‘The Effort Is Immense’ – Roger Federer Reveals How He Got Fired Up After Rafael Nadal’s Inspiring Australian Open Victory

The rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is one of the best in the history of tennis. They have had many battles in the past, and always provided fans with immense joy. Despite their on-court rivalry, they have a great bond outside the court. In the past, they have always shown admiration for each other.

Recently, the Swiss player attended a photoshoot for Caminada Magazine, where he talked about Nadal’s incredible comeback at the Australian Open 2022 final.  

Roger Federer took inspiration from Rafael Nadal’s incredible comeback from the Australian Open 2022

In that interview, Roger Federer had a candid chat about many things. When asked about Nadal’s comeback at the Australian Open earlier this year after a long-term injury, the Swiss star talked very highly of the Spaniard. 

“Absolutely. It’s incredibly inspiring when someone comes back from massive health problems. Rafa and I talk on the phone from time to time, we talk a lot. I knew he wasn’t doing great, but when he still made it, I was really happy for him. The effort is immense. Today, just preparing for a match takes many hours,” Roger stated about Nadal. (Google Translate)

Read More: ‘A Player Living With an Injury’ – Rafael Nadal Describes His Physical State Ahead of His Historic 14th Title Hunt at French Open 2022

Earlier, when the Spaniard won his 21st Grand Slam title in Australia, Federer took to Instagram and congratulated Nadal for his incredible fighting spirit. Notably, Nadal was making his return to the Australian Open after going through a foot surgery.

Initially, nobody gave Nadal a chance of winning the tournament. However, he surprised everyone and won the tournament after beating the top seed Daniil Medvedev in an incredible final. 

The last match between the two greats

In their entire career, Nadal and Federer faced 40 times against each other and Nadal won 24 times. Although he has a better head-to-head record, Federer won seven of their last 10 meetings. 

The last meeting between the two also went in favor of the Swiss. In the 2019 Wimbledon semi-final Federer played Nadal for the last time where he beat the Spaniard in four sets. The match lasted more than three hours and had some incredible rallies and shots. In the end, Federer won that match by 7-6,1-6,6-3,6-4. 

Since then, they haven’t met in any tournament, as Federer has had his injury problems. Right now, Nadal is at the French Open, vying for his 14th Roland Garros title. And Federer is going through rehab after a knee surgery. Fans are hoping to see the two again on the grandest stage in the future. 

Will we see a Federer vs Nadal match again in Grand Slam tournaments? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: In pictures – Roger Federer spending some quality time with his family