‘Title Says Federer Is Much Better Than Me’: As Rafael Nadal Passes Roger After First US Open Win – The SportsRush

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have always faced each other. And it’s right sometimes. Because Nadal became the first men’s singles player in history to win the ‘Surface Slam’ in the same calendar year. In 2010, the Spaniard made a name for himself in the history books by winning the French Open (clay), Wimbledon (grass) and the US Open (hard). Nine Slam titles in six years at just 24 years old with his first title in New York City.

No player has as many ATP Tour titles in 2010 as the 22 Grand Slam titles. Open at the beginning of the year but after a while He was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the French Open and Wimbledon, and he was the defending champion at both Grand Slams. in the US Open Federer was denied a title shot after losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, playing five straight sets to the wire. For the first time in years, it saw the Swiss pundits choke on match points and lose two.

Rafael Nadal shocked by question at US Open 2010 press conference

A reporter asked Rafael. Nadal, in his post-match press conference following his 2010 US Open final victory, about what he believes he needs to do if he is to think of himself as a bigger player than rival Roger Federer. His biggest at that time Nadal was clearly stunned by the question. Nadal replied that Federer had so many names that it was impossible. But it is quite foolish for him to believe that he is better than the Swiss elite. And that is something that may be true for the rest of their lives.

“There are many more names. (The gap between them) So don’t be fooled by that. I’m more than happy with my name, of course. I think this talks about whether I’m better or worse than stupid Roger. Because the title says he is much better than me. That was the truth at the time. And I think it will be true (truth) for the rest of my life.”

Nadal further praised Federer, saying he is exemplary on tour by improving all the time and that is what he needs. However, he also acknowledges the fact that they both have completely different playing styles. Therefore, any comparison It’s unfounded. The Spaniard also correctly predicted who will challenge his opponents in the future. And that was none other than Novak Djokovic.

“But of course always for me. Roger is an example. Especially because he improved his tennis playing. I think throughout his career and that’s a good thing you can copy. So I try to copy this. And I know that Roger and I are different. very different styles But to be better than Roger I don’t think this is the right time to talk about that. because I don’t think so.”

That compares to Nadal’s nine Grand Slam titles. Federer surpassed Pete Sampras’ all-time record, held by the Swiss superstar at 16 at the time. Only one slam, the Australian Open in 2008. Losing the US Open to Nadal in 2010 prompted the Serbian rider to see the changes he had made quietly. Behind the scenes training, diet and fitness work. For him and the results showed in the following seasons.

Coincidentally, after losing a close encounter with Djokovic in the 2010 semi-finals in New York City. Federer has never won a title there. In the 2010s, Nadal won four US Open titles, while Djokovic was the runner-up in three to his name.

Nadal and Federer are friends?

This question is often asked by supporters of both players. Many were at odds with each other during Nadal-Federer’s biggest rivalry. Especially in the mid to late 2000s, the answer is yes, as Nadal has claimed himself in the past that he never respected Federer at all during their career. The Spaniard invited Federer to open the first branch of his tennis academy Rafa Nadal Academy in his hometown Mallorca in 2016. Federer accepted the invitation and as a result the academy gained more interest from all over the world which has helped it grow over the past 7 years outside of Spain.

on the other hand Federer recently admitted in an interview that there was a point in their careers when their relationship was friendly. However, playing more often and meeting off the field in other endeavors. This made both of them develop a good relationship with each other. So much so that the Swiss star personally invited Nadal to play professional tennis for the last time in his career, joining him in the 2022 Laver Cup for Team Europe in London. despite being injured But Nadal accepted the invitation and made not only blockbuster door revenues and TV ratings. but also the images that are poignant and iconic for generations to come.