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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Before double trouble, a look at notable Federer-Nadal face-offs

The Telegraph cherrypicks the timeless contests between the 41-year-old Swiss legend and the Spaniard

Our Web Desk Published 23.09.22, 06:03 PM
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal File picture

Have you ever imagined Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rubbing shoulders on the same side of the tennis court? Tennis buffs will be in for a fun ride on Friday night when the 41-year-old Swiss legend and the King of Clay team up for a doubles Laver Cup clash in London against the American pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

Federer is set for an emotional farewell as the old guard, also comprising the unbridled Serbian Novak Djokovic, is now on the wane.

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As we speak, many of you -- without a doubt -- must be surfing the web to visit 'Fedal' face-offs that left audiences on the edge of their seats.

Trust us, you've landed on the right page.

For the record, Federer and Nadal have faced each other 40 times, with the Spaniard holding the edge with 24 victories in contrast to the Swiss legend's 16 triumphs.

Here are five times the Fedal rivalry left tennis fans awestruck:

1) 2004 Miami Masters

It's best to start from where it all started. Federer was on everyone's mind when a 17-year-old Nadal, ranked 34, burst onto the scene to beat the then World No.1 in the round of 32. To everyone's shock, it was a straight-sets win.

2) 2008 Wimbledon final - Nadal clinches cliffhanger

After losing the 2007 summit showdown at the All England Club, Rafa was in no mood to back out in his encounter. As a result, the Spaniard beat Federer in a five-setter. Nadal won the first two sets, and Federer the subsequent two. The Spaniard then held his nerve to win 8-6 in the decider.

3) 2009 Australian Open - Federer in tears after Nadal takes honours

If there's a Fedal rivalry you need to revisit on hard court, this is the one. In a match that lasted four hours and 23 minutes, Nadal reigned supreme with a margin of 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. This game left Federer in tears. Such was the intensity of this humdinger.

4) 2017 Australian Open - Federer breaks title drought in final

This game grabbed eyeballs because both Federer and Nadal were returning from injuries. This game proved to be a comeback for the Swiss legend, who broke his title drought after winning his first grand slam in five years.

5) 2005 Miami Open final -- Federer clinches Sunshine Double

In what was their only second meeting, the five-setter lasted three hours and 43 minutes, in which Federer clawed back to victory despite being two sets down. The Swiss won the last three sets to clinch the Sunshine Double. It was a Federer fightback to remember.

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