Roger Federer’s excitement still fuelled by Rafa rivalry
World number one Rafael Nadal who lost the title battle of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday at the hands of Swiss tennis Maestro, Roger Federer in three sets, when asked to point out the defining moments of his year
took some time to explain.
The outstandingly modest Rafa could be excused some self-indulgence, however, as it has been quite a season. A total of three major crowns, an undefeated stretch on the clay court and the season end number one spot was of course
worth talking about.
The sixteen time Grand Slam champion, who got the better of Rafael Nadal to capture the ATP World Tour Final for the fifth occasion with a show of force, on the other hand, explained Rafa’s year as one any contender could only
dream of.
The good news then, is that as one season concludes and both of them snatch a couple of weeks of relaxation, the two top players can relishing the continuation of their legendary rivalry in 2011 after facing each other only on
two occasions in the last twelve months.
The Swiss tennis maestro has ended the year like an express train and, at 29; his passion for tennis still stays undimmed.
Rafa also seems delighted that the player he respectfully claims the "best ever" is all set to challenge him for the Grand Slam honours in 2011.
While Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will continue to strive to close the gap, men's tennis requires Nadal and Federer on all cylinders next year.
"I think tennis, the men's game, is at an absolute high right now. There are lots of exciting matches and lots of respect. Also I think having had me and Rafa both make the career grand slam already at a young age I think is great
for the game. We are obviously playing not only for ourselves and beating the other guys, but also for history. I think there is a lot at stake always in all our matches we play in the future. I think that is wonderful,” reflected Federer.
While the 24-year-old Nadal clearly appeared in need of rest after falling down 6-3 3-6 6-1 on Sunday to the furious Federer, it seemed Roger would be glad to carry on straight into next year.
"I am very excited starting in Abu Dhabi and Qatar and gearing up for the new season. I am sure I am going to play well. That never guarantees success. But I am sure that the confidence I took away from this tournament could help
down the stretch. Beating fellow top ten players could always have some mental play at some stage of the season,” declared the Swiss Superstar who will also look to defend his title at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Nadal, on the other hand, who is the youngest player on the tour to achieve a career grand slam, is an extremely straightforward man and while throwing light on what he has achieved said that he would get back to work in January
and start the season with an effort to remain in the top position in the rankings.
After having a stellar season, the left hander, while commenting on the pressure for 2011 said that it won’t be any different for him as the target is still the same. The Spaniard has plans to play equally well against everyone
on the tour and reach the finals rounds.
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