‘More Technically Gifted Than I Am’ – Rafael Nadal Says He Never Thought He Would Dominate Roger Federer in Their Rivalry

Without a doubt, tennis fans have been longing to see Rafael Nadal battle it out against Roger Federer for one last time. Over the years, the two have enthralled tennis fans with their audacious displays on the tennis court. In his autobiography, the Spaniard talked about Federer’s qualities.

While Federer has put on effortless performances to become a champion player, Nadal’s never-say-die attitude has enabled him to win 22 Grand Slam singles titles, two more than the legendary Swiss. They last played against each other at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. In that semifinal encounter, Federer got the better of Nadal in four sets.

Rafael Nadal heaps praise on Roger Federer

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has described Federer as a more talented player than him in his autobiography, ‘Rafa: My Story’. Talking about this, he said, “Whether he’s made me a better player, or I him, it’s hard for me to say. Toni has never ceased to remind me-and I know he is right-that Federer is more technically gifted than I am, but he does so not to cause me despondency, but because he knows saying so will motivate me to sharpen my game.”

Further, he went on to add, “I watch Federer playing on video sometimes, and I’ll be amazed at how good he is; surprised that I have been able to beat him.”

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Federer and Nadal’s intriguing rivalry

The two legends of the sport have one of the greatest rivalries in tennis. Federer and Nadal have squared off against each other an astonishing 40 times. The Spaniard has dominated in his rivalry against Federer, winning 24 of the 40 matches played between them.

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While Nadal has taken to the courts in Flushing Meadows ahead of the US Open, Federer is still away from action owing to a knee injury sustained last year. However, he has maintained that he will come back later this year. The Swiss maestro will play in the Laver Cup and the Swiss Indoors Basel.