“Fedal”: Thus the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, one of the most iconic in the history of sport was born

So many seasons, tournaments, matches and memorable points have passed that it really costs to go back in time to have in the mind What was the first game between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. AM850 Tennis He returns to the moment in which one of the most iconic rivalries of all time was born, where not many would imagine at that time the magnitude they would achieve over time.

On the one hand Innate elegance and talent that everyone admired for years and that today is surprised more than ever. Of the other, the claw, the spirit of struggle and self -esteem for being the best in its own. It was in that one Miami Masters 1000 edition in which the faces were seen for the first time, for the third round of the American tournament. Thus the famous was born ‘Fedal’.

At that time, The 22 -year -old Swiss was already No. 1 of the world and had 14 titles, including two Grand Slam. The Spanishfor his part, he had already managed to get into the top 50, although he was still far from the first flat: At 17 and with a face of a teenager who betrayed him, it was No. 34 of the circuit and had no titles. In fact, The first one would arrive almost five months laterin Sopot.

To put in context, Both were preclassified in Miami 2004. Federer in his second round debut beat Nikolay Davydenko in three sets, while Nadal surpassed Goran Ivanisevic almost effortlessly, since Croatian retired after having lost the first set 6-4.

That Thursday, March 28, 2004, Federer and Nadal had each other in front of each other for the first time in history. AND The battle was won by a double solid 6-3. Was it surprise? And, a little yes. ‘His Majesty’ was in his prime, But the Manacorí was already giving indications of what he was capable of.

“I was worried if I earned 6-1, 6-1 or 6-1, 6-2but I wanted to play this game against the world number one, ”he confessed at that time the Balearic

Since then They starred in a total of 40 chapters of the highest level in every corner of the worldwith situations that will remain forever in the fan retinal. From the battle of the surfaces, his first duel in Indian Wells, the Grand Slam finals and much more.

By work of destiny and possibly without knowing it, One day they played their last game with each other. It was in the Wimbledon 2019 semis, with Victoria for Roger in four sets. AND With Federer’s retreat, the history was consolidated in favor of Nadal for 24 to 16. Unless it is in an exhibition, seeing them on a professional court again does not seem to be feasible, although The legacy they left will continue to cross decades and decades.