Rafael Nadal explains why rivalry with Roger Federer is more special than with Novak Djokovic
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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
The Big Three of Tennis- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have all been a part of a historic era in tennis. The trio share 63 major titles amongst themselves, and have dominated the sport in the past two decades. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s rivalry has been well-documented over the years. The Swiss maestro bid an emotional farewell to the sport, playing a doubles game alongside Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
Ahead of the exhibition event in South America, Rafael Nadal explains why his rivalry with Roger Federer is more special as that to Novak Djokovic. The trio have played some memorable matches against each other over the years, and fans were fortunate enough to witness all three compete for Team Europe at the Laver Cup this year.
“There are many experiences together, important moments shared in our lives as rivals and teammates. People who somehow have feelings and understand this sport for what it is, a sport,” said Nadal on Federer.
“When I arrived Roger was already there,” Rafael Nadal on his special relationship with the Swiss
Rafael Nadal stated that his bond with Roger Federer is more special given the fact that when the Swiss was dominating the sport, when the Spaniard broke onto the big stage. The duo were in a league of their own till the early 2010s, until Novak Djokovic completed the Big Three in 2011.
“When you have a rival like Federer, throughout the race – because when I arrived Roger was already there, in the end it was…,” said Nadal.
The Spaniard has played more matches against Novak Djokovic than against Roger Federer. However, Rafael Nadal reckons that his admiration for Roger Federer has helped him develop such a close bond with him.
“It’s true that with Novak and I played more matches than with Roger, but somehow I started it with him [Federer]. Due to contrasting styles and personalities, due to affinity. Someone I have admired, whom I have rivalled and also with whom I have shared many beautiful things on and off the court was leaving,” Nadal added.
Rafael Nadal has been in horrendous form off late, losing four of his last five matches. The Spaniard was knocked out in the round-robin stages of the Nitto ATP Finals, after losing to Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz.
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)