It is one of the most renowned rivalries in tennis with millions of admirers around the world.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have locked horns on the ATP Tour no fewer than 40 occasions since the 2004 Miami Masters. Nadal currently leads their head-to-head 24-16, however, Federer has won six out of their seven most recent meetings (excluding walkovers). Nine of their meetings have taken place in the final of a grand slam tournament.
The rivalry between the two players have been hailed by numerous high-profile athletes in the past with the latest being Juan Mata. Mata is a Spanish international footballer who has played for Manchester United in the Premier League since 2014.
“When you look at Federer and Nadal, they have achieved something that is incredible and almost unique in sport because when they play each other, most of us watching are enjoying the spectacle and appreciate the quality of what we are seeing rather than worrying about who wins,” Mata said during a recent interview with Tennis365.com.
“Normally in sport, we have someone to support and want to see them come out on top, but when it is Federer v Nadal, we are just excited to see something special between two incredible players.”
Mata, who developed a passion for tennis after taking lessons during his youth, describes the duo as ‘all-time greats’ of sport. Federer currently has a record 20 grand slam singles titles to his name, which is just one ahead of his Spanish opponent. He believes that it is the mutual respect between the two which makes their rivalry on the court so special.
“This is a big rivalry, maybe the biggest in tennis, but it is not like other rivalries. Sometimes rivals struggle to get along, but there is so much respect and admiration from both sides of the net in this rivalry that is made for something special.” Mata explains.
“They are examples of how sportsmen can play at the highest level for so long, compete for the same prizes and still have respect for each other. This is why, as the viewers, we have so much respect for both of them. They have been fantastic for tennis as a sport and will be so badly missed when their careers end.” He added.
In the past Mata has met his fellow athletes. Back in 2015 Federer was one of the players he spoke to during a trip to Wimbledon for the men’s semi-finals day with his fellow teammates David De Gea and Ander Herrera. Mata also attended the 2013 ATP Finals and cheered on compatriot Nadal.
Federer will return to action later this week at the Swiss Open in Basel where he will be bidding to win the title for a record 10th time. Meanwhile Nadal, who got married on Saturday, is set to return to the ATP Tour later this month at the Paris Masters.
