"Would take early 2017 Roger Federer over 2023 Novak Djokovic" - Swiss' masterful display against Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells recalled by fans

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer crossed paths a whopping 40 times in their illustrious tennis journeys, with Nadal finishing with a 24-16 head-to-head lead.

Notably, the Spaniard outdid Federer in finals on 14 occasions, while the Swiss maestro has 10 victories to his name. In Grand Slams, Nadal was victorious in six out of nine finals.

However, the year 2017 was special for Federer, who defeated Nadal in four tournaments - the Australian Open, Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and Shanghai Masters.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion made quick work of Nadal during the Round of 16 match at the 2017 BNP Paribas Open, winning with a score of 6-2, 6-3. The match lasted only 68 minutes.

Federer broke Nadal four times in the contest to effortlessly punch his ticket to the quarterfinals. The highlight of the clash according to many was the backhand hit by Federer on match point.

Federer eventually went on to win the tournament.

A video of Federer's exceptional backhand to clinch match point against Rafael Nadal recently resurfaced on the internet, sending tennis fans on a trip down memory lane.

One of the fans on Reddit drew parallels between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, stating that they preferred the Swiss' 2017 performances over Djokovic's in 2023.

"I would take early 2017 Roger over 2023 Novak," they wrote.

Another fan called Federer's backhand "fantastic" and stated that it was the ideal way to end the match.

"That was a fantastic shot and what a way to finish the match," they posted.

Screengrab from Reddit

A tennis enthusiast praised the Swiss great for a fantastic 2017 that kept tennis fans enthralled.

"Roger was on crack in 2017, what a year for us fans," they posted.

Screengrab from Reddit

Another fan claimed they had not anticipated the game to be that one-sided.

"I remember watching it live and I wasn't expecting it to be this one sided".

Screengrab from Reddit

“There’s a long way to go” - Rafael Nadal on his comeback in 2024

Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open - Day 3

Ever since Rafael Nadal dropped an update about his potential comeback at the 2024 Australian Open, fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. Nadal was sidelined in 2023 due to a hip injury, and his last appearance came at the Australian Open in January where he bowed out in the second round.

Spanish news outlet Movistar Plus+ recently published an interview with Nadal, in which the 37-year-old refuted claims made by Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley. Tiley had previously stated that Nadal was confirmed to play next year's Melbourne Slam.

Rafael Nadal declared that he hopes to return for the first Grand Slam of the year, but that it would depend on how things unfolded for him in the coming days.

"I had no idea they would say that. I was the first one to be surprised because I don't even know it myself [when I'll return]. I understand and appreciate the hope of the Australian Open to have me there, my hope as well is to be there, but until this becomes a reality, there's still a long way to go," Nadal said.