Roger Federer’s Stunning Take On Rivalry With Rafael Nadal Reaffirms His Post Retirement Priorities as He Revisits the ‘Nerve-Racking’ Encounters Against the Spaniard

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were each other’s greatest rivals. They have played against each other 40 times, and their matches have entertained the audience for nearly two decades. However, off the court, their rivalry developed into a great bond, and the two players have been good friends ever since. But even after that, Federer has stated that he does not wish to meet Nadal on a court again! 

Federer and Nadal created a rivalry that tennis fans will remember for years to come. They created and inspired a whole generation of tennis stars. Now, the two get to experience the joy of being some of the most successful tennis players ever. But they aren’t likely to play against each other again, even in a friendly contest!

Roger Federer does not want to play against Rafael Nadal again

When Fedal matches were scheduled, tennis enthusiasts worldwide watched them even if they weren’t their favorite players. Their matches promised some of the best action, and the end would satisfy all fans. After playing 40 matches against his greatest rival and friend, Federer has now retired and is enjoying his post-tennis life. When asked if he missed facing Nadal on tour, Federer’s reply took many by surprise. 

He said, “I haven’t thought about it, to be honest, if I miss playing Rafa. Not really, you know. Maybe more so happy not to play, just glad I’m not in that tough match where you stare down a centre-court match with one of the greats. It’s nerve-racking you know. I had it so often that it’s good not to have it anymore…“

With Federer now retired and Nadal on the cusp of retiring, we won’t get to see them play again. However, we are left with the memory of some of their great matches. 

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Memorable matches of Federer and Nadal

Their 40 matches against each other carried great energy in them, but some of their matches stand out from the others. Their first match set the tone for their rivalry as an amateur Nadal claimed the victory against the newly crowned world number 1 Federer in the 2003 Miami Masters. The 2007 Hamburg Masters was another great match between the two, as the Swiss Maestro defeated the King of Clay in three sets on CLAY!

They also battled it out on different surfaces at an exhibition. A court was divided into grass and clay, and the two played, with Rafa emerging as the champion. Most Fedal fans would say their best match was the 2008 Wimbledon final. The match went on for five sets and lasted four hours and 48 minutes. Although it ended in favor of the Spaniard, who broke Federer’s streak of five Wimbledon titles, the sport as a whole benefitted immensely from the spectacle on Centre Court.

Although we will not see the two play against each other again, their matches have been solidified in tennis folklore. Their bouts will live on in the hearts of tennis fans for a long time.

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