Nadal has been the only player to beat Federer in Grand Slam finals. Federer has played in 20 finals, winning 15 of them, and losing to Nadal in the other five. The Spanish player has appeared in 8 Grand Slam finals, winning 6, and losing to Federer in the other 2.
I believe head-to-head records are not so important as trophies won. With a record 15 Grand Slams, Federer is undoubtedly the best at this moment in time, and there's nothing Nadal can do about it. Beating Federer in a few finals doesn't make Nadal better than him. In football, some of the top teams tend to struggle against the same lower opposition each season. That doesn't mean that the likes of West Ham or Bolton are better than Manchester United. In football, success is measured over the entire course of a season, culminating with the lifting of trophies. And so it goes in tennis. Federer's 15 major titles show just how far ahead he is of everyone, and I'm 100% sure that Rafael Nadal himself would be the first to acknowledge that fact. They have a deep respect for each other and their respective achievements.
For me there is no debate. I don't think Nadal will be able to reach double figures in Grand Slams because of his dodgy knees. What do you think? Nadal is like an itch on Federer's back, irritating, but gone when you find the right tool to eradicate it. Feel free to leave your thoughts...
I agree with u...nadal wont reach the double figures!
ReplyDeleteWithout wanting to sound like I'm attacking your choice of teams Duncan but you state in your profile: "Growing up supporting Manchester United, and later Roger Federer, I have gone through pretty much the tensest of atmospheres and experienced the deepest heartbreaks and the most overwhelming victories." I don't see how you can ever appriciate the highs without ever tasting the true lows. Manchester United's lows generally centre around finishing second in a league or a cup. Federer's lows are generally based on him being injured and not being able to win anything because of it.
ReplyDeleteYou have an easy life, try supporting someone or some team that are simply average, the elation of them winning feels magnificant instead of simply being happy at the same person / team as always winning again!!
Thanks for the comment. I guess you're right, but I could also turn it around and say that when you are used to frequently losing it doesn't feel so bad, it's just another loss and we will try again next time, rather like supporting champions we generally expect them to win and don't see it as a big deal when they do. But when that champion loses, it's like a dagger to the heart. When Federer lost that Australian Open final earlier this year, I cried with him, because it hurt so bad. There was real pain in that defeat. But at the same time, it was eased somewhat by the identity of the victor in Nadal. He was a worthy winner and deserved it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I cannot for example, appreciate how Newcastle United supporters must be feeling after relegation from the Premiership. That, I will admittedly, never know.
Thanks for the feedback, Mark.