September, 2008
The Federer-Nadal rivalry
Federer vs Nadal: it’s one of world sports’ fiercest face-offs. So, how come these two competitive stars refuse to hate each other? OMAR CHAUDHURI comments on their unusual – and inspiring – rivalry.
In the men's final of the French Open tennis championship, the world's number one Roger Federer meets the world's number two Rafael Nadal. The competition between these two men is as fierce as any other in professional sport. They keep having to fight each other for ultimate glory. But, they never treat each other as enemies. While other millionaire sportsmen and managers throw tantrums and insult each other, Federer and Nadal are perfect gentlemen, showing great respect for each other.
Federer, who was born in Switzerland, made his mark in 2001 when he was 19. He entered Wimbledon’s famous Centre Court and beat Pete Sampras, seventime Wimbledon champion. Federer burst into tears in front of the whole crowd, which gave the teenager a standing ovation. Federer never rested on his laurels. After climbing to the top of the world rankings, he still shook hands at the end of every match, rarely made a scene on court when he disagreed with the umpire or linesmen, and always made time for fans and the press (it helps that he can speak to them in three languages). He recognised that he was not only the best tennis player in the world, but also a role model.
Rafael Nadal, from Spain, began to make his name at Wimbledon in 2003, where at the age of 17 he was the youngest man in almost two decades to reach the third round. In 2005, he beat Mariano Puerta in the French Open Final. He won the title again in 2006 and this year – against Federer. After Nadal beat Federer in the 2006 French Open final, the Spaniard immediately praised his rival for such a good match. The translator probably wasn’t used to hearing such sportsmanship and mistranslated Nadal, making the crowd believe the new champion was praising himself! Poor Nadal was greeted with a chorus of boos.
In 2008, the younger Nadal finally dethroned Federer to become the world’s number one tennis player. The moment has been called the passing of an era and the arrival of a new generation. But one thing didn’t change. The two still treat each other with utmost respect.
We are used to seeing sportsmen and coaches show their egos. They trade verbal blows off the field, court or pitch. Yet, when time comes for them to deliver, they fail. Other athletes really should learn from Federer and Nadal. They’ve met more than 15 times without any sour incident. They save their aggression for the game, going all out to win each point. The crowds have witnessed only tennis of the highest order from these two outstanding talents.
In the men's final of the French Open tennis championship, the world's number one Roger Federer meets the world's number two Rafael Nadal. The competition between these two men is as fierce as any other in professional sport. They keep having to fight each other for ultimate glory. But, they never treat each other as enemies. While other millionaire sportsmen and managers throw tantrums and insult each other, Federer and Nadal are perfect gentlemen, showing great respect for each other.
Federer, who was born in Switzerland, made his mark in 2001 when he was 19. He entered Wimbledon’s famous Centre Court and beat Pete Sampras, seventime Wimbledon champion. Federer burst into tears in front of the whole crowd, which gave the teenager a standing ovation. Federer never rested on his laurels. After climbing to the top of the world rankings, he still shook hands at the end of every match, rarely made a scene on court when he disagreed with the umpire or linesmen, and always made time for fans and the press (it helps that he can speak to them in three languages). He recognised that he was not only the best tennis player in the world, but also a role model.
Rafael Nadal, from Spain, began to make his name at Wimbledon in 2003, where at the age of 17 he was the youngest man in almost two decades to reach the third round. In 2005, he beat Mariano Puerta in the French Open Final. He won the title again in 2006 and this year – against Federer. After Nadal beat Federer in the 2006 French Open final, the Spaniard immediately praised his rival for such a good match. The translator probably wasn’t used to hearing such sportsmanship and mistranslated Nadal, making the crowd believe the new champion was praising himself! Poor Nadal was greeted with a chorus of boos.
In 2008, the younger Nadal finally dethroned Federer to become the world’s number one tennis player. The moment has been called the passing of an era and the arrival of a new generation. But one thing didn’t change. The two still treat each other with utmost respect.
We are used to seeing sportsmen and coaches show their egos. They trade verbal blows off the field, court or pitch. Yet, when time comes for them to deliver, they fail. Other athletes really should learn from Federer and Nadal. They’ve met more than 15 times without any sour incident. They save their aggression for the game, going all out to win each point. The crowds have witnessed only tennis of the highest order from these two outstanding talents.