After almost a quarter of a century in which either Roger Federer and or Rafael Nadal started at the Australian Open, this series now ends after the Spaniard’s cancellation.
by Jens Huiber
last edited: January 8, 2024, 11:27 a.m
© Getty Images
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after the Australian Open 2017 final
It was almost seven years ago that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fought a fantastic five-set battle in the final of the Australian Open, in which the Spaniard already looked like the winner. Nadal was already leading with a break in the decisive fifth set, Federer fought back and won his 18th Grand Slam title. And that after a long injury break.
Rafael Nadal wanted to do something like this in the upcoming edition of the classic in Melbourne. Alone: After his marathon defeat against Jordan Thompson in Brisbane, the Spanish legend had a detailed examination in Melbourne. And decided against starting until the first major of 2024.
Federer with six, Nadal with two Australian Open titles
Which also means: For the first time since 1999, neither Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal will be competing at the Australian Open. Because Federer has been retired since autumn 2022.
At the beginning of 1999, Pete Sampras led the world rankings ahead of Marcelo Rios and Alex Corretja. This was followed by Patrick Rafter and Carlos Moya, who has been working as a coach alongside Rafael Nadal for a few years. Sampras did not travel to Melbourne at the time and Rios had to withdraw due to injury. The title ultimately went to Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who beat Sweden’s Thomas Enqvist in the final.
After that, either Federer or Nadal were always there, usually in pairs. The Swiss won a total of six titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018), Nadal was successful in 2009 and most recently at the beginning of 2022.
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2024-01-08 14:29:13
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