2011 Mutua Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer – Semi-final Preview
Once again it’s time to see tennis’ greatest rivalry in action, as the world number one, Rafael Nadal of Spain faces the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, in the semi-final of Mutua Madrid Open. All eyes are fixed on the clash of the
two biggest names in the tennis world, as they battle it out for a place in the final of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 1000 tournament. The contest will be played in the jam-packed arena at the Park Manzanares in Madrid, Spain on
Saturday evening, with winner getting a shot at the title.
The top ranked Spaniard had no real difficulty in taking down the unseeded Frenchman, Michael Llodra in the quarter-final matchup, defeating him comprehensively in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, to make an appearance in the semi-final.
On the other hand, Federer had to labour hard to beat the world number five, Robin Soderling of Sweden, in straight sets 7-6(2), 6-4, to meet his long time rival in the semis of the Madrid Open.
Federer and Nadal are considered to be the most competitive arch rivals in the history of the game. The two men have exhibited some epic encounters throughout the last seven years and their matches are always a treat to watch for
the tennis fans all over the world. They have battled 18 times in the finals of the ATP tournaments, including a record of seven Grand Slam finals. It is said that the professional tennis is at its best when these two men face each other.
Winner of16 Grand Slam titles, Federer had a lot of tough time competing against Nadal in the past few years. The Spaniard leads the all-time head-to-head series by 15-8 and he is the only player to have a substantial individual
lead over Federer. They two first met at Miami, way back in 2004; when Nadal shocked the tennis world by outplaying the then world number one Federer in straight sets.
Federer and Nadal have encountered each other 12 times on clay and the ‘Master of Clay’, Nadal, has been victorious 10 times. The Swiss defeated Nadal on the same venue, at Madrid, in 2009 and he is expecting to replicate the similar
feat this time round as well. Although his performances against the left-handed Spaniard on clay surface had not been much impressive, Federer is still reckoned to be the most difficult opponent to beat on any surface.
The world number one’s supremacy on the clay courts is on its peak, as he is running a 35-match winning streak, not losing a single contest since Roland Garros 2010. Prior to the Madrid Open, Nadal has won two consecutive clay-court
titles at Monte-Carlo and Barcelona last week. This surely give him a competitive advantage over the world number three and he will like to keep his winning momentum going in the semi-final of the Madrid Open.
With two ATP titles recently won and a 36-match winning streak on the red surface, Nadal appears to be the favourite for winning the match against the Swiss. However, anything can be expected from Federer and it won’t be an easy
task for the Spaniard to take him down.
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