ARTICLES:
- Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Breathe New Life Into an Old Rivalry | The New York Times
The concern for Federer is that Nadal had the ideal warm-up partner in Dimitrov, who plays a similar all-court game to Federer and also has a flashy one-handed backhand.
Dimitrov hit it beautifully under pressure on Friday night, particularly down the line, and yet he still lost. Federer’s backhand, which has generally looked strong, even off deep balls to the corners, has long tended to break down under the relentless pressure of the left-handed Nadal’s whipping forehand.
All that said, this certainly looks like a more neutral venue in tactical terms than a clay court or a slow hardcourt, which would heavily favor Nadal.
If he wins Sunday, he will be just two Grand Slams behind Federer in the all-time list, a huge motivation to close the gap even further at the French Open in May.
Their final will be a special occasion for both, but for now Nadal will be focused only on recovering in time to give his all, as he always does.
“It was a very demanding match, physically and mentally, but in the past Rafa has been able to recover well from these matches,” Moya said. “So he’s going to be OK, I think.”
Just seeing Nadal and Federer in this setting again should be reward enough for most tennis fans. But I expect they’ll give us a lot more than just their names and reputations. As they’ve showed us over the last two weeks, they can still play with—and play better than—anyone.
- Fedal XXXV: What the world is saying | Australian Open
Perhaps encapsulating the excitement and occasion best was not a newspaper or online outlet, nor fans on twitter, but instead Andy Roddick, the American former world No.1 who played both Federer and Nadal at their peaks.
“It might be, as far as history goes, the biggest match ever in Australian Open history,” he said, “and maybe grand slam history.”
- Federer vs. Nadal: 35 Points To Consider | ATP World Tour
3: Nadal is seeking to become the third player all-time and first in the Open Era to win each Grand Slam twice, joining Roy Emerson and Rod Laver.
2: Nadal is bidding to become just the third man to win Grand Slam titles in their teens, 20s & 30s, joining Ken Rosewall and Pete Sampras.
1: Both Federer and Nadal have spent significant amounts of time at No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. Federer spent a record 302 weeks at No. 1, while Nadal was No. 1 for 141 weeks (7th all-time).
- Is there life after Roger and Rafa? | Reuters
“I was already prepared in the last couple of majors and I have to say … I didn’t miss them that much,” said former world number one Mats Wilander, now a commentator for Eurosport.
“Now they’re back I realise, wow, how much they add. They made it look so easy, Federer’s way of playing and Nadal’s way of being, it’s just so natural they’re going to win.
“Now it’s like going to see the (Rolling) Stones every night. For me it’s unbelievable.”
“He’s an incredible tennis player,” said Federer, who described himself as Nadal’s number one. “He’s got shots that no other one has. When you have that, you are unique and special.”
Should Nadal win on Sunday, he will be the first man in the Open era – and third overall – to win all four Grand Slam titles twice. Federer, meanwhile, is trying to become the first man to win three of the major titles five times.
“It’s exciting for both of us that we are still there and fighting for important events,” said Nadal. “It’s very special.”
“I have said and argued with John McEnroe and Ted Robinson during our French Open telecasts for many years that you cannot anoint Roger Federer the greatest of all time if he isn’t the greatest of his own time,” Carillo said in Melbourne on Saturday. “And it’s not just on red clay. Nadal has the edge on hard courts as well. Like in boxing, it’s all about the matchup. When Roger is playing at his luminous best he has no need to worry about the other side of the net.
“But if he is playing Nadal, even his best is often not enough.”
- Australian Open Final Preview: Rafa vs. Roger XXXV | ATP World Tour
With 35 titanic clashes over the last 13 years, Federer and Nadal have staked their claim as the greatest rivalry in sporting history. In tennis, time is a commodity. Careers don’t last forever. It’s not the longest-running rivalry of all-time, but it is arguably the most pervasive, transcending Federer and Nadal themselves and becoming a staple of modern culture.
From Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo in football to Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier in boxing, Jack Nicklaus-Arnold Palmer in golf and Larry Bird-Magic Johnson in the NBA, there have been many legendary rivalries over the years, but few have captured the imagination quite like Roger vs. Rafa. They have made each other stronger, more influential figures both between the lines and away from the court.
- Roger v Rafa: the five best matches | Australian Open
- Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal: The four ages of tennis’s greatest rivalry | The Telegraph
- Australian Open: tennis greats divided on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal | The Guardian
Pat Rafter says Rafa, Pat Cash says Roger. Rod Laver and others also divided.
Nadal has won each of their last six meetings in Grand Slams, twice in Paris, three times in Australia and once at Wimbledon. Going by all these numbers, it is likelier that Nadal’s Grand Slam tally will go up to 15, than Federer climbing to 18. Unless Federer can combine the break opportunities of the first 26 matches with the conversion rate of the last eight.
- Mark Petchey looks ahead to Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final | Sky Sports
“It’s arguable their biggest ever match and I think, assuming that Roger is fit, then you kind of feel the conditions will suit him. But it’s 51 per cent, 49 per cent – I don’t think there is a clear-cut favourite right now.”
This is the final no one expected but nearly everyone wanted. A fortnight ago, nobody outside their immediate circles would have predicted that the title would be decided between the world No17 and the world No9 in a stretch of competition where Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are so far ahead of the field that their nearest rival is Milos Raonic, the ailing Canadian who went out to Nadal in the quarter-finals.
PHOTOS:
- Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal: ranking their greatest ever grand slam clashes | The Telegraph
- A timeless classic – Nadal vs. Dimitrov | Australian Open
- Rafa’s ready to rumble – Rafa’s practice | Australian Open
- Paparazzi snapped Rafael Nadal and his girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello leaving hotel in Melbourne | Daily Mail
AUDIO: Tennis podcast: ‘Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are the greatest of all time’, says John McEnroe | The Telegraph
John McEnroe believes that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are already the two greatest male tennis players ever to draw breath. Ahead of the final, which will be played on Sunday morning in the UK, McEnroe joined Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) for an interview that we can hear in its entirety here on the Tennis Podcast.
“They are the two greatest of all-time already, but this gives Roger a change to extend his lead to 18 Slams or Rafa to narrow the gap to just two,” said McEnroe.
VIDEOS:
- The road to the men’s final | Australian Open
- The Baseline: Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal men’s final | Australian Open
- History repeats: 2008 Wimbledon – 2017 AO | Australian Open
I might seem a bit negative but Rafa has to stand closer to the baseline when returning Roger’s second serve.
Come on Rafa you can do this!
Roger is only serving to Rafa’s backhand on second serves. Rafa’s backhand return is really good when he steps in.
Don’t think they came to aus maria. But Roger just broken rafa – early days though so not gonna panic
COME ON RAFA. Where his is mum and sister?
wow……that’s what I call RAFA BRILLIANT SERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) We love you!!!! : )
OLA OLA OLA SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy the ride dear Rafa & have lots & lots of fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ci…..ci……ci……ci……. VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
You have this Rafa , you lost your way for awhile, but with the help of Moya have found yourself and working your way to the top where you belong. Good luck and give your millions of fans something to smile about😀
Go for #15. YOU CAN DO IT. Vamos Rafa <3
RAFA be RAFA.WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOOSE?VAMOS. YOU ARE INCOMPAR
ABLE
Wilander-the Stones blew the roof off of T-mobile stadium in LV last Oct. Expect Roger and Rafael to do no less. They define tennis until someone else arrives with talent, charisma, and class. Winning 14 Slams before age 30 just might grab our attention🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀🙀 certainly there are talents, but they are sadly lacking in the other areas.
Their accomplishments will endure regardless of the future. Enjoy the AO final,
a milestone in the careers of these two Warriors❣️
Rafa, I don’t know if Roger is going to try his much ballyhooed SABR attack, so just keep that one in mind.
I woke up this morning at 2:30am with the thought that shortly you would be on court, only to realize it’s a day too early.
Yes, this year my circadian rhythm has been disrupted because you made it to the AO final. There isn’t a happier sleep-deprived person on this wonderful planet!
Best of luck champ. You know and I know that Roger is nervous as all heck so be the better player and have him checking his watch at the end of the tournament this time.
RAFA ROCKS
VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Enjoy playing your magical Tennis…..making history is not important…..keep going……just enjoy the fun and know we are there enjoying it with you!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Crikey , talk about taking the joy and enthusiasm out of the game
Rafa ,I will be rooting for you whole heartedly tomorrow and want nothing more than to see you lifting that trophy and if that happens Roger will be disappointed but genuinely happy for you as you would be for him. Roger is a nice guy and a gentleman and genuine friend to Rafa , you only have to see their interactions with each other over the years to see that. This is Roger we are talking about not Novak . Rafa is a good judge of character and chooses his friends wisely.
❤
OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy a beautiful day and lots & lots & lots of fun playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) It will be another great match for you sweetheart and we will be there LIVE enjoying each point with you!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Your last year has been magnificent and outstanding….simply inspiring and brilliant!!!!!!!! : ) KUDOS TO ALL YOUR CLASSY SUCCESS AND VICTORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) You know all too well wisely how everything stands with all your opponents…..so none of us have NOTHING NEW to say here…….but simply wish to add here ENJOY EVERYTHING……and enjoy yourself , go out and put your striking magic on full blown Rafa-passion style!!!!!!! : ) no more no less!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) That’s it!!!!! : ) Sweet and sharp!!! : ) Very happy for you dear Rafa with your brilliant AO stride and fantastic TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) No one has your determination and sheer passion and heart!!!!!!!!! : ) ci….ci….ci….: ) No one comes close to your endurance…… and net…… and court coverage…… and beautiful speedy movement!!!!!! : ) We love you dear Rafa and LOVE WATCHING YOU PLAY SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy everything sweetheart and play freely and beautifully commanding the court from the first point on!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) You so deserve to win the trophy , and you so earned it honestly and straight forward with your hard work and efforts and classy TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Without saying too much…..lets be clear, R is not as good as the other men you had victories over…..Sascha and others have had easy wins over him during the last two years. Stan always lets him win , clearly to the eyes of all to see, and mysteriously atp arranges many important tours so that Stan and him are always on the same side of the draw so over and over R is protected from strong players along the way. Whatever you do sweetheart, go out there and play YOUR GAME!!!! : ) DO NOT TAKE PITY ON HIS POOR LOOSER SAD FACE. He does that so folks will feel sorry for him and not play aggressive shots. EARN YOUR SPACE & KEEP GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES DEAR RAFA to go out there & SWIFTLY WIPE HIM as you do throughout your Tennis matches. You have earned the right to be at the FINAL square and straight and GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Simply hammer aggressively your powerful Tennis and command the court at first point. Enjoy your beautiful powerful SERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) It is so effective and it is one of the best ourt there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Re no longer has a better serve than you…..no no no……….that was history…..he may come up with a few aces and do not get impressed if he does comes up with a few aces here and there. YOU SWEETHEART HAVE A FANTASTIC EFFECTIVE SERVE!!!!!!!!! : ) Enjoy it, use it and point by point simply enjoy it in a nice free play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Walk onto the court as you always do with your great light heart and good nature……and play aggressively from the get go. GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) The trophy is yours sweetheart to claim !!!!!!!!!! : ) ci…….ci……ci…….ci…….& ci……: ) Point by point and ball by ball……. enjoy your beautiful TENNIS to the max and know we are all enjoying it with you!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) God bless you and we love you and sending lots of love & happiness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Yes, the run so far has been amazing and the win yesterday, with the turnaround at 5th set 3-4 15-40 down, should be framed in the part of the tennis hall of fame that says “Legends Only”. But this is not the end goal. Nadal needs to be fired up one more time. This is the ultimate chance for a second AO title. Why? Look at how hard it has been the last years, and look what an enormous fight it was to get these 6 wins. Let’s face it, Rafa’s body is worn out, new injuries will come up in the near future. For me, a win tomorrow, would be the ultimate crown, it would be his biggest major victory, because of all the suffering that took place in the 3 years prior. Now respect for the Swiss ‘maestro’ is fine. But do not be mistaken. Roger Federer does not consider Nadal a friend when he plays him tomorrow. And Roger Federer did not like Rafa Nadal when he got beaten by him at RG 05. Let alone during the next 4 times that Rafa prevailed on Paris’ clay. Rafa put up a roadblock on the FedExpress railroad, and we need that roadblock to stay in place one last time. Roger showed zero sympathy when Rafa hurt his back in the final against Stan three years ago. He and his wife were full of joy instead, presumably (and with a total lack of empathy, lack of sheer manners in fact, or call it ugly sportsmanship) “celebrating Stan’s win” but in fact they were breathing a big sigh of relief, because the Spanish nemesis did not close the gap even more and did not get his 2nd career grand slam (two things feared most by the Fed camp, who want to hold on to that GOAT mantra they embraced years ago). I think of that grin on Roger’s face in that video of 3 years ago, smiling despite a clearly disabled Nadal, and I say “Vamos Rafa, wipe him of the court!”. You need to want it badly and spoil his party one more time!!!!
r is an artificial candidate for being considered goat…… anyone who is an avid tennis fan knows the inequality and favoritism and set ups etc that goes behind making or breaking tennis superficial hero. ALEX DOGOPOLOV is another brilliant, classy player who is ON FIRE and his talent just pours out of him whenever he steps onto the court…..he is so incredibly creative with his game but if you follow his path, over and over again you see how he is not given the same stage as r is being given, or any of the British or the us players…..or German players…. Lots of back door politics work in play , and I pray that at some point, now that the world is global and all is out there on the net, that the atp give TENNIS FANS respect for knowing what is going on and stop doing all considerations based on money and manipulation of who they wish to put forth and praise etc….. It was evident that the umpires are being taught to announce the points at subjective manners in order to during match to encourage atp favorites or OR DISCOURAGE certain players atp wishes will not win. It is as evident in all FOUR majors especially, and the 500 tours. Furthermore, when players walk onto the court, the announcer welcomes the players onto the court with right out obvious subjectivity: the one chosen by the atp to win gets a warm enthusiastic welcome , he is announced loudly with enthusiasm and positive voice, then there is a long pause…..enough to place agitation, nerves and doubt in the second player walking onto the court , the other player is then barely hears their name as that very same announcer introduces them using down low voice, barely saying their name and quiet frankly, all this bs has got to stop! SAME WITH POST MATCH INTERVIEWS : the negativity and low attitude to a winner seconds after they were victories is rubbish. First thing they must be heartfelt CONGRATULATED and allow the crowd to cheer and clap. Second, they ought to offer kind words to the great match, the great skills etc……then if you must, you can start talking about the negative, poor history, negative bs comments etc….I am totally astonished that Jim C is getting away with still doing on court post match interviews He is so poorly conducting himself. His role is to uplift the crowd and uplift the players and to summarize a positive conclusion to the match. With all these poor tactics who benefits? NO ONE BENEFITS from such settle ugly discriminatory approach in the long run. It is sad that atp keeps behaving in such disrespectful manners towards players who fill out the grounds, make Tennis popular world wide and give their all to the sport. During matches, often one sees the camera travels to the crowd and focus on older players and clearly you can see their dismay when a certain player wins bright points….they almost look disappointed and right out bias at their sits. These older players are apart of the atp discriminatory bunch… Same old players are protected and privileged by the atp and same players are getting less than their fair share of respect and right place. THE GOOD NEWS IS, and there is always good news, is that whatever bs manipulations is taken lace, year after year, we see that the genuine strong players prevail and move forward despite and IN-SPITE the unnecessary hardship they encounter. SO HEY…… go out , enjoy your favorite players, marvel at their strides forward and keep vocal ! : ) MY HAT is off with utter admiration and respect to the likes of Alex Dogolopov, all the Eastern European players, and to all others who are being discriminated by the atp in one form or another.
Yap, you have spoken the truth. I share your thoughts.
My dear Rafa
I know you are tired,I know Fed has advantage playing only 3 hours one day early….and I know it will be difficult. But please! Keep focused, play aggressive, don’t stay so far behind the line and believe!!! You can do It! Vamos!
Of the posts I’ve seen, this is the best one by far. Thank you RNF.
RAFA ROCKS
Vamos Rafael keep up your GREAT EFFORTS
You can outlast Federer. You are younger
and have MORE shots in your bag.
Roll Up, Roll Up,for the greatest show on Earth and it starts in 12 hrs and 30 mins ,and I for one can’t wait. Loving the pictures , just so sweet.