Andrey Rublev Details the Contrasting Qualities of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

The newly crowned champion of the St. Petersburg Open, Andrey Rublev, reflected on  two of his greatest rivals in tennis – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With his win at St. Petersburg, Rublev won his second singles title in Russia (Kremlin Open 2019 was the first). Additionally, he is now at level with Novak Djokovic as they both have carried four titles in 2020.

While the Swiss-Spain duo has created their own wide web for almost an entire generation in the tennis world, it is hard for any of the other players to escape from it. Rublev, who broke into the Top 10 after lifting the trophy in Russia, is the latest to share his views on this magnificent pair.

“Rafael Nadal is the best athlete in the world”: Rublev

The 23 years old Rublev has won against a Top 10 player on seven occasions. The list comprises Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

However, the World No. 8 is yet to win against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. He lost his only encounter with Nadal at the US Open quarter-finals back in 2017.

Recently, when he was asked whether he would rate Nadal over Federer, his response stayed parallel with the entire tennis fraternity.

“It depends on what to compare. For me, Rafa is the best athlete in the world in terms of psychological preparation,” says the Russian.

Rafael Nadal defeated Djokovic (33) at the French Open 2020 in such a fashion that it left even casual tennis fans in awe. He has clearly redefined the standards of the drill that run outside of the court.

Rublev and all the young prospects in tennis should certainly look at Nadal as the motivation to train harder and better.

“In terms of natural talent, Federer is the number one”: Andrey Rublev

Nadal and Federer’s rivalry is legendary because they both play have complementary tennis styles. It is one of the biggest things in tennis even today and many believe that it will retain its position.

The Swiss legend, who has undoubtedly become the face of tennis all around the globe, is also the player with the most number of Grand Slams won in this sport. He only shares that spot with the ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal. Both are at 20.

“In terms of natural talent, Federer is the number one player I’ve ever seen. It is not even discussed,” adds Andrey Rublev. He, therefore, joins the many millions who enjoy the great rivalry between the two and share the same opinion of the two greats.