Nadal Wins against Federer in the Australian Open – Men’s Single Finals

Rafael Nadal defeated Rogerer Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2

Roger Federer Vs. Rafael Nadal – Statistics

In 2004 March , Roger Federer, who had won two Grand Slams in the previous season at the age of 22 to become the World No. 1 , faced 17 years Rafael Nadal (ranked 36). The whole tennis world watched in shock as Nadal defeated Federer in straight sets. And a rivalry was born.

The Nadal-Federer rivalry has so far been scripted to a large degree by the surfaces on which the two players have met each other. Nadal has repeatedly denied Federer a Career Grand Slam by defeating him at the French Open every year from 2005–2008. But on other surfaces, Federer has been the more dominant player.

	FedEx	Rafa
Hard courts	3	2
Clay courts	1	9
Grass courts	2	1
Grand Slam Finals	2	4
Grand Slam Matches (all)	2	5
All Tennis Masters Series events	4	5
Tennis Masters Cup	2	0
All Finals	4	10
All Matches	6	12

Roger Federer Vs. Rafael Nadal- SWOT analysis

	FedEx	Rafa
Serve	Federer’s serve is one of his biggest strengths. His serve has been broken just twice and in four of his six matches he has not served a double fault.	Though Nadal has improved his serve tremendously, its not lethal. But its very directed and packed with a lot of spin
Groundstrokes	Federer’s forehand is one of the best in the world, though recently he is making a lot of errors.	Nadal is lefty and has a good topspin. His shots are very powerful. Nadal’s backhand is not the best either and he prefers to take shots to his forehand.
Net Play	Federer’s volleys has few equals. But he doesnot come on to the net very often lately.	For Nadals’s net play is not his natural style. He prefers his perch on the baseline. But he has improved a lot lately and tries to attack his opponent from the nets.
Strength/ Stamina	Both Federer and Nadal can play for more than 5 hours and still look fresh and energetic. However, Federer is 27 years now.	At 22 age is on his side. He seems to possess super human stamina.
Movement	Federer’s movements are effortless and he seems more like a ballerina on a tennis court. He is also amazingly quick and covers the court easily.	Nadal in big and strong but is amazingly quick and covers the court easily. No one can be sure even that even the best shot with perfect placement is out of Nadal’s reach.
Tactics	He has a lot of variety and is technically sound. His game has a lot of grace and each of his shot is well- thought of.	Nadal’s doesnot have as wide a selection of shots as Fedex. He depends more on his strength and topspin. However, his placements, esp on the baseline are awesome. He makes some of the most impossible shots possible.
Mental Strength	Federer is hunting for his 14th Grand Slam and wants to prove that he is still the best. This might affect his play. Somehow, esp after the Wimbledon 2008, Nadal has got inside Federer’s head. But Fedex is looking a lot more calm and composed this year.	Nadal has got the better of Federer last season. He is high on confidence and is also looking calm and collected.
Injuries	Federe has had comparatively less injuries compared to Nadal.	Nadal has had a lot more injuries in the last 5 years. His knees are strapped constantly, his left foot and ankel strapped, now even his fingers are strapped, he is only 22.
History	He has won the Australian Open 3 times already and is hunting for his 14th Grand Slam.	He is aiming for his first Australian Open.