Roger and Rafa: Lessons behind the greatest rivalry

If one is the swan the other is the dark horse. One is the graceful classical aggressor while the other is endowed with brute force with muscular aggression. One is feted the most stylish and sophisticated player in any sport ever while the other is known for his simple lifestyle.   

They are poles apart in many ways no doubt but their camaraderie is also made of epic material. What Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal proved by forming a team at the Laver Cup over the weekend was that besides being arch rivals they can also be winning partners in the game when the need arises.   

With 37 encounters as rivals and 35 grand slams between them it was always thought a final between the world’s greatest tennis player Roger Federer and current number one Rafael Nadal was the best visual treat tennis could ever offer its fans.   

The duo in the same team was therefore way beyond fan expectations and the analysts aptly called it the solar eclipse – sun and moon coming together.   

As an awe struck world watched the on and off court camaraderie between the graceful Federer and forceful Nadal during their pairing in Laver’s doubles, the game also went on to prove how much they complement each other despite the total disparity in style. It was a crowning moment not only for the two legends but also for the tennis fans who had been patiently following the evolution of the two players from rookies to royals in the game.   
“The possibility of having Roger next to me is a huge privilege, something I wanted to make happen at some point and today I made it happen,” an overjoyed Nadal was quoted as saying. What the 14-year-old rivalry between the two legends, since Miami Masters in 2003, has displayed to the world was that a respectful arch rivalry like this could only go to make each other better. So healthy was their competition and so much was the admiration they had for each other that about a decade ago the fans coined the term ‘Fedel’, joining their names, making them one big package.   

Federer has admitted that he would not have been what he is today if not for the competition from Nadal, often dubbed the best player ever on clay court. “I’ve seen a lot of hard workers and inspiring players, but you’ve been the one in my opinion who has been the most inspiring and most influential and made me the player I am today,” Federer told Nadal at the opening ceremony of latter’s academy last year. The academy was opened when both players were taking a break recovering from injuries, Federer had a knee injury while Nadal had a wrist problem.   

Unlike last year, 2017 has been a favourable year for both the players. Nadal won his 10th French open this June and the French victory raised hopes for another Rafa-Roger final at Wimbledon, the following month, with Federer being touted the favourite to bag the title. The hopes were dashed with Nadals five-set defeat in the hands of 16th seed Gilles Muller. While the devastating blow left the left-hander cringed with disappointment a resurgent Roger Federer re-wrote tennis history with his record eighth Wimbledon Title.   

At this month’s US Open, at one point it seemed that they were heading for another encounter when they were drawn in the same half in the tournament which had somewhat lost its luster due to the absence of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray due to injuries. However fan hopes were shattered when Argentine Juan Martin del Potro played spoiler with a five-set victory over Federer. Meanwhile Nadal cruised to the finals and beat South African Kevin Anderson to clinch his 16th Grand Slam title just three titles behind his friend cum rival Federer.   

With five Wimbledon titles also under his belt Nadal still has time to beat Federer in the records being five years younger to the Swiss legend. Still given the way the world roots for Roger Federer, it is very unlikely to give the world’s greatest tennis star title to any other. So much so right now the adage on tennis evolution goes as, “First there was tennis, then there is Roger Federer”. In fairness to Nadal one may well add, “There is also Rafael Nadal”.