When 17 Year Old Rafael Nadal And Mirka Cheered For Roger Federer Together

2004 was a very special year for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Not just for them, but for the entire tennis world. The arch-rivals who took tennis to the next level had their first collision that year. Both met at the Masters 1000 event in Miami where Nadal shocked the Swiss maestro who was on a killing streak.

Federer had already won the Australian Open as well as the Indian Wells Masters. However, Nadal showed the world that he was there to challenge Federer legacy. Interestingly, there’s another great “Fedal” moment of 2004 that very few people know about.

Know More – “We Have A Great Story Together” – Rafael Nadal On Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal was actually in the player’s box of Federer alongside Mirka at the Indian Wells. This happened in the quarter-finals that Roger won. Little did he know that the same 17-year-old was about to become the biggest thorn in his path for the coming years. How did Nadal reach Federer’s box before their first encounter? Let’s find out.

What was Rafael Nadal doing in the player’s box of Roger Federer? 

To understand this scenario, you’ll have to go back a little. Actually, their Miami Open encounter was not their overall first match. Rafa and Roger had collided in doubles competition at Indian Wells. In that match, the team of Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo defeated Roger Federer and Yves Allegro in three sets to reach the quarter-final.

An impressed Federer exchanged some nice words with Rafa at the net and the locker room. In fact, he invited Rafa to view his quarter-final bout against Argentine Juan Ignacio. A compliant Rafa took no time to agree.

Know More – WATCH: When Roger Federer Broke Down Into Tears After Heartbreaking Loss To Rafael Nadal

Thus, Nadal cheered Federer as the Swiss demolished his opponent 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and three minutes. The Swiss was so dominant that he won sixty per cent of the return points. Of course, Federer would go on to win the title by defeating Tim Henman.

It was like Rafa was taking notes. He was observing the best player in the world, a mantle he was about to challenge soon enough. Miami happened and the world knew that a new special player was on the horizon of tennis.