The greatest rivalry ever – Rafael Nadal and Roger FedererRoger Federer vs Rafael Nadal has been one of the greatest rivalries of all time. Their rivalry has lasted for 10 years now, with Nadal leading 23-10.Even though Nadal has dominated their rivalry, they have still produced, probably the best quality tennis anyone has seen over the years. They have played some breathtaking and nail biting rallies among themselves. Here is a list of 5 of the many brilliant rallies played between the both of them.
#1 Miami Sony Open 2011 Semi-Finals
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Nadal had won the first set 6-3 and was leading 3-0 in the second set. Federer was serving at deuce in the 4th game to avoid Nadal breaking him for the second time in that set.
Nadal took control of the point, and at one point he volleyed the ball, but Federer produced a stunning cross court pass to win the point. He went on to win that game, but lost the set and the match 6-3, 6-2.
Result:
Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2
#2 Australian Open 2012 Semi-Finals
The sets were tied at 1-1 and the 3rd set was going on serve with Roger serving at 2-3 and leading 40-15. He was looking to finish off the game. It looked like it would have been done with a good pass by Federer, but Nadal somehow returned the ball back to Federer’s court. Federer then approached the net and looked like he was going to win the point, but the net came to Nadal’s rescue which made Federer miscue his shot completely.
Nadal went on to win the match in 4 sets
Result:
Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer : 6–7(5–7), 6–2, 7–6(7–5), 6–4
#3 Rome Masters 2006 Final
The match had gone to the deciding 5th set after a thrilling 4 sets. Nadal was serving at 3-4, and being at 15-15, it was a crucial point. After rallying with each other for a bit, Nadal dropped the ball, and Federer returned it. Nadal responded by lobbing the ball, but Federer produced an excellent backhand pass back to Nadal’s court to which Nadal couldn’t respond properly. Nadal just passed it back right at Federer and Federer easily responded and won the point.
Nadal went on to win the thrilling 5 setter.
Result:
Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer : 6–7(0–7), 7–6(7–5), 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(7–5).
#4 ATP World Tour Finals Semi -Finals
Nadal was serving for the set at 5-4. But he was down 15-30, hence it was an extremely crucial point for both players. After some scintillating shots from both players, Federer finally produced a birlliant forehand winner after 29 shots.
Nadal went on to win the match though.
Result:
Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer 7-5, 6-3
#5 Australian Open 2009 Final
This was the best of the lot. Nadal was leading 2-1 in sets and the 4th set was going on serve with Federer serving at 2-2. It was a crucial point for both players since it was deuce with Federer looking to hold his serve. There were some great shots played during this rally. Federer then took control of the point with some amazing shots, but Nadal pulled of stunner with a shot down the line.
Nadal went on to win the final
Result:
Rafael Nadal def. Roger Federer : 7–5, 3–6, 7–6(7–3), 3–6, 6–2
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