"When Roger Federer plays like this, he is better than me, I have my limits" - When Rafael Nadal was shockingly bageled by Swiss maestro at ATP Finals

Rafael Nadal once acknowledged Roger Federer's superiority as a player after losing to him in the group stage of the 2011 ATP Finals. He humbly admitted that the Swiss was a better player than him in certain aspects and that he had his own limitations.

In the year-end tournament, Nadal was placed in Group B alongside Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Mardy Fish. Group A, on the other hand, included Novak Djokovic, Janko Tipsarevic, David Ferrer, and Tomas Berdych.

Nadal faced a tough time, suffering a heavy 3-6, 0-6 defeat to Roger Federer in the group stage. He also lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-7(2), 6-4, 3-6 in a close battle, but managed to secure a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3) victory against Mardy Fish, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(3).

The Spaniard's performance wasn't enough to qualify him for the semifinals. However, Federer advanced and went on to successfully defend his title after beating Tsonga in three sets.

Rafael Nadal later discussed his loss to Roger Federer during a press conference, saying:

"Not the first time that I lost a match like this, and not gonna be the last. The only thing is accept the things, try to find solutions."

"When he plays like this, he is better than me. I have my limits. He has his limits. Today my limit was there, his limit wasn't there. You know, when he plays like this in this surface, I have to accept that he's better player than me," he added.