In March 2004, 17-year-old Rafael Nadal beat the newly promoted world number one. 1 Roger Federer in straight sets at the Miami Masters. It was the first chapter in their incredible rivalry that has lasted for 17 years now, pushing each other to the limits and becoming better players throughout this battle.
Federer and Nadal had their first major clash at Roland Garros 2005 when the Spaniard added his name to the list of immortals on his Paris debut. Improving his game on the other two surfaces, Nadal became a legitimate contender for the GOAT honor, melting the deficit and catching Roger Federer in the previous two years.
The Swiss won his 20th and so far the last Major in Melbourne 2018, Nadal and Djokovic winning almost every Majors after that to get closer to him in the GOAT race and tie his record in 2020 and 2021. At Roland Garros de last year Nadal won the 20th major title to match Roger’s feat, standing for the first time on par with his big rival and feeling honored and privileged after another perfect race in Paris.
Rafael Nadal said it was an honor to match Roger Federer’s 20 major titles.
Nadal said he has had a great relationship with Roger over the years, fighting for the most important crowns but still respecting each other.
Nadal had one last blow during this 20th major of his beloved Roland Garros last October, beating all opponents and conditions to lift the 13th Parisian trophy. Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in two hours and 41 minutes in the final, playing at a high level and leaving the world number one.
1 far behind. The Spaniard has failed to overtake Federer in the current season, struggling with injuries and hoping for a fresh start in 2022. Nadal and Federer have not played since Wimbledon 2019, s ‘facing twice in a matter of weeks at the Majors that year and hoping for at least one more game once they both get back into action.
“Roger Federer and I have had an excellent relationship for many years; we have great admiration for each other. We have shared many of the most important moments of our careers, competing to the point of creating a rivalry that has gone beyond the limits of tennis.
We appreciate it and appreciate it in a special way. Tying it to 20 major titles means a lot; it is a great honor and something beautiful. As always, things have to be put into perspective. We play tennis, nothing more.
Life is better when you have a good relationship with your rivals. Entering the locker room with a lively atmosphere, talking to others makes life in tournaments more pleasant than extreme rivalries, ”said Rafael Nadal.
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