We all have seen Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal‘s rivalry on the tennis court. But the biggest question is what led to their rivalry? What was the reason behind this rivalry beginning in the first place? Marc Rosset, another former swiss tennis player, explained how this rivalry kicked off. 

And with the determination of creating a name for themselves, they created “Fedal” one of the best rivalries ever seen in tennis. Over decades, the famous on-court rivalry has turned into the best friendship seen on the tennis court. 

What was the first impression of Roger Federer about Rafael Nadal?

In the book, “The Roger Federer Effect” there is an extract where the 52-year-old swiss tennis player opened up about what lead to the biggest rivalry of all time. According to the former ATP player, it was never about going against each other. However, it was all about striving for the best on the tennis court. And also revealed what the swiss maestro thought of Rafa at the very beginning. 

He said, “In the beginning, Roger perceived Rafa as an adversary who kept him from winning everything. That annoyed him. But then he accepted the fight, and a great rivalry developed. At some point, Roger realised that they were very similar. When someone asks me the difference between Roger and Rafa, I say none. Of course, their tennis is completely different. But the way they love and live tennis, the way they respect this sport, in this regard they are like two brothers to me.” 

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Further, he also believed that they both might have played a lot against each other, but for them, the sport was totally different and the way they cherished and acknowledged the sport is something that can never be seen again. However, even the 22-time Grand Slam champion will agree with what the former tennis player said. And he once shared his belief that while they will playing against each other, they were playing for the same thing. 

Nadal on sharing the same belief as Federer 

Moreover, they‌ played some legendary matches with each other. A few years back, in an interview, the Spaniard shared his belief that it was their duty to set a good example on the tennis court. 

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And both of them set the language of the same sport to pursue their individual dreams. And went for the same thing for a long time. Additionally, the former world number one also appreciated that praising and applauding your rival can make your life happier.

Even with this rivalry, both tennis legends, for almost two decades, have taken the sport forward and created high battle points for the upcoming tennis players.