It has been a Federer-Nadal rivalry since the time Rafael Nadal stole the 2008 wimbeldon championship from Roger Federer. It was a very emotional moment indeed for both players, as Federer’s eyes watery with tears, after loosing that five set heartstopping battle against tennis rival Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 thus resulting in the beginning of the end of the great champion Roger Federer who is supposedly the king of grass court tennis winning in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. That’s 5 wimbeldon championships in a row.

We all jumped to conclusion that the great Roger Federer is starting to loose his grip on his forehand stroke which is his formidable weapon so to speak. But were we too hasty in judging him after his wimbeldon championship defeat against the hungry Rafael Nadal, who with sheer power, determination and adrenaline flowing through his vains out muscled Federer making Nadal capture the wimbeldon title for the first time ever in his career? The king of clay is now the king of grass too. Is he? As for Roger Federer, who after loosing wimbeldon in 2008 begun a downhill tennis season, seemed to have lost his drive to win and talks were floating around saying it is the beginning of the end for the tennis master. One championship loss is not enough to conclude that he is done with winning. But his results in 2009 prove to be the point of what we are talking about here. He has yet to win a title in 2009. He is number two (2) in the world and may well be for a while which brings me to his win this month of May against his biggest rival Rafael Nadal who lost in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in this years 2009 Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open in Spain on clay at Nadals home court.

No one expected this. Roger Federer won by pure determination. A lot was at stake. The Great Rafa lost at his native spain on his native court against a player whom they believed could not win over Nadal especially on clay. Lucky guy Roger. Call it luck, it counts in any sporting event. But Federer’s win over Nadal in Spain does not mean he can beat Nadal on a five set match this coming july at the French Open. Federer played a 3 set match and won it in two straight sets. This is a statement in itself. It shows the man is still fit, competitive, and eager to redeem him self once more. Such presssure is putting extreme load on his reputation and integrity as a man, as an athlete and as an ambasador to the sport. Carrying this load can be a burden which may affect his game. But he is an expert when it comes to pressure. We love the swiss man for his humble and gentlemanly manner on and off-court. But what about his biggest opponent, Rafael Nadal who is younger, eager, and seems to be getting stronger after every event he plays. Let’s face it, Rafael Nadal is expected to win the French Open. He will be seeded number one at the event. But let’s not forget he is only human and can’t always win. Luck was not on Nadal’s favor in his match in Spain against Federer and because he lost in spain on clay makes Roger Federer take his sweet revenge proving he still has it when he feels like it.

This increases his confidence making him think he can beat Nadal on clay which he did. It seems like you got to push this Federer up against the wall to bring out the best of him. Nadal is defenitely a stronger player, more stamina, and is out there to prove he is the best while federer is out there to prove he was the best. Only the French Open Results will reveal the truth about this rivalry and put an end to the greatest tennis rivalry of the year. Roger is still a formidable opponent but against a new and rising star such as Rafael Nadal, clay is still his favorite toy. Federer want’s to do to to Nadal on clay what Nadal did to him on grass. Let’s see them when it’s about time to mow the lawn once again this july at wimbeldon. Redemption at wimbeldon. But this year’s French Open may still be his majesty’s King Nadal of Clay. Roger has to produce outstanding performance in order for him to over throw the King out of his throne.