Roger Federer y Rafael Nadal They wrote a joint story in the tennisso understanding the career of one without the other is impossible. Both faced a total of 40 times in the tour, with the Spanish as a clear winner of the duel for 24-16. Six of those meetings were in Roland Garrosand all resulted in victories for the Balearic, including four Finales (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and two Semifinals (2005, 2019).
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Recently, the court Philippe Chatrier De Roland Garros was the scene of a historical moment during the opening day of the France open This year, when Federer joined Novak Djokovic y Andy Murray To pay tribute to Rafathe legendary Spanish tennis player who retired in 2024 After conquering 14 titles In the Grand Slam of clay and 22 In total.
“It was amazing,” Federer said recently about the event. “I think everyone loved the tribute, especially Rafa, who had to love him. I have heard him in several interviews to talk about how he felt, that makes me very happy. They were moments of great emotion, gratitude, it was incredible to see his reaction when they showed the plaque with his name.”
But beyond that it was a party for the Iberian, for ‘His Majesty‘, who returned to Roland Garros for the first time since his retirement in 2021the tribute was particularly significant.
“For me it was the most exciting, that plaque will be there forever, all the players who step on the court will see it, they will surely be inspired and motivated thanks to him,” he said.
That is why for the Helvetic, the Philippe-Chatrier It is a court that will keep memories for posterity, many of them shared with Nadalits great generational rival.
“Paris will always be a special place for me. I lived very special moments there, many of them with Rafa,” he added.
The meeting of ‘El Big Four‘—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray-at Philippe-Champatrier it was a gift for tennis fans. Although they were fierce competitors, today alone ‘Aile‘It remains active, while the rest have already hung the racket.
“I will probably go to Wimbledonbut I don’t know if Rafa will be there during the tournament. We will see Novak in the painting, while Andy will probably be in the facilities. Then there is the Makes Cupanother very special week. I will try to recruit them for the occasion. It may be easier for us to coincide in the golf course than on the tennis court, ”he ironized.
The tribute not only celebrated the 14 Nadal titles in Roland Garrosbut also its impact on sport. Federer, who dominated the circuit between 2004 and 2006 with eight titles of Grand Slamshared the most memorable moments of his own career.
“I’m going to stay with three victories, for the footprint they left in me. The first thing is clear: I would go to Wimbledon 2001 My party against Pete Sampras. That party meant facing the hero of an entire generation, my first time in the Wimbledon central trackwithout knowing everything that this tournament would contribute to my career, ”he shared.
“Secondly, I would choose the final of Roland Garros 2009. I pursued that tournament for a long time, until that season in which the doors opened with the elimination of Rafa. I felt that all the public was with me, they really wanted to win, that made me feel very special. Finally, I keep the final of the 2017 Australian Open (against Nadal), just after my knee problems. It was a complete game, it had everything. I would love to revive all those emotions, but, you know, ”he concluded.
