Courtside Chat
On Miami: Beginning of the Federer-Nadal Rivalry
Having won his first hard court grand slam in Melbourne, Roger Federer’s has sat at the top of the rankings for about a month. He presently finds himself in the third round of the 2004 NASDAQ-100 Open, staring across the net, waiting to return the tennis ball. He is a set and a break down and his opponent has two match points. His opponent: 17 yr. old Spaniard Rafael Nadal. Rafa, seeded 32nd, tosses the ball to serve but hits it into the net. All Roger needs is one chance. The second serve is returned easily, beginning a continuous baseline exchange: Nadal’s heavy left-handed forehand to Federer’s one-handed backhand until it is just too much. Nadal whips a forehand pushing Federer out of court and giving himself enough time to put away a perfect overhead smash. He immediately reacts with a jumping fist pump.
Rafael Nadal played perfect tennis and became one of six guys to beat Roger Federer in 2004.
Key Biscayne, Florida: 2005 NASDAQ-100 Open
N0. 1 Roger Federer is on top of the tennis world. He has lost only one match since the US Open 2004 — against Marat Safin in the semifinal of the Australian Open this year. In this time, he has won seven titles and lost only 14 sets in all 48 of his matches thus far. In fact, he has won 17 straight finals, four of which are grand slam titles, and this itself is a record in the Open Era. He finds himself against a familiar opponent: 18 year old, 29th seed, Rafael Nadal.
Two months ago, Rafa almost defeated Australian Open runner up Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round, pushing him to five sets. The previous year, he suffered an ankle injury that took him out of the clay court season but in December 2004, Rafa helped secure the Davis Cup for Spain against the United States by defeating Andy Roddick. His 15 match win streak has led him to his first ATP Masters 1000 final against the man he defeated a year ago.
Both sponsored by Nike, Rafa’s sleeveless orange shirt and long white shorts is quite the contrast to Roger’s red shirt with black shorts. As the players warm up, it is worthwhile to discuss the younger player. While many of his peers, like mentor Carlos Moya, predict Rafa to be a future champion, Rafa himself believes he does not have what it takes to be a grand slam champion. While his ankle injury prevented him from the clay court season last year, many recognize Rafa as a clay court specialist. Thus, regardless of the result today, he will be a favorite at Roland Garros.
Rafa heads over to his bench and takes a sip of his first water bottle and positions it perfectly below him. He takes a sip from his second water bottle and places it under his chair. He grabs a single towel and walks over to the baseline, tossing the towel to the ball boy, ready to receive serve.
Ready? Play.
The audience is silent. Planes fly over the green court. Roger Federer begins this first game with a second serve, triggering a baseline exchange, and ending with his own ball into the net. As he stated in his pregame interview, it is difficult to adjust to a left-handed player’s game, especially someone who plays with so much spin and aggression. Roger Federer is already down a break point. He tries to avoid his opponent’s dangerous forehand but Rafa’s quick movement and footwork allows him to run around the ball to hit a huge forehand that eventually forces an error, giving him an early break.
At his age, Rafa is the youngest finalist in 21 years at this tournament. He quickly holds his serve despite making a few errors of his own. He isn’t holding anything back, treating each point like game point. His coach, Uncle Toni, told him to hit big and he certainly is following the game plan. While Federer manages to hold his next game and get on the board, he just cannot find his rhythm on Nadal’s serve.
1–3, 30–30. Federer tries to serve and volley but makes an error at the net, giving Nadal another break point. He manages to bring it back to deuce but the following point is something extraordinary: a beautiful, cross-court forehand. A shot that would normally head towards a player’s backhand. A shot that bounces perfectly into Rafa’s forehand as he whips the tennis ball down the line to give himself another break point. There is no panic. Federer serves and volleys until he cuts the angle to a shot just enough, making it difficult to run down. Deuce. He does this again. Advantage-Federer. He does it again and he successfully holds. Perhaps he has found a strategy for his own game but now he must solve another problem: breaking Rafael Nadal.
Federer is beginning to recognize Nadal’s position far behind the baseline and tries to win a few points at the net. 40–15. Double Fault. 40–30. Forehand into the net. Deuce. Can Federer level this? A baseline exchange at the net. A forehand hit long. Advantage-Nadal. Another baseline exchange. Federer quickly moves towards the net but his volley hits the net. A lost opportunity.
Immediately after, Federer finds himself down two break points as Nadal hits a cross-court backhand past him at the net. He cannot do anything about it as he hits his second double fault in the game. Suddenly, Rafael Nadal is serving for the first set and he gets it. Easily.
6–2
This match is just beginning. A set down does not dictate the end result in a match that is best 3 of 5 sets. Roger Federer serves in the opening game of the second set. It starts very similar to the first set as Rafa continues his aggressive play, earning him a break point. Forehand dumped into the net. Deuce. Second serve triggers a backhand return and a familiar exchange commences: Federer’s backhand to Nadal’s forehand. This time, Roger tries to cut it short as he positions himself at the net but Rafa responds quickly, catching his opponent moving in the opposite direction, and hits a backhand passing shot down the line. Advantage-Nadal. A much needed first serve down the line sets up an immediate winner, aka the 1–2 punch. Deuce. Second serve triggers another rally but ends unfavorably for Federer as he hits his shot just long. Advantage-Nadal. Third break point. Second serve into Nadal’s forehand forces an error from Federer, who had just moved to the net. He did say, it would take him a set and a break to get used to Nadal’s style but at the present moment, he is lost.
There is some chatter that Federer’s lack of elegant movement is due to blisters on his feet. Despite these injuries, he wins two points against serve, the second of which is a 90+ mph forehand winner down the line. However, Nadal quickly comes back to level it 30–30. This time there is a bit of a role reversal. Nadal tries to come into the net but Federer whips a cross-court backhand passed him to get his first break point and he does not waste it, hitting a forehand down the line.
1–1. This time, Federer does not take any chances. Finally finding his rhythm, he quickly holds. 2–1. It is Nadal’s turn, who was previously up 40–15, to deal with a deuce game. Federer cuts the ball short at the net with a backhand volley. Advantage-Federer. Error from Nadal. 3–1. There is a sudden momentum shift. Roger has won the last 11 of 14 points. Removing the taping that previously treated his blisters has helped his movement. Federer continues to dominate as he quickly soars through the game with two aces. 4–1. How will Rafael Nadal respond?
When in doubt, trust the original game plan: every point is important and play aggressive. With an hour gone, the scoreboard reads 4–2. Now, for the real question, can Nadal elevate his game to break Federer again? It seems unlikely as Federer quickly holds and brings the score to 5–2.
Things look grim. During the changeover, the trainer treated Nadal’s blistered left index finger. Current score: 0–30. He quickly responds with a winner past Federer. A huge mishit return of the second serve. 30–30. After another error from Federer, Nadal finds himself in an atypical duel: Federer’s forehand to his backhand. Federer quickly makes his way to the net. Nadal has a chance to hit a backhand passing shot but chooses to hit it straight back to his opponent. The response is a quick forehand volley down the line. Deuce. Another beautiful rally catches Nadal on the run. Federer has all the time and space he needs to get set point but he completely misses the overhead smash. He does not return the following point. Nadal holds.
5–3. Federer has the chance to even this match and he gets a quick lead. This time, he successfully hits the overhead smash. 30–0. However, Nadal, unfazed, hits a cross-court backhand shot passed his opponent at the net. Despite the unsuccessful attempt at the net, Federer quickly moves to it again after he hits his serve only to over hit his shot. He screams in frustration. 30–30. He takes an extra moment as Nadal anticipates his serve. The next points are important for both. Nadal creates an extreme angle with his backhand to catch Federer on the run with his forehand and this sets up Nadal’s cross-court forehand winner. With a fist pump, he now has break point and the chance to continue this second set and he takes his opportunity immediately. With a huge grunt, he hits a return forehand winner down the line in response to Roger’s second serve and gives Uncle Toni a reason to smile.
After giving himself the chance to level the score, Nadal begins his next service game down 0–30. Federer hits his next return into the net but the following point really upsets the Spaniard as he disagrees with the chair umpire’s out call on his possible winner. This gives Federer two set points. Although he takes his anger out on his first serve and begins play with his second, Nadal does not lose the next point because his opponent, who has moved to the net, hits his volley directly into it. One set point saved. Not holding anything back, Nadal grunts loudly and swings freely, hitting powerful forehand shots to move his opponent around the court and draw the error. Second set point saved. Deuce. He keeps the momentum going and seals the game with a backhand winner. The set is level: 5–5.
Roger Federer must stay composed. He quickly holds serve but the level of intensity in his game has dropped considerably. The teenager must hold his serve to send this set to a tiebreak and he does so quickly.
Tiebreak. Federer serves first and a rally exchange ends in an over hit shot to give Nadal an early lead. He quickly earns the next two points due to a return error from his opponent and unleashing all his power into a forehand winner. Federer recovers two points on his serve as a result of errors from the Spaniard. Afterwards, an extended rally ends with a superb backhand winner down the line from Nadal. The players exchange ends. Again, Nadal unleashes a forehand into the corner of the court to extend his lead. Another sloppy error gives the teenager four set points. Ace. One set point saved. A huge forehand angle that draws the error at the net. Second set point saved. However, third time is charm as Nadal hits fearlessly and Federer’s hits the net. With a fist pump, Rafael Nadal has a two set lead to the world number one.
6–2, 7–6(7–4)
The teenager starts the third set and his momentum has not dropped. He quickly seals his first game with an ace and has now one 23 of 24 sets in this entire tournament. The Swiss maestro responds with his own style, playing quick points at the net to level it. However, he cannot respond on his opponent’s serve and continues to make errors at the net. Nadal makes quick work to give himself two break points with a huge 90 mph forehand winner. He only needs one as he runs to the net with a backhand cross-court winner past Roger at the net. He now serves with a 3–1 lead. He gives himself two game points but double faults on the first and Federer pressures his game with a winner. Deuce. Federer quickly takes this opportunity to give himself another break point and hits a huge return shot, forcing the Spaniard on the defense. His following forehand is hit long. Deuce. This time Nadal wins the next two points, giving himself a lead of 4–1.
The big moments continue to evade the top ranked player. Energy level dropped. Disappointment clear on his face. Even though he holds his game, there is no enthusiasm and every error increases his frustration. His opponent continues to battle for every point.
However, Nadal commits a few errors, giving away two break points. This time, Federer breaks back when Nadal’s forehand hits the net. He must now hold his game to level this set but finds himself down. Roger Federer’s next shot is clearly out, even shown by a new instant replay system called Hawk-Eye. However, the umpire agrees that the point is in. Rafael Nadal is livid with the chair umpire. He loses the next point despite recovering from a slip but then wins the next point with an exquisite drop shot. Deuce. Federer eventually seals it with an ace and it is even at 4–4.
Nadal’s sloppy footwork gives away a break point. First serve missed. Second serve ace. “VAMOS!” Deuce. He quickly holds his game due to bad mishits from Roger Federer. Nadal pounds his chest as he moves to his chair. The winner of the Stefen Edberg Sportsmanship Award slams his racket to the ground. He now serves to stay in the match. Immediately, Nadal takes advantage of Roger’s position at the net to hit a winner. Federer responds with a beautiful wide serve. His opponent makes another error but then, Federer hits his first double fault. He puts away an overhead smash and holds the game with an ace, straight into the corner of the box. The game is still level at 5–5.
Federer’s mood continues to sour as he hits more errors and the Spaniard quickly holds his game with a backhand winner past the Federer, who again sits at the net. Federer must hold this game to stay in the match. His opponent continues to battle with each point but for the first time, Federer hits a 90 mph forehand winner that triggers a fist pump. However, he follows this with another double fault. Inevitably, he sends the set to a tiebreak with an ace.
Tiebreak. Nadal begins with a strong serve. His opponent, on the other hand, hits his 6th double fault. Federer hits a strong second serve and puts away a forehand winner at the net. He breaks back with a nonreturnable forehand but cannot repeat this on the next point. A shank from Nadal into the sky levels the score. Exchange of ends. Federer looks to the sky as he overcooks his forehand on his serve, giving away another mini-break. Two baseline rallies draw an error from each person. A huge forehand that skids off the line levels the tiebreak. Federer follows this by putting away a huge overhead smash and finally, he has set point. Nadal hits a softer second serve and begins the baseline exchange. This time, he over hits his shot and Roger Federer gets the third set with a huge fist pump.
6–2, 7–6(7–4), 6–7(5–7)
The fourth set begins with a convincing hold from the world number one but his frustrations continue with more errors on the teenager’s serve. 2–1. Federer gains an opportunity to break and an error from Rafael gives it to him. Since the last tiebreak, his energy and momentum has dropped quite a bit but still nothing compared to Federer, who has negative body language and agitated screams, especially as he hits another double fault. Regardless, Federer holds his game to gain control of the fourth set at 4–1. Nadal maintains his composure and focus as he holds his next game with more winners.
Past the 3 hour mark, Nadal must hold off Federer who serves for a chance to extend this match. Federer begins his defense down 0–15 but quickly responds with a forehand winner and a overhead smash. Rafa’s next return shot goes straight to the net to give Roger two set points. His wide serve sets him up with a forehand winner into the open court. He takes the fourth set but it is clear Roger Federer’s level has not risen but rather, Rafael Nadal’s level has fallen. Can either player find a way to rise to the occasion?
6–2, 7–6(7–4), 6–7(5–7), 3–6
Rafael Nadal has not played many five set matches but serves first in this one. Both players’ game are a bit sloppy but Nadal pulls through to hold his game. Federer continues to quickly runs to a quick 40–0 lead but makes a few errors, including letting the teenager pass him at the net. Deuce. Federer quickly diffuses the situation and it is level.
Nadal’s movement is slowing down in this service game. Federer comes out of a rally with a 97 mph forehand winner. Another unforced error from Federer on a break point chance. Another at the net. Advantage-Nadal. Nadal’s hard work to force these errors is undone with an error of his own. Deuce. Double fault. Advantage-Federer. Nadal tries his luck at the net but this time, it is Federer’s turn to pass him down the line and he gets the break.
Federer quickly goes through his service game with two aces and a few gifts from Nadal, who has not been hitting with the same grace as he started. He consolidates his break for a 3–1 lead and Nadal must now find a way to hold his game. He hits some great winners but his errors are starting to rise, giving Federer two more break points. He only needs one chance as Nadal’s running cross court forehand just misses the corner.
4–1. Federer is not playing his usual spectacular tennis, making uncharacteristic errors, but now his opponent has lost all his adrenaline: physical and emotional. 5–1. It seems like a lifetime ago that Nadal was two points away from a straight set win against the world number one. Now, Rafael Nadal is serving to prolong the championship from Federer and it does not start well because he gives his opponent three chances. Federer nets the first return. Second championship point. A rally sets Nadal up to put away a backhand, but he nets the shot. It took 3 hours and 42 minutes, over 70 unforced errors, but Roger Federer comes back from two sets down. He now extends his record to 18 straight final victories.
Game. Set. Match. Roger Federer.
2–6, 6–7(4–7), 7–6(7–5), 6–3, 6–1
Rafael Nadal might have lost in his first Masters 1000 final but he would go on to dominate the European clay court season, winning twenty four consecutive matches. Three titles (Barcelona, Monte Carlo, and Rome) push him into the top ten. On his 19th birthday, he records another win against Federer, this time in the semi-finals of Roland Garros and a few days later, he would win the grand slam tournament on his first attempt. By the end of 2005, Rafael Nadal has won SEVENTY NINE matches and lost TEN. He is now ranked no. 2 in the world, behind who else but Roger Federer.
Roger Federer would go on to defend his Wimbledon for his third consecutive title and earn his second US Open title. Ninety Five Percent. That is his win record for 2005, losing only 4 of his 85 matches. One of those losses coming against him in Paris, from Rafael Nadal. This is only the beginning of a beautiful rivalry.
Courtside chat is a special segment on ‘The Tennis Notebook’. This feature will focus on great tennis rivalries and unforgettable matches. We hope to bring to life some of our favorites for new tennis fans as well as allow old ones to reminisce of the past. While I stuck to a more traditional style this time, I am hoping to explore different perspectives for different matches. If you are interested in contributing or have certain requests, please let me know either by commenting or messaging me on twitter! —Nikita
