Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic says it’s spectacular how Rafael Nadal managed to go from somebody followers did not like very a lot early on as a result of he was a significant problem to Roger Federer to additionally turning into a fan favourite.
After the legendary Swiss turned a Grand Slam champion at 2003 Wimbledon and in addition lifted the 2004 Australian Open to succeed in the world No. 1 spot, it did not take lengthy earlier than just about everybody began rooting for him because of elegant game-style but in addition stylish demeanor.
However then in 2004 March, Federer was upset by a 17-year-old Nadal, who received 6-3 6-3 their Miami Open assembly. The next yr, the previous 20-time Grand Slam champion acquired his revenge by profitable their second assembly that additionally got here in Miami.
Whereas the Spaniard was extensively considered one of the proficient and promising gamers within the sport, nobody was prepared for him to win 5 consecutive conferences towards the Swiss between mid-2005 to mid-2006.
However as Nadal established himself as a high participant and and it turned clear that he and Federer had been primed for a historic rivalry, followers additionally fell in love together with his humble character but in addition his sport and aggressive spirit.
Finally, each turned two of the most important ambassadors in tennis historical past and gamers that had been most likely equally cherished by followers.
“Nowadays, people forget how much adversity Rafa faced from audiences. People loved (Roger) and could not fathom a challenger as dangerous as this boy from Manacor whose whipped forehand opened the tennis court in ways thought geometrically impossible. Rafael Nadal stuck with it. He did his thing, kept winning, kept beating (Roger), kept beating him with grace and humility in his heart,” 2014 French Open semifinalist Petkovic wrote on her Substack.
“And slowly, they began to like him (Rafa), increasingly they warmed to him, in the end: they loved him. Passionately. For his decency and his broken English, for the random music video where he makes out with Shakira and his humor that started to shine through once his English improved. Most of all, they loved him for his fighting spirit on court. First, he won titles; then he won the hearts of the people that were so ready to hate him.”
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal© Roger Federer/Instagram – Honest Use
Federer despatched out a touching retirement letter to Nadal
Earlier this week, the 22-time Grand Slam champion concluded his profession by representing Spain one final time on the Davis Cup Finals.
To nobody’s shock, one of many names to pay him tribute was his greatest rival – and it was probably the greatest messages that he acquired.
Throughout his profession, Federer received simply 16 of his 40 conferences towards Nadal. Additionally, the Spaniard was the most important purpose why his first French Open title did not come till 2009.
“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge,” the report eight-time Wimbledon champion wrote in his letter.
In his message, Federer additionally informed the 38-year-old that “you made me enjoy the game more.”
“OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype,” the Swiss added. “We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
After deciding to retire on the 2022 Laver Cup, Federer’s want was to group up with Nadal for his final match. And after giving the Spaniard a name, he discovered that his want could be granted. After it was throughout, each turned very emotional – held fingers – because the Swiss had a memorable farewell.
Within the letter, Federer highlighted that he’ll always remember that and in addition added to Nadal that he’ll root for him no matter he does subsequent.
