Federer v Nadal - XXX

At this juncture in their careers, with injuries, other players rising and Djokovic's ascent to world No 1, one must surely treasure the renewal of this most prolific rivalry of Men's Tennis in "big matches." We don't know how many or even if, there will be another one. Regardless of the head to head, who's won what, at which time, during this rivalry, one has a sense of great anticipation when these two juggernauts meet.

With a great deal on the line, moving into next week's French Open, there is much to "prove" for both players. This will be a battle both of them wish dearly to win.

Nadal going for his 7th Rome title, 24th TMS title, 41st clay court title and 56th career title.

Federer hoping to lift his first Rome title, 22nd TMS title, 77th career title.

Nadal leads the head to head 19 - 10 matches, but holds a 12 - 2 edge in their clay court rivalry, plus a commanding 8 - 2 edge in the Major finals. Some would say it's a foregone conclusion that Nadal will take this meeting but if there was a time for Federer to "pounce," surely this is one of the opportune times to do so. The two tend to bring out the best in each other, and one just hopes that they can both play superlative tennis for the duration of the match. It's 7 years since their epic 5 set, 5 hour and 5 minute final in Rome, where Federer held match points, only for Nadal to edge the match in a final tiebreak.

Am really looking forward to it, regardless of what it might or might not, portend for Roland Garros.

2013 ATP Masters Series Hard QF Nadal 6-4, 6-2 19 Nadal's 1st HC tournament in a year! Went on to win the title!
Indian Wells
2012 ATP Masters Series Hard SF Federer 6-3, 6-4 10 1st outdoor hardcourt win since Miami 2005 for Federer
Indian Wells
2012 Australian Open Hard S Nadal 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 18 N's 8th win from 10 meetings in Major tournaments
Melbourne
2011 Tennis Masters Cup Hard RR Federer 6-3, 6-0 9
London
2011 Roland Garros Clay F Nadal 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 17 Win's 5th match, and 4th final v Federer at French Open; ties Borg at 6 titles
France
2011 ATP Masters Series Clay S Nadal 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 16 1st time winner of 1st set hasn't won match!
Madrid
2011 ATP Masters Series Hard S Nadal 6-3, 6-2 15
Miami
2010 Tennis Masters Cup Hard F Federer 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 8
London
2010 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 6-4, 7-6 (5) 14 1st Man to win 3 straight TMS titles, and all 3 on clay for the season
Madrid
2009 ATP Masters Series Clay F Federer 6-4, 6-4, 7
Madrid
2009 Australian Open Hard F Nadal 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 13 N saved 13 of 18 bp's; N played 5 set SF, day after F played 3 set SF!!
Melbourne
2008 Wimbledon Grass F Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 12 N had MP's in 4S TB
Great Britain
2008 Roland Garros Clay F Nadal 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 11 Utter destruction!! Worst professional loss for Federer EVER!
France
2008 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 10 F led 5-1 1st set, 5-2 2nd set
Hamburg
2008 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 7-5, 7-5 9 F led 4-0 1st set, led 2nd set
Monte Carlo
2007 Tennis Masters Cup Hard S Federer 6-4, 6-1 6
China
2007 Wimbledon Grass F Federer 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 5 N had 4 breakpoints in 1st 2 service games 5th set, didn't break…could have won 6-2 !
Great Britain
2007 Roland Garos Clay F Nadal 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 8
France
2007 ATP Masters Series Clay F Federer 2-6, 6-2, 6-0 4 Ended N's 81 CC match streak. 1st CC final N has lost.
Hamburg
2007 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 6-4, 6-4 7
Monte Carlo
2006 Tennis Masters Cup Hard S Federer 6-4, 7-5 3
China
2006 Wimbledon Grass F Federer 6-0, 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 6-3 2
Great Britain
2006 Roland Garos Clay F Nadal 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4) 6
France
2006 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 6-7(0), 7-6(5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(5) 5 F had match points !
Rome
2006 ATP Masters Series Clay F Nadal 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(5) 4
Monte Carlo
2006 Dubai Hard F Nadal 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 3
U.A.E.
2005 Roland Garos Clay S Nadal 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 2
France
2005 ATP Masters Series Hard F Federer 2-6, 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-1 1 N had match point !
Miami
2004 ATP Masters Series Hard R32 Nadal 6-3, 6-3 1
Miami

Let's hope it's not the last career meeting for these two giants of the modern game, but that it IS one of their most hard fought and suspenseful matches, and enjoy the "moment...." All too soon, this rivalry will end, as it must, but hopefully not tomorrow!

As I posted on the Rome thread...

“It almost doesn't matter what the surface or what the conditions are. I've got to play aggressive tennis and take it to Rafa,” said Federer. “I know he doesn't give me much on clay. He's got incredible spin.”

“I hope this time I have a better chance than at Indian Wells, where things were a bit difficult for me. He's had an incredible comeback, so I'm really happy for him. But someone has got to stop him, so I hope it's me.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/05/20/Rome-Saturday-Federer-Reaction.aspx

I just want a good competitive three-setter, no matter who wins.

Between these two, 45 TMSs, fantastic.

Please please sirs what time does it start GMT style ?

Thank you

Today every tennis lovers perfect match... come out fighting boys
Make it a good one

Haddie-nuff wrote:Today every tennis lovers perfect match... come out fighting boys
Make it a good one

Surely the perfect tennis match has to have an outcome that is less than 90% certain?

If Fed gets more than 8 games today, I'll be pleased.

Oh please HM dont get nit picky with me I mean that is "perfect" in the sense I like seeing them play each other... ye of little faith he may surprise you and Rafa yet:

I am so excited

hawkeye wrote:I am so excited

It is so c i t i n g ennit : Versus :

Haddie-nuff wrote:

hawkeye wrote:I am so excited

It is so c i t i n g ennit : Versus :

Ha ha! Haddie-nuff. Yes!

Haddie-nuff wrote:Oh please HM dont get nit picky with me I mean that is "perfect" in the sense I like seeing them play each other... ye of little faith he may surprise you and Rafa yet:

I'd like seeing them play each other too if I were a Nadal fan!

If Fed can bring his A game, then it will be good.

It's just that Fed's A game and a match v Rafa on clay do not strike me as a likely pairing!

Awwwwww HM your glass is half empty here top it up

Heeelp meeeeee, heeeeelp meeeee Haaaaaddiee-nuuuuuff

I'm on the laaaast few mbs of my data allowaaaance.

Pleeeeeaaaaase what time is the match?




The entity previously known as emancipator

I keep getting different info em... Im seeing not before 4pm as I understand it ythe "boys" are choosing their own time.. Rafa likes evenings Rog likes afternoons I would suggest it will be around the 5pm mark but if I hear any more I will let you know... fret not my little friend I will do all I can to help you lol

4pm eman

This is from Rafa´s own Blog


CENTRALE Start 11:00 am
[1] Sara Errani (ITA)
Roberta Vinci (ITA)
v
Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Shuai Peng (CHN)



Not Before 4:00 PM
[5] Rafael Nadal (ESP)
v
Roger Federer (SUI)
ATP

Thaaank yooooooooooooou Haaaddiie n Luuuuv.

Pleeeeassse update meeeee. This will be my laaaaast messaaage.

Beware of BOOOO0000oooooo..........

File terminated.



The entity formerly known as emancipator

From the title of the thread I was expecting something completely different

It's not on my TV so it'll be the live scores for me to enjoy as a neutral. May the better man on the day win etc etc etc.

If you have a stomach upset TSJ .. I hope its nothing catching.. not nice spewing all over the forum like that
However get better soon

Sorry, don't get the mods to ban me for making a mess.

Fed often starts like a house on fire with Rafa but hes gotta do more than that... hes gotta keep it up.

emancipator wrote:Pleeeeeaaaaase what time is the match?

Why do you care? You, with your intergalactic powers, should know better than most that this is a forgone conclusion. Watching this and thinking Fed might win is like watching a movie you have seen 20 times and expecting to see different ending - utterly hopeless (though I admit that is what I will be doing).

The Special Juan wrote:From the title of the thread I was expecting something completely different

LOL

LuvSports! wrote:4pm eman

This is 4pm local time in Rome, right?

For Emancipator the match is on at all times and all spaces, hes just humouring us

He probably already knows the result

3pm GMT (but it will start 10-15 minutes after that).

The Live Streaming Channel is saying 16.00 hrs.. Start watching it at 3pm hope that it comes on by 4pm but dont be suprised if its 5 pm... gotta get it right with one of them

It's on whatever time you want it to be on.

Hello



I found an internet cafe, hehe



emancipator

So now you know we have been talking about you

falzy21 wrote:For Emancipator the match is on at all times and all spaces, hes just humouring us

But of course oh Haddie daughter of Nuff,

it is as young Falzy the 21st has stated above,

My request was just to humour the minions...



emancipator - the return

must... refrain....from lotr.... quotes!

LuvSports! wrote:must... refrain....from lotr.... quotes!

I've had an overload of quotes which would be a witty response. I can't decide what to go with.

It is
2pm GMT
3pm UK time (BST)
4pm Rome time

Although could be later if there are rain delays, previous match overrunning or after warm up etc.

A fine preview for today's Final by the OP

Here's hoping for a good match.

Amazing to think that eight years have passed since these two giants contested the second longest final in Masters history. Back then in 2005 they jointly dominated the tour throughout the season, with four Masters titles apiece, leaving just the one other title for a player not named Federer or Nadal. Any guesses ? (clue : still very much active ....)

Fast forward to 2013 and Rafa would move to 24 titles with victory today, with Fed stuck on a "mere" 21. We know they both already have way more Masters titles than any other current players - but which retired player sits between them with 22 titles ...... ? (clue : now a prominent coach)

This will be their tenth meeting in a Masters series Final and I'm fully expecting Rafa to further improve his current h2h of 6-3. But I doubt that will bother Fed too much because I think in his new, more relaxed, family- orientated state of semi-retirement he will be happy to have got in so much match practice ahead of RG, whilst also still showing his ability to make it to big Finals when all his much younger rivals who should be making their mark have instead fallen along the way ........

Was it Berdych winning Paris? I think I spotted that a while back when I did an article about the relative achievements of the 5-8 ranked players?

For the other question, I would say it's a tricky one as it depends what counts as a Masters series, but maybe Lendl.

Quest 1 Was it David Nalbandian ??


Quest 2 Ivan Lendl ??

Guessing !!

H-n : you score 1 out of 2, no shame in that !

HB : you score deux points

Ps am counting Masters series as from its "modern" format beginning 1970.

Williams has beaten Azarenka easily enough in straights. That was the previous match on court. So Federer/Nadal should be able to start on time.

Ugh, I can't believe this is on the (Sky) red button.

Surely this is more important that the third division football play off final, Newcastle vs Arsenal, European tour golf, and New Zealand in test cricket.

Although it is on a main channel from 4pm.

Agreed HB. Surely this match can pull in the viewing figures.

Here we go then, players about to warm up. It looks hot out there?

Good luck, Roger, you will need it.

Fedal doesn't have the same pull that it used to when Fed was at his best. Newcastle v Arsenal is massive though.

All I can say about this match is that I'm glad I've missed most of it....the scoreline seems to suggest Nadal is dominating Fed (as if there was any doubt he would on clay).....some things don't change.

Same result, different day.

Oh man i got the time an hour late and its nearly already over.Juts got in to see a Rafa screamer... 6-1 5-1...

Though I was Naturally pleased to see a Rafa win... I have to say it was a sad day for me.. I would like to remember the 2008 Wimbledon Final when I remember these two.

So Rafa you have proved your point I somehow think it maybe the last chance you have to do so

So is anyone persisting with the idea that this is still a blue riband match up?

Painfully predictable and painful to watch. There is absolutely no pleasure in seeing a now-ageing legend taking a mauling.

Well done to Rafa, what a season so far! And clearly a better clay court season than Djokovic, or, obviously, anyone else. Really good tennis today. Good mix of attack and defence. Almost a fast a victory as the one Federer got against Rafa at the WTF, presumably would be their shortest match on clay at least. Some great passing shots from Rafa as well. He looks back to his best now. I had my doubts in his early tournaments this year, even Indian Wells, but that was very good.

If they play at RG I think it will be even harder for Federer on a likely slower surface and over 5 sets. I doubt he will ever beat Rafa again on clay, maybe once more at most although even that's probably doubtful.

Federer often starts well, looking the better player, until Rafa catches him and overtakes him. Usually this takes about 30 or 60 minutes, today it was about 5.

Federer shot himself in the foot with an alarming flurry of forehand errors in the middle of the first set. After that, it was always going to be quite the challenge. I felt a bit sick after Rafa won about 9 games in a row. Federer was having to play amazingly good games to win one. I felt better in the second part of the set, I was actually enjoying some good standard tennis.

To be honest, Federer didn't play all that badly for a lot of the match. I don't think this was his worst performance against Rafa. I think one at Miami probably was, and I think he was also worse at Indian Wells this year, and at the French Open in 2008 of course. Probably not one of his worst standards of play this year either. That being said, at 6-1 5-1 it looked like being his worst defeat, at least statistically, in terms of games won per set vs Rafa (or against anyone, ever?).

You would think the way the match went on Federer would get depressed and get worse, but his level didn't at least drop further. Then against that's not hard after the way he started, with the toss away of his serve at 1-1. I thought he fought gamely on and actually played fairly well in the second set with a good mix of tennis. I think the way he played today would still have been good enough to beat all but at most 3 or 4 players. You have to remember a lot of the errors come because of the spin, the mental difficulty of playing against Rafa, the knowledge that he will run down more so you have to go for more...and then there's the errors on the 4th or 5th shot when he would already have won the point against a lesser player.

I think looking back on the whole tournament it has been a good week for Roger overall.

HM Murdoch wrote:So is anyone persisting with the idea that this is still a blue riband match up?

Painfully predictable and painful to watch. There is absolutely no pleasure in seeing a now-ageing legend taking a mauling.

Wholly agree, the highlight for me is I only got to watch the last 6 games and Fed actually managed to break Nadal's serve but I imagine the rest of the match would have been very depressing!

The problem with the match up, at least on clay, is yes the predictability. It is missing the key exciting ingredient of having no clue who will really win. That's why the rivalry was better before AO 09. Until Rafa won Wimbledon 2008, Roger was at least the top dog there and until AO 09 Rafa had never won a hard court slam (and Roger was actually rated as favourite for that match). I think with the AO 09 match, Rafa pretty much won the rivalry. It would have been better for the rivalry if Federer could have won that one.

Roger has done well since then, including some good performances against Rafa on clay at Madrid and in Paris, but he needs to play so well on clay to beat Rafa that it isn't realistic, it remains maybe a 10-15% chance. I do think it is still a good match up though, even on clay, but especially on other surfaces, where the outcome is closer to 50/50 at least. Who wouldn't want to see them play just one more Wimbledon final, and maybe once at the US Open, before we bring the curtain down on it?

It's also true if you look at the history of tennis that the younger rival almost always come along and dominates the older one. Borg quit because Mcenroe was getting on top of him, Lendl beat Connors 17 times in a row, Agassi had an almost embarassingly easily victory against Mcenroe at Wimbledon in 92, Agassi himself lost 8 in a row against Federer c2004 once Federer got his first win. Compared to these, and many other examples in the history of tennis, Federer isn't doing that badly by comparison!