“Rafa Gave It to Me”: Roger Federer Reminisces His Victory Against Rafael Nadal at ATP Finals

The 51st edition of the ATP World Tour Finals is about to begin in the O2 arena in London. It will be the 12th and the final time that London will host the season-ending championships. For the next five years, Pala Alpitour stadium in Turin, Italy will contest the prestigious tournament. Recently, former World No.1 Roger Federer talked about the electrifying atmosphere at the O2.

Having won the tournament a record six times, Federer won two of those titles in London. The Swiss Maestro won his first trophy at the O2 Arena in 2010, when he defeated his arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, in a thrilling final. Taking about the epic match, Federer revealed that he was able to dictate the game by setting up the points with his serve.

“The first win I had in London was in 2010 against Rafa in the finals. He has always been a tough player for me to play against. But I think in that match I really felt I knew how I wanted to construct the points, setting up my points up nicely with the serve, and then being able to dominate with the forehand,” said Federer in an interview.

I was very happy: Roger Federer

In 2010, Nadal won three back-to-back Grand Slam titles and became the second male player to achieve a Career Golden Slam. The same year, Nadal entered the finals of the ATP Nitto Finals for the first time after winning a marathon semifinal against Andy Murray.

Despite the Spaniard winning the second set to stay in the match, Federer powered his way in the deciding set to claim his fifth title at the Nitto Finals.

“I am serving, match point 5-1 40-15. I don’t know if the ball was in or out but Rafa gave it to me, no dramas there. I was very happy. After a tough long season, I think it was nice for both of us to be in the finals,” said Federer about the winning moment.

However, Federer won’t feature at the season-ending championships this year as he pulled out of the entire season to recover from a right knee injury. On the other side, Nadal still aims to win his first title at the ATP World Tour Finals, a trophy missing from his exquisite cabinet.