Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal started their famous rivalry in Miami 2004 when the young Spaniard surprised the no. 1 in consecutive series. A year later, the same players were in the final in Florida, with a similar scenario on hold after Nadal won the first two sets and a 4-1 lead in the third.
On the brink of defeat, Federer rallied to steal the third set and rush to the finish line in the fourth and fifth, lifting the trophy and leaving a teenager empty-handed in his first notable final. Nadal became the second youngest player in the Masters 1000 final after Michael Chang, and he didn’t have to wait too long to move up to second place, he did so a few weeks later in Monte Carlo on his beloved clay.
In the title match, Nadal faced a formidable obstacle with defending champion Guillermo Coria. The youngster edged the Argentinian 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 in a three hour and nine minute challenge to become the second youngest Masters 1000 champion at 18 years and ten months old.
After two dominant sets, Nadal lost ground in the third, dropping him before opening a 4-1 gap in the fourth for another big step towards the title. When Coria pulled out the quick break and tied the score at 4-4, Nadal began to think about Federer’s recent clash in Miami.
Using his experience, one teenager kept his cool and won with a late break in Game 12 to step over and celebrate the first notable title of his young career.
Bencic opens up on Roger Federer
Roger Federer was expected to team up with Belinda Bencic in mixed doubles at the Tokyo Olympics, but a knee backhand at Wimbledon forced him to withdraw from the event altogether.
Bencic was understandably disappointed with the news, but she was comforted by the fact that the 20-time Major champion personally broke the news to her before telling everyone. “Of course, they both follow.
Especially Roger, ”Bencic said. “I know he’s following from Futures to Challengers to the Olympics at all… He sure knows what’s going on and how we’re playing. He messaged us after the double yesterday so I’m sure he’s watching. ”
The former world No.4 further expressed her gratitude for being part of the golden generation of Swiss tennis stars. Bencic says representing his nation at the Games is a “privilege” “I’m really grateful that I can be one of them,” Bencic said.
“I never imagined that I could be in this era of Swiss tennis. I am very happy to be able to be here. I don’t take it as a pressure, but as a privilege. ”
–
