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What is the head-to-head record in the Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal rivalry?

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Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal rivalry started way back in 2004 Miami Open

The Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal rivalry is one of the most celebrated and anticipated sporting events in the world.

The two goliaths of tennis, who have built a legacy for themselves individually, are also known for their battles on the court over the years. Despite being in their thirties, the two are still going strong and remain top players in the circuit.

The Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal rivalry is one of the best the game of tennis has ever witnessed. (Getty Images)

Federer and Nadal have faced each other 40 times in their career, with the Spaniard leading the Swiss 24-16 in head-to-head challenges. The duo last played against one another in the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships, where Federer emerged the ultimate winner.

Federer, beat his younger opponent Nadal 7-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to cruise into the finals.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer engage in a conversation during last year’s Laver Cup. (Getty Images)

In their first-ever meeting back in the 2004 Miami Open, a 17-year-old Nadal stunned the world when he defeated the then-World No.1 Federer 6-3, 6-3 to set off one of the greatest sporting rivalries the game has witnessed.

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal rivalry in numbers

Out of the 40 times, they have played each other, 20 of them have been on hard court. 16 matches have been on clay, and 4 on grass respectively.

Federer leads on indoor hard courts 5-1 and grass courts 3–1, while Nadal leads 14–2 on clay and 8–6 on outdoor hard courts.

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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during an exhibition game (Getty)

The Spanish star is also ahead of Federer in their head-to-head meetings in the finals, with a 14-10 lead to his name.

20-time Major winner Federer, who leads Nadal in the number of Grand Slam singles titles, however, is behind the Spaniard in their head-to-head encounters in the Grand Slams.

Nadal has a dominating 10-4 lead against Federer in the Majors. He has surpassed the Swiss ace 6–0 at the French Open and 3–1 at the Australian Open, while Federer leads 3–1 at the Wimbledon Championships. Surprisingly, the two tennis stalwarts are yet to face each other at the US Open.

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

One of the notable matches that bring back memories of the rivalry between the two is the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, which Nadal won after 4 hours and 48 minutes of gruelling tennis action.

Few notable encounters

A few notable encounters other than the 2008 Wimbledon Championships include the 2006 Rome ATP Masters final, the 2007 Wimbledon final, the 2009 Australian Open final, and the 2017 Australian Open final respectively.

Nadal alongside Roger Federer after winning the 2009 Australian Open title. (Getty Images)

All these matches were five-set thrillers, which took both the tennis superstars to their limits, offering tennis fans across the globe one of the finest rivalries the game has ever produced. Out of these five-setters, Nadal has a slight 3-2 edge over Federer.

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