The Battle of the Surfaces: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, May 2007 – A Tennis Showdown for the Ages

At that time they were, without a doubt, the two best tennis players in the world. To this day, many believe that their two surnames are synonymous with the best in history, although a third party in dispute still changes the plans of many. May 2007: was number 1 in the ATP rankings Roger Federer. And a lot. The Swiss had won 7 of the last 11 Grand Slams and at 25 years old he was ready to break all records. But the 2nd in the ranking had similar goals: Rafael Nadalwho at that time was a young man of 20, was already a two-time Roland Garros champion and was hot on his heels. His Majesty reigned on the grass (and, to some extent, on hard courts), and the left hand from Manacor, on the clay. Their individual dominance was so great that an idea arose in the tennis world: face them on a court that was half grass and half brick.

Rafael Nadal He had 72 consecutive victories on his favorite surface. As a result of two Roland Garros, three ATP 500 in Barcelona,​​​​ three Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo and three Masters 1000 in Rome. They hadn’t lost since 2005. On the other hand, Federer He was, easily, the best grass player. Although fewer tournaments are played on grass, the Swiss managed to win 48 matches in a row, between 2003 and 2007. And, at the same time, the conflict between the two grew and grew. “Fedal”, the nascent concept was called. And it was then, engineered by the Argentine Pablo del Campo, promoted by an advertising company and financed by the General Directorate of Sports of the Balearic Government, an unprecedented test appeared. Nadalon one side; Federer of the other. Grass on one side, brick dust on the other.

Although it was hidden behind a kind of sporting curiosity, the project had only economic reasons. And he accomplished them in spades. Much more was built than the 1.7 million euros it cost to build the arena, which took 19 days. And the event was broadcast around the world to reveal which one of the two was the most complete player in the world. The arena, the only one in history to have two different surfaces inside, had a capacity for 7,000 spectators and was located in Palma de Mallorca, the land of Nadal. But Roger, far from complaining, was excited:

“People are excited and the fact that the track, which is very good, to say the least, is located in Mallorca, Rafa’s home, is very special. Rafa has been in Basel and now I have the opportunity to play at his house for the first time,” he said in the preview.

The match took place on May 2, shortly before Roland Garros was to be played in Paris (he won it again Nadal) and had some special features. Each started on the side where they felt most comfortable: Federeron the green side; Nadalof orange. And with each change of direction they were allowed to change their shoes to better adapt to the corresponding terrain. The game was not like those shows in which the main characters joke, laugh, do not run or seem willing to lose points in pursuit of the scene. Both competed fiercely and professionally. As if they also wanted to know who was the best, the most complete. The result showed the equality between the two legends: it was 7-5, 4-6 and 7-6 (12-10 in the tie-break)… in favor. Nadal.

After the show, there was laughter, good vibes and a special relaxation. But no one underestimated the fact that a 20-year-old had just beaten (at the time, by far) the best player in the world. “It has been a good experience, although I thought it would be a disaster before the game, because I felt it would be difficult for me to accept the court. I’ve had a good time and that’s important. “We would both like to repeat this experience because, although the match was not real, it allowed us to play for points without much tension and play more relaxed,” said the Spaniard after the victory. Until then, they had met 10 times, with 7 victories for the Manacorí and 3 for the Rolex ambassador. Today, sixteen years later, with Federer already retired and Nadal struggling with their injuries, they appear in one of the most memorable tournaments in tennis history. The record is in Rafa’s favor 24-16; but there is a chapter, in May 2007 and that does not count for the statistics, that no fan will forget. Something called “the battle of the surfaces”.

How did their rule continue?

As expected, the other ended their extensive winning streaks. Federer He defeated Nadal in the 2007 Hamburg final, 2–6, 6–2 and 6–0, ending the Spaniard’s unbeaten streak of 81 matches. Rafa, in the 2008 Wimbledon final, which more than one considers to be the best match ever (it was 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7 and 8-6) his first loss on grass. in more than five years. In any case, some of his brands are still inaccessible. Rafa has 63 clay titles (highest winner) and 478 wins. Although Guillermo Vilas (681) and Manuel Orantes (571) have more than him, This is the one with the best percentage of wins over games played. Roger, in turn, was a 19-time champion on grass and has 192 wins (a record in both cases as a winner.

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