When legendary Boxing promoter Don King introduced Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ahead of Grapple in the Apple 2008

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2 years ago

Roger Federer congratulates Rafael nadal after losing to the Spaniard in the semifinals of the 2019 French Open. (Getty Images)

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are two of the greatest tennis players of all time. They have won a combined 42 Grand Slam titles.

Roger Federer recently announced that he will retire from professional tennis following the Laver Cup competition. Rafael Nadal, five years younger, is still going strong, having won the Australian Open and the French Open this season.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Thomas Enqvist, Vice Captain of Team Europe, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem of Team Europe celebrate during the singles match between Stefanos Tsitsipas of Team Europe and Taylor Fritz of Team World during Day One of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 20, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Back in 2008, Nike and legendary boxing promoter Don King introduced the two tennis greats ahead of the Grapple in the Apple, in his own indomitable way, in a press conference. Nadal and Federer were all set to play in the 2008 US Open and it was a great way to promote the last major tournament of the year.

The Spaniard was in sublime form having been crowned the new world No. 1. He ended Federer’s epic reign at the top of the rankings for 237 weeks. The Swiss superstar was the defending champion at the 2008 US Open.

How did Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fare at the 2008 US Open?

Unfortunately, we did not get another showdown between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows in 2008. The draw was such that they would have had to qualify for the finals in order to meet each other.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of Team Europe celebrate in the locker room after winning the Laver Cup during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup )

Roger Federer made it to Andy Murray ousted the final but Rafael Nadal in the semis in four sets. This was Murray’s first win against the southpaw in six attempts.

Federer comprehensively defeated Murray in the final in straight sets to win his fifth US Open title and 13th major title overall.

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Adreej Kumar Mitra