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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The fans are missing Roger Federer at the SW 19 this year, and his greatest rival on the court, Rafael Nadal, too owned up missing the tennis legend. Roger Federer has been off the court for a while, and Rafa this year is on one of his best performing mode, clinching two of the four grand slam titles of the year.
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He is on the journey to clinch his third grass-court major at Wimbledon and here he misses his arch-rival and friend Roger Federer.
Rafael Nadal misses Roger Federer on the tennis circuit
There are some face-offs that tennis enthusiasts always look forward to. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s face-off is one of them. They have brought a good name as well as popularity to the sport. However, the Swiss Maestro has been off the court for a while because of his knee surgery. Rafa commented on the absence and the inevitability of that happening. He said, “It’s a negative thing, but that’s life. Time passes and the clock never stops. We need to get used to these things.”
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland embrace at the net after their mens singles semi-final match during Day thirteen of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 07, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Nadal further commented on his legendary rivalry with the Swiss player. He said, “Of course, my relationship with Roger has always been great, probably my biggest rival. It’s hard to describe everything we’ve shared on the track. I miss him on the circuit.” The H2H series of the players are in favor of the Spaniard, with a ratio of 16:24.
Furthermore, he added, “Tennis also misses him, the tournaments, the fans, everyone. Not just here at Wimbledon. Roger Federer is important in every tournament. He is missed at every tennis event.”
Will Federer be back at any grand slam this year?
The players have had a long history of one of the most iconic rivalries in the tennis realm. Rafael Nadal is on his quest to claim his 23rd grand slam title. On the other hand, Roger Federer has declared his comeback at the Laver Cup this year in September. Rafa will also be there.
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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe and teammate Roger Federer celebrate during the singles match between Stefanos Tsitsipas of Team Europe and Taylor Fritz of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Moreover, he will make his official return on the ATP tour in his home tournament at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. The Swiss Maestro came to the Wimbledon 2022 to celebrate the centenary of the center court.
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There is still uncertainty about his comeback at the grand slams. It can be either at this year’s US Open or next year’s Australian Open.
Written by
Edited by
Deepakshi Chaudhary