Not many sports rivalries could be considered as evenly matched in terms of ardour, drama, and brilliance as the one between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The two tennis legends have competed against each other 40 times, with Nadal currently leading the head-to-head 24–16. Each match had delivered unforgettable moments showcasing their respective contrasting styles: the fluid elegance of Federer and the relentless power of Nadal. From the tennis enthusiast to the person looking to understand the magic of this epic rivalry, here are some of the best Federer versus Nadal matches to relive.
The 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal is arguably the best tennis match ever played and a must-watch. This marathon match finally came to a close after 4 hours and 48 minutes, as Nadal won his first Wimbledon title to end Federer's five-year reign at the All England Club.
The match was replete with brilliant rallies, unbelievable winners, and heart-stopping tie-breakers. Nadal went two sets up, but Federer battled back and secured the next two on tiebreaks. With darkness falling over Centre Court, Nadal held his nerve to win the fifth set 9-7 in what many consider the pinnacle of their rivalry.
After an injury-ridden couple of years and apparent indecision over his career direction, Federer emphatically marked a return to form as he won his nemesis in the final of the 2017 Australian Open. Federer's 18th Grand Slam title felt even more special since it came against his greatest rival.
It was a dramatic match, in which Federer took the first set, but Nadal managed to claw back and obtained a 3-1 lead in the fifth. Federer, in one of the greatest recoveries of his life, charged back to win the next five games and the championship. The tears of joy afterwards are forever etched in the minds of tennis lovers around the planet.
This is the final of the Rome Masters in 2006, which has become highly forgotten but is really one of the fiercest matches between these two. The match was played on Nadal's favourite surface, clay, and it lasted for over five hours. Federer had several match points but was unable to convert because his opponent, Nadal, fought back incredibly to win the fifth set 7-6 (7-5) and take the title.
It was also a rematch of their epic 2008 final; this time, the stakes were not quite so high, and high-quality tennis displayed thrilling moments. Federer, 37, put on a show to defeat Nadal in four sets and advance to the final.
Huge it was for Federer, since he finally was able to avenge the heartbreak of 2008. To think that at this advanced stage in his career, he was able to dominate so well on grass, simply left many fans and commentators alike speechless.
The first hard court Grand Slam of 2009 was won by Nadal as he defeated Federer in the final at the Australian Open in a five-set marathon. Federer had a great start, while Nadal simply outlasted his opponent with his continuing energy in the match.
This rivalry between Federer and Nadal has been nothing but a gift to tennis lovers, and every match played between the two greats left us in awe.
