Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal own an unforgettable collection of on-court contests — including nine Grand Slam finals — and a healthy store of mutual off-court respect for each other.
“I saw him grow, right in front of my eyes,” Federer said in an interview with The Associated Press last year. “I always feel like he’s one of the guys from tennis — players — that I could call up and, if I told him something, it would be a secret between the two of us. And I appreciate that we were able to build a relationship like that.”
Federer has always shown an admiration for his greatest rival ever in Rafa. He has often referred to Nadal as the ‘little man from Majjorca’ who came onto the tower and began making moves instantly. Nadal surprised the entire world by beating Roger Federer in Miami in straight sets in Miami (2004), setting the stage for one of the most intense rivalries ever seen in sport.
Each has played more matches against Novak Djokovic, who leads his head-to-head series against the other members of the Big Three.
Yet it is Roger vs. Rafa that seems to be the rivalry that stands above others. Perhaps because they’re currently Nos. 1-2 for most men’s Grand Slam titles. Or perhaps because of their epic 2008 final at Wimbledon, the tournament supposed to be happening now but canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The dynamic between Federer, 38, and Nadal, 34, has shifted.
“We went in phases a little bit. In the beginning, he was so extremely shy and he was so — how do you say? — like, looking up to me, that he just said, ‘Whatever you say, Roger, I agree with you. Because you’re so important to the game. And I know you want the right thing,’” Federer told the AP.
“And over time, he became himself, the dominant player he became, and he started to build his own strong character. … And then, of course, the rivalry started building.”
As their fans call them collectively, ‘Fedal’ continue to raise the bar in the sport to the highest possible level. With 39 Grand Slams between them, they are showing no signs of stopping anytime in the near future. With a respectful friendship off court and an intense rivalry with heart wrenching matches on the court, Roger and Rafa continue to heat up the debate regarding who is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of all time)
