5 epic clashes between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
What's the story
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, arguably the two greatest tennis players ever, have met a number of times on the tennis court, each time giving us memories worth cherishing forever. Overall, they have locked horns on 38 occasions, with Nadal leading Federer by 23-15 (9-3 in Grand Slams). Let us take a look at 5 epic matches between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Dream shattered
2006 French Open final- a chance to create history
Federer went out to face Nadal, with a chance, to become the first player after Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams in the same year. The match was Federer's eighth appearance in a Grand Slam final and the first one which he lost. Nadal won the match 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6. With this win, Nadal recorded his 60th consecutive victory on clay.
Unbeatable
2006 Wimbledon Open Final- The carnivalesque center court.
This was the first of three consecutive Wimbledon finals, where these two legends met. Federer was looking to defend his title for the fourth consecutive year, while Nadal stepped on the court after defeating another GOAT, Andre Agassi, in the third round. At the end of the historic clash, the score stood 6-0, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (2-7), 6-3 in favor of the Swiss legend.
Legend is born
2009 Australian Open- Nadal's first hard-court Grand Slam
These two met in the final of the 2009 Australian Open, the first time in a Grand Slam final outside All England Club or Paris. 5 sets and 4 hours 23 minutes were needed to declare the champion. Considered one of the greatest Australian Open matches of all time, the match went in Nadal's favor with the score 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 3-6, 6-2.
Rivalry rekindled
2017 Australian Open- One more time for old times' sake?
This was the first meeting between Federer and Nadal in a Slam final after 2011 French Open. It was the most anticipated match, and the legends did not disappoint. Federer clinched the title after a 5-set battle as he defeated his nemesis Nadal for the first time since 2007 Wimbledon final. The score-line 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 only tells us half the story.
GOAT
2008 Wimbledon Final- Greatest tennis match ever!
Without any doubt, Wimbledon 2008 final is the greatest tennis match of all time. A lot was on stake for both the players. On one hand, Federer was a step away from winning his sixth Wimbledon, while Rafa was looking to defeat Roger for the first time on grass court. Twice delayed by rain, Nadal won the match to clinch his first non-French Slam.