index". Retrieved 1 April 2012.
- ^ Sandra Harwitt (2008-07-08). "Is Rafael Nadal the best clay-court player ever?". ESPN. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ^ Xeno-philous F. "Face the Facts: There's More to Nadal and Federer Than Head-To-Head Meetings". bleacherreport. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
- ^ Jenkins, Bruce (24 January 2012). "Australian Open semifinal to speak volumes on Federer-Nadal rivalry". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2012-01-24.
- ^ http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=N409&oId=F324
- ^ Bodo, Peter (30 January 2009). "A lot at stake in the Oz finals". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Top 10 Men's Tennis Players of All Time". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ Harwitt, Sandra (1 August 2008). "Is Rafael Nadal the best clay-court player ever?". ESPN. Retrieved 5 April 2010.
- ^ "Rafael Nadal retakes king of clay title with French Open win". foxsports.com. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
- ^ Tandon, Kamakshi. "Weighing Rafa's dominance on dirt". ESPN. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
- ^ Garber, Greg (3 July 2008). "Nadal has improved virtually every aspect of his game". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Ricoh ATP Matchfacts - Career 2nd Serve Points Won". ATP World Tour. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- ^ "Ricoh ATP Matchfacts - Career 2nd Serve Return Points Won". ATP World Tour. Retrieved 1 April 2011.
- ^ "Finding Spot in History Without Looking" New York Times, August 29, 2010
- ^ Associated Press (November 16, 2010). "McEnroe says Nadal can surpass Federer". Fox Sports.
- ^ "Nadal May Not Be the Best, but He Beats the Best Ever". The New York Times. June 19, 2010.
- ^ "Rafael Nadal 3rd Round Press Conference". May 29, 2010.
- ^ "Federer or Nadal? Re-Analyzing the Greatest of All-Time Debate". World Tennis Magazine. September 12, 2010.
- ^ Gomes, Alaric (February 26, 2007). "'Off court, we are good friends'". Gulf News. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Bondy, Flip (5 July 2008). "Roger Federer annoyed with Rafael Nadal's slow play on court". Daily News. New York. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Australian Open: Roger Federer 'cool' with Rafael Nadal criticism". BBC Sport. January 17, 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
- ^ Mahesh, S. Ram (26 August 2006). "Fierce Rivals". Sportstar Weekly. 29 (34). The Hindu. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
{{cite journal}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ a b Smith, Beverly (20 July 2008). "Matches with Nadal are special for Federer". Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Tignor, Steve (January/February 2009). "Player of the Year 2008". Tennis Magazine. 45 (1).
{{cite journal}}
:|access-date=
requires|url=
(help); Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Bodo, Peter (6 July 2008). "The Death of Wanting". Peter Bodo's Tennisworld. Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ Bodo, Peter (3 February 2009). "Mentor Mine". Peter Bodo's Tennisworld. Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Nadal-Federer Blockbuster Draws Huge TV Ratings". ATP's official site. 7 July 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-14. [dead link]
- ^ Kamakshi Tandon (2009-01-05). "Match of a Generation: 2008 Wimbledon Final". Tennis.com. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ^ a b Hawkins, Keith (25 January 2012). "Federer-Nadal continue historic rivalry". ESPN. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
- ^ "Federer downs Nadal in Seoul exhibition". Rediff India Abroad. 21 November 2006. Retrieved 2009-02-14.
- ^ "Nadal wins Battle of Surfaces exhibition". swissinfo.ch. 2 May 2007. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Article on the Federer-Nadal rivalry at the ATP's official site
- Head to Head player details at the ATP's official site
- Federer / Nadal: The Head-to-Head Anomaly Article on the Statistical Anomaly of the Federer-Nadal Head-to-Head
- Super Match 2006 Part one of the Seoul match, there are 9 parts which can be found on the side of the video
- Battle of the Surfaces highlights