Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have faced each other on the court 40 times throughout their decades-long career, each meeting more memorable than the last. When Federer played his last match in 2022, there was a river of tears, none more so than from his Spanish rival. But when did this iconic Fedal saga begin? The unofficial beginning came in 2005, with a young Nadal, all of 18 years old, challenging the undisputed World No.1.

The rivalry then truly took shape during 2006-2009, before which Federer was already an established star of the game. Rafa was still sparking up a storm as one of the most successful teenagers tennis had ever seen when he came face to face with his lifetime Swiss rival to be at the 2005 Miami Open. They’d only faced each other once before, and that iconic match-up from almost twenty years ago, still as hair-raising as ever, is bringing back memories of the good ol’ days for Federer.

Miami Open 2005 – The dawn of the Fedal era

Roger Federer, eventual king of the grass, vs. Rafael Nadal – the clay court champion to be. Miami Open 2005 was the first time these two faced each other in a final for the first time ever. Playing 5 sets, Nadal was dominating Federer by winning the first two sets in the biggest match of his career yet. But by the third set, the Swiss maestro had forced a tiebreak. It was only an upward journey for him from there, as took the fourth set, and then the fifth in a 2–6, 6–7(4), 7–6(5), 6–3, 6–1 win.

Looking back to two decades ago, Federer shared a post from Tennis TV detailing the highlights of the game to his Instagram story. “Feels like just yesterday” he wrote, adding a fun emoji with its tongue lolling out, tagging Rafa. Miami 2005 was the first trophy at that Masters 1000 event for Federer.

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It was the first of many finals, 8 of which would come at Grand Slams. Although Federer holds the win record at 24-16, Nadal was no one to be trifled with. In 2004, the Spaniard had announced himself to the world as a young upstart and defeated Federer in straight sets at the Miami Open. At the beginning of the 2005 version, things looked to be the same.

And then Federer rallied to victory two sets down. Enamored of the two legends, fans shared contrasting opinions on them. One thing in common every reaction has? The question of who is better remains unanswered.

The GOAT debate rages on between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Technically speaking, many favor Roger Federer for the smooth way he seemed to glide across the court. But technicalities aside, Rafael Nadal has equal support for his aggressive play and getting the most impossible of balls.

Stating a disbelief in the Swiss star, one fan commented on Tennis TV’s post, “How the hell did roger win that… down 2 sets and 4-1?” Well, he was the World No. 1!

Another, in clear support of Rafa, said, “If it were held under today’s format Nadal would have won. He won first two sets. Back then the final was best of 5.” It definitely would make for an interesting play today, especially since Federer has already beaten Nadal in the best-of-three format in 2017.

One fan pointed out the features of a long-haired Nadal, a rarity today, “Sleeveless Nadal was a machine.” He was indeed!

One reminisced on the good times, calling 2005 “The golden age of tennis 🎾 👌🏼 💛 ✨️” Although Nadal still has Djokovic to go up against, if one is counting legends.

Another pointed out how, “If Nadal had won this.. he’d have beaten Fed in Miami two straight years.” Maybe it would have changed the course of their future match-ups. Who knows?!

Although this debate will probably never reach a conclusion, who do you pick as the GOAT? Rafa or Federer?

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