There was never anything like it – Steve Flink on rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

The rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is considered to be among the best in the sport. Federer and Nadal played the biggest matches of their respective careers against one another. The rivalry came to an end when Roger Federer recently retired from professional tennis at the Laver Cup.

This time the Swiss maestro had his greatest rival and friend Nadal on his side out of the court as they had played against the American duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Nadal dominated the head-to-head against Roger Federer as he had a 24-16 lead. The duo played some of the greatest matches on the tour, including the 2008 Wimbledon final, which the Spaniard won.

Tennis presenter Steve Flink shed light on the rivalry and the mutual respect that Federer and Nadal shared for each other.

In an interview with Court-side with Beilinson Tennis podcast, Flink said, “There were some difficult moments inevitable like the 2006 Italian Open final where Roger felt like Toni Nadal was talking too much. But they got past those moments so easily and swiftly.”

“I think their respect for competing for the most prestigious prizes. When you play three straight French Open finals and those same years you are playing the Wimbledon finals, there was never anything like it. How can you not respect each other as each guy is good enough to reach the finals on the other guy’s surface. So i think in some ways it was cemented at that time, the immense mutual respect they have for each other” he stated.

On the other hand, Nadal was seen tearing up when Roger Federer could not hold his emotions in his farewell presentation.

“For me, has been a huge honor to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things,” Nadal said.

“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because of all the moments he has been next or in front of me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment,” he added.