When Roger Federer said goodbye to the professional tennis circuit and took his final bow, they all shed tears at the illustrious Laver Cup 2022.
There in tears was Rafael Nadal. Together, they had worked for their entire careers. It was now time to bid the Spaniard farewell and let him continue on his journey. But this—the moment when Federer’s former rivals became close friends—was the high point of his career. The beginning of the story was that Federer faced an obstacle in the form of Rafael Nadal’s distinctive style of play.
In 1998, Federer made his debut in the professional tennis circuit. At the time, the young Swiss player was trying to settle into his game on the court without the presence of Nadal to challenge him. In 2001, the young Spaniard with the distinct flair makes an appearance on the racetrack. And they split up the tennis fanatics into Federer vs. Nadal factions! Djokovic was a disruptor; he made no room for anyone. But this is about Federer’s battle with the King of Clay, who kept Federer on his toes because he was unwilling to be subdued.
Federer described in an interview how Nadal’s style provided him an advantage over the others on the clay court. “Because of his unique playing style—being able to play on the baseline, being exceptionally skilled on clay with poor bounces, and having heavier topspin than anyone I’ve ever played against,” the man stated. The Swiss legend had a lot of difficulties trying to escape Nadal’s trap as a result.
Federer talked more candidly about his approach of taking on Nadal. It wasn’t an easy one, though, as the charming Federer struggled with self-doubt as well. “He gave me so many more problems than other players could,” the man said. He forced me to examine my actions, go back to the drawing board, and create a new master plan while simultaneously trying not to overthink it.
Even though things occasionally worked out, Federer was unable to stop the Spaniard’s attack or limit his movement. “Perhaps it was just work on your high backhand off the lefty spin that nobody else had liked him,” he continued. I just need to confront that ball more often.
Ultimately, Nadal was Federer’s greatest opponent. Though he forced him to act, think, and occasionally doubt himself, the two ended up becoming the best tennis players in history. As they developed into the renowned Big 3, which included the Serbian sce, they undoubtedly assisted one another in reaching hitherto unheard-of heights. A class alone, a bunch unto themselves! Even in retirement, the Swiss Maestro has continued to monitor Nadal closely.
For fans of Rafael Nadal, the Bastad tournament will always be special. The Spanish player had advanced to the competition finals following nearly two years of early elimination and nonattendance. Everyone thought it was a resurgence and that this would be it. It would go to Nadal. But Nadal lost against Nuno Borges in straight sets, so it was not meant to be that day. Tennis fans were devastated by the outcome. When Federer was questioned about Nadal’s game, he was likewise overcome with similar feelings.
When asked if he follows Rafael Nadal in an interview with Vogue. The legendary Swiss man replied in the affirmative and shared the details of the defeat. Three and two, he murmured. God, yes, indeed. I saw he was trailing 1-0, 40 to love. I was thinking, “Oh, no—I hope his body is okay,” when I saw the score, even though it was a few hours earlier. So, yes, I do check in to the game to view the standings and outcomes nearly every day. He was taken aback by his rival’s stunning setback.
Throughout their tenure on the circuit, the two legends have undoubtedly improved upon one another. Seeing them cling to one another and monitor one another is really sweet!