‘Good Memory Even if We Lost’- Rafael Nadal Recalls the Time He Played Doubles Against Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka

Rafael Nadal is undoubtedly one of the most successful players in the singles category. Being one of the top singles players, the Spaniard has a total of 91 singles titles to his name. However, in his raging singles career, what has gone unnoticed for a long period of time is his doubles performance. Even though he is known as a singles player, Nadal has some brilliant statistics in the doubles category as well. The 35-year-old has a total of 11 doubles titles to his name, one of which is an Olympic gold as well.

The Rio Olympics doubles gold medalist has had a number of doubles clashes in his two-decade-long career. However, one clash that remains on top of his mind is the 2011 Indian Wells doubles semifinals clash against Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. Being in Indian Wells, eyeing his 4th title of the season, Rafael Nadal recalled his doubles clash, calling it as a ‘good memory’.

Rafael Nadal recalls his clash with Federer and Wawrinka

Partnering Marc Lopez, Rafael Nadal entered the 2011 season with a doubles title win at the ATP 250 Doha. Riding on a high after that win, the duo entered the Indian Wells, winning the first three rounds with ease to set up a semifinal clash against Swiss stars Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. The Spaniards lost against the Swiss team 5-7,3-6. However, while recalling the match, Rafa termed it as a ‘good match’. He said, “I lost this match. I think that was the semifinal match against Roger and Stan. It was a good match. Good memory, even if we lost.”

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Out of the 11 titles won by Nadal in the doubles careers, 5 have come with Marc Lopez. Going down the memory lane, Nadal called it special to play with Lopez. “It’s special to play with my friend Marc who is now one of my coaches,” he said.

Rafael Nadal has won the doubles crown in his career twice in Indian Wells. He won both the doubles titles in Indian Wells partnering Marc Lopez, once in 2010 and then in 2012.

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Getting back to his match against Federer and Wawrinka, Nadal asserted that he has enjoyed plenty of friendly moments at the Indian Wells. “Playing against Roger and Stan. I enjoyed plenty of friendly moments here on the Indian Wells, winning two times with Marc (Lopez) and Tommy (Robredo) has been very very special.”