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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been involved in some unforgettable battles. Their on-court rivalry started at the ATP Masters 1000 Miami, in 2004. The Spaniard won the opening encounter easily in straight sets. Since then, he has held the upper hand in the battle between the two greats. Overall, Nadal leads Federer in head-to-head 24-16.
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Further, the Spaniard has made a strong start to the 2022 season, winning the Australian Open. Moreover, he created history by becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles. His comeback victory over Daniil Medvedev received appreciation from the entire tennis fraternity.
DIVE DEEPER: WATCH: Roger Federer Hyped Up by Juan Martin del Potro’s Monstrous Forehand at Flushing Meadows
On the other hand, Federer has been suffering from injuries lately. The Swiss star was last seen in action at The Wimbledon Championships last year, where he lost in the quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz. Moreover, he participated in only 5 tournaments last season due to his knee problem, which kept him away from performing at the highest level. However, Darren Cahill, Simona Halep’s former coach, feels that the Swiss legend will come back stronger.
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland embrace at the net after their mens singles semi-final match during Day thirteen of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 07, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Darren Cahill feels Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open success will ignite Roger Federer
Cahill, Amanda Anisimova’s current coach, feels that the Spaniard’s victory Down Under will impact Federer as it will motivate him to push harder. He said, “I also think that what Nadal did could impact Federer’s tank in some way, it’s possible it could give him some fuel. Roger might say to himself: If Rafa keeps doing this, why can’t I do it if I’m healthy?”
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021. Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville
He added, “The love of the game pushes him to continue, it is what made these three players (Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic) great. That’s what gave Rafa a lot of energy, that’s what allows him to always be standing on the pitch, pushing and pushing. This is where you have to be, you never know what can happen.”
(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)
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WATCH THIS STORY: A Day in Life of Tennis Legend Roger Federer
Roger Federer would like to make a comeback at Wimbledon this year. However, he had admitted that he would be surprised if he does so. Can he come back stronger this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.
