Rafael Nadal
Ironically if Federer did achieved his dream run to world No.1, Rafael Nadal might be one of his biggest supporters. Three times the two tennis icons has played each other this year and three times Federer has come out on top. It is only the second time the 35-year-old has grabbed three wins over the nine-time French Open champion within a season and the first since 2007.
“This is very simple: if Roger Federer continues to play like that, he will be number one,” Nadal said. “Of course, from my experience, I know it’s difficult to play well all year round. The dynamics change and we will see what happens.”
The two players have engaged in one of their greatest ever tennis in the Open Era. Nadal currently leads their head-to-head 23-14.
Federer-nadal meetings in 2017
Australian Open final – Federer won 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3
Indian Wells R4 – Federer won 6-2, 6-3
Miami final – Federer won 6-2, 6-4
