GREAT TENNIS RIVALRY

GREAT TENNIS RIVALRY

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the tough opponents for each other and their tennis rivalries are good for the spectators and their fans. They are the only players in open era who have played 7 grand slam finals with each other. Many critics believe that, it is the greatest rivalry in tennis history and people love to see the battle between “cult of tennis” (Roger Federer) and “king of clay court” (Rafael Nadal).

Cult of tennis v/s King of clay court:

Six foot one inch walks with a swagger, majestic, gorgeous and lovable personality. People call him “cult of tennis”. Yes, we are talking about Swiss tennis sensation Roger Federer.
Roger Federer does not have a dominating serve likes Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick, accurate backhand likes Donald Budge and Ken Roswell, adept volley like John McEnroe and devastating forehand like Rafael Nadal, but he has played all this strokes with an unmatched combination of grace and efficiency.

In Federer repertoire, inside out forehand is the most damaging stroke. He has other strokes like heavy topspin in cross court, backhand hit with tremendous variety, flat and deep down the line, beautifully disguised serve and superb volley technique.
Physically, he is in tremendous shape, so that he can moves swiftly around the court with balance and grace. If the situation arises, he has the ability to change his tactics during the match.

King of clay court, charismatic player, consistency, original performer, tenacious court coverage and speedy framework are the few good words associated with Rafa or Rafael Nadal.
Some professional players serve is much faster than Nadal, but he relies on the consistency of his serve to gain a strategic advantage and earn a respectable amount of aces.

Rafael Nadal ground strokes are more powerful and accurate than his serve. He has some dangerous weapon likes heavy topspin and formidable forehand in his stroke book. He can play sound volley, loop and drop shot and use angles, slice and change of face with great accuracy.
“Rafa” has strong mental resiliency power and extraordinary fitness level give him good boost to play a tough match with high intensity.

Grand slam comparison:

Roger Federer has won three Australian open (2004, 06, 07), Five Wimbledon (2003, 04, 05, 06, 07) and five U.S open (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08).
Rafael Nadal has one Australian open (2009), four French open (2005, 06, 07, 08) and one Wimbledon (2008) in his pocket.
In total, Roger Federer has won 13 grand slam titles in comparison to Rafael Nadal six grand titles, but in head to head matches Nadal leads with 13-7.

Another grand slam title (French open) in the corner. Now, it’s very interesting to see that, does this time Roger Federer break the French open jinx and beat Nadal in the final? But it is possible only when both will reach the final of French open 2009.
If Roger has a good serve power around 190 km/h, than Rafa has the ability to attack his opponent by approaching the net and finishing the point.

In ranking, Rafael Nadal is on No.1 spot where as Cult of tennis (Roger Federer) is on No. 2 position, just behind his great tennis rival King of clay court.


Published: www.merinews.com
Writer: Rakesh Bhandari