‘The Day I Played Federer…’- Andre Agassi Details His Experience Against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal has had a great year so far. The 36-year-old started his year by winning the Australian Open. Further, the Spaniard reclaimed his French Open title from Novak Djokovic. The only thing concerning for the legend this year is the injuries. At first, it was the persistent foot issue that he battled in the French Open. While the 22-time Grand Slam champion seemed to feel better, he tore his abdominal muscle in the Wimbledon semifinal.

Former tennis star Andre Agassi is a huge fan of the Spanish superstar. Here’s what he said.

Andre Agassi praises Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Speaking of the big three, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, they share a common trait. They can win against any opponent on any given surface. Stressing on that fact, Agassi was full of praise for the Spanish tennis great who completed the career Grand Slam at the age of only 24. “I never got to face Nadal’s best tennis and I’m thankful for that. Novak is someone who can play on any surface and be capable to win. And that is a big thing to say. Overall, tennis is the winner.” he said.

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However, the American reserved his top praise for the Swiss maestro Roger Federer. “The day I played Federer, that was the day I realised I was playing the greatest player of all time,” Agassi said.

Nadal recalls the time he wanted Federer to lose

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been long-time rivals and friends. The Spaniard took out time from his busy schedule to play alongside the retiring legend one last time. When Federer ended his last match, Nadal was in tears.

While the picture went viral on the internet, Nadal spoke about his relationship with the Swiss maestro. Although he admires Federer, the Spaniard once wanted him to lose.

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Nadal revealed that back in 2009, he wanted Federer to lose the French Open final. It is because he wanted to remain world number one, which Federer had the chance of taking away from him if he won the final. Eventually, Federer won that year’s Roland Garros title. Notably, it is Federer’s only French Open title in his entire career.