TENNIS
‘They can’t see Djokovic’s growth’ – Fans react as Rafael Nadal opens up about his rivalry with Federer and Novak Djokovic
Tennis icon Rafael Nadal recently provided insights into the dynamics of his renowned rivalry with Roger Federer. He also shed light on why it has garnered more attention than his matchups with Novak Djokovic. In a candid response to a question, Nadal articulated the various factors contributing to the elevated status of the Federer-Nadal rivalry.
Addressing the question of why there is more discourse around his battles with Roger Federer compared to clashes with Novak Djokovic, despite the latter being the player with the most Grand Slam titles in history, Nadal acknowledged the uniqueness of each rivalry. While he refrained from delving into certain factors, citing them as difficult for him to comment on, he elaborated on the tennis-specific elements.
Nadal emphasised the stark contrasts in playing styles that defined his matchups with Federer. Describing Federer as the epitome of perfection in terms of aesthetics, elegance, and technique, Nadal acknowledged his strong technique but highlighted the distinction between technique and aesthetics. According to Nadal, Federer’s game was not just technically proficient but also showcased a beautiful and elegant style of play.
He said, “There are several factors. Some I won’t tell you because it’s difficult for me; it’s not my place to comment on them. But in terms of tennis, it’s clear. It’s a combination of very radical styles. Roger was perfection in terms of aesthetics, elegance, and technique. I have very good technique, but technique is not the same as aesthetics. They are two different things. He had incredible technique, doing things beautifully with impressive elegance.”
“There was a unique combination of personalities,” says Rafael Nadal
Further explaining his comments Rafael Nadal spoke about his arrival. “When I arrived, he was the number one in the world, and a rival with long hair and an exuberant physique emerged. Elegance against a warrior. There was a unique combination of personalities and styles, and that, combined with playing many matches on the most important stages, turned our rivalry into something that transcended more than any other match”, Nadal said.
Nadal’s remarks underscored the rich narrative that unfolded on the court, making the Federer-Nadal encounters more than just Tennis matches. The clash of personalities, playing styles, and the significance of their battles on grand stages all contributed to the transcendent nature of their rivalry, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. As Nadal gears up for his comeback, fans can anticipate more enthralling moments on the court, fueled by the essence of his historic rivalries.
Here is how fans react to Rafael Nadal’s comments:
In 50 years aesthetics will be forgotten, rivalries will be forgotten, numbers won't be
— Andres Petrov (@SnookerForce) January 1, 2024
I didn't understand why people were so much more enthusiastic on Borg v McEnroe and didn't praise Sampras as much even though the numbers were so clear.
Borg v McEnroe captured the people, and that's what made them great.
— Sneering (@potatomakehappy) January 1, 2024
I’m a huge Fedal stan, and I disagree with Rafa here.
Prior to Novak, the Fedal rivalry was unprecedented on the men’s side. When the Rafa/Novak rivalry happened, it had a precedent: the Fedal rivalry
— 🇺🇦🇮🇱 Steven Walk (@realStevenWalk) January 1, 2024
It makes a lot of difference when reading the full q&a instead of selected portion/answer alone. When I read this q&a (assuming this is the correct version), it’s a genuine response and not degrading anyone.
— nars (@gnarayanan01) January 1, 2024
THIS feeds Novak… Zato vas jebe i jebace vas
— Miro (@t0fz_) January 1, 2024
That is a perfect elegant way to explain all that.
— 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙇 (@Salle7De) January 1, 2024
Wonderful
— MAKANAKINORTH👑 (@Deminyofficiall) January 1, 2024
Rafael, Djokovic was thrashing you left, right and center for the last 15 years, so of course is difficult for you to talk about that rivalry.
— Spaghetti_UTD (@Spaghetti700) January 1, 2024
Then Novak came along and destroyed their legacies 🤣
— Gio (@gio_17x) January 1, 2024
I bet it's not about aesthetics or elegance.
It's clearly about the fact that Novak came in the worst possible time for fedal and their fans and started trashing them left right and center
An ambitious boy from a small Serbia came and started conquering.That's what hurt them
— G.o.a.t (@Vuk135) January 1, 2024
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WATCH: Andy Rublev gets ‘defaulted’ for his argument with line referee against Alexander Bublik in ATP 500 Tour
Andy Rublev was ‘defaulted’ by the officials for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the semifinal of the ATP 500 tour in Dubai. In the semifinal of the tournament against his childhood friend Alexander Bublik, Rublev was seen frustrated at the lime umpires. In fact, Bublik himself was frustrated at times at the referees. Given the intense nature of the match, both yelled at the officials.
The Russian then had an argument with the line referee after yelling. It led to him getting defaulted. One of the officials who knew Russian claimed Rublev had used foul language against the line referee. However, Rublev denied using any such slang. The Russian official claimed that the Australian Open 2024 winner called him ‘F***ing moron’. The fans are not too happy with the officials.
Watch the video of the incident here –
Andrey Rublev fue DESCALIFICADO en el ATP 500 de Dubai tras gritarle en la cara a un juez de línea.
Perderá todos los puntos de la semana y el prize money ganado.pic.twitter.com/9kCY5PQQCe
— Set Tenis (@settenisok) March 1, 2024
Rublev was ready to continue playing. However, the officials found Rublev not worthy to continue the match. It denied the fans of a thrilling end to the semifinal game. The scoreline was 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5 when the incident happened. If not for getting defaulted, the fans believed that it could have had a great finish which they hoped for. The incident had a mixed opinion.
Andy Rublev to be penalized
While some believed that getting ‘defaulted’ was the right call from the officials, many believed that the Russians did not deserve to get defaulted, as it was a big punishment for an ‘unproven incident’. Fans were of the opinion that giving a warning to the 26-year-old would have been a better option. Regardless of this, the Australian Open 2024 winner will be penalized for his act.
While Rublev reached the semifinal of the event and confirmed a lot of prize money in the process, he would not get anything from the tournament. For getting defaulted, Rublev will not get the prize money and will lose his world rankings from the event. Daniil Medvedev and Humbert will face each other in the semis. The winner of the match will take on Bublik in the final.
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