Any sport you watch is more fascinating when the competition is fierce, and margins very little. The case of classic rivalries is what we are talking about. One such rivalry that we grew up watching, relishing, and savouring, is that of two tennis magicians - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.?
ATP
16 years since they first met, we haven't got enough. They have come a long way, the duo now has record 38 Grand Slams between them. Say no more. The two tennis greats met again in yesterday's semifinal at the Wimbledon, with Roger Federer triumphing 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. It was billed to be another historic clash between the two. And damn, it sure didn't disappoint. The two masters showed why they are arguably the best tennis players in the open era. The precision, control, vision, intensity, and fire - it was all there. We have seen it all, over the years, and boy, it was fun. Though Federer won, he will tell you it wasn't easy.?
Metro
The latest clash might also be the last time we see Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, competing against each other, and turning that court into greatness. We would love to see them more, and witness the artistry on display. Roger Federer is 37, though he is still going strong, he isn't getting any younger, with due respect. On the other hand, Nadal is five years his junior. The Spaniard still has lot of tennis left in him, if he stays fit. The day either one of them retires, tennis won't be the the same again. We won't have another classic like the 2008 Wimbledon final. The match that lasted 4 hours, 48 minutes, and gave Federer-Nadal rivalry a new dimension. They might be competitors, but their is mutual respect between the two. They make each other better, and they know it. We certainly hope its not the last time we see them on the court - making each other struggle for every point. We have been treated to a spectacle over the years, and we aren't ready to let go yet.?