Roger Federer savours rivalry with Rafael Nadal, says they are 'Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Tennis'

Sports has seen great rivalries in the past - Ali vs Frazier, Lauda vs Hunt, and of course Sampras vs Agassi. But, each of those tales has had a singular ending with one emerging the clear winner out of the duels. The Federer-Nadal saga though does not have that sickly sweet storyline. However, fierce friends off the court and formidable foes on it, it is their contrasting qualities that have enriched the rivalry. Federer, on the tenth anniversary of his historic loss to Nadal in Wimbledon, stated that their long-standing rivalry is similar to the one Messi and Ronaldo observe on the field. 

“As similar as we are, Rafa and myself, we’re still very different on many levels. I think it's pretty much the same for them. Obviously in football, it's different because you're only good as your team. The pitch is huge, with 11 of them running around. With us, we're a little more in control, let's be honest. I hope I can control it a bit better than they could,” added Federer.

“I think it remains a bit nerve-wracking in all honesty. It's a big deal. I mean, besides the history and the mythical place that it is, you cannot also practice on it,” said Federer.

“When you come out, there's a bit of uncertainty for both the players, from a very quiet week and site that we've seen this week, it's just packed everywhere. The entire atmosphere changes at Wimbledon, and you realize the eyes are on you. It's a massive honour,” he added.