On this day: Roger Federer shares thoughts about Rafael Nadal in Indian Wells 2006

On March 10, 2006, two-time defending champion Roger Federer met the media in Indian Wells, playing his first tournament after losing the final in Dubai to Rafael Nadal. That was the first loss of the season for world no. 1 who previously claimed titles in Doha and Melbourne, looking eager to get back to the winning way in the desert, which he did eventually to lift the third straight crown at the first Masters 1000 event of the season. Asked about the rivalry with Rafael Nadal, Federer praised the young Spaniard but also highlighted there were still some other dangerous players around. In their first four encounters, Rafa toppled Roger three times, stunning the newly-promoted world no. 1 in Miami 2004 at the age of 17 and beating him in the semi-final at Roland Garros 2005 and the final in Dubai just before Indian Wells. 

"I think it's hard to keep it up and play aggressively throughout the match as I did against Nadal in Dubai," Federer said. "He won the crucial points in the end and that was a pity, but I was still pleased the way I played. Nadal is a good player, simple as that; I enjoy the challenge with him. You know, he's a terrific scrambler who brings something else to the game, being a great left-hander, as we don't have many of those. I consider that a tough thing to do, to play against a good lefty; the more matches I play against him, it's going to be more comfortable for both of us to know. We're more predictable by now, the first time we played in Miami a couple of years ago. I enjoy playing with him. He moves very well for his height, there's no question, and he's strong in his legs.

Nadal gets many balls back, with a great forehand and spin as well; he reaches the dimension of the court very well, I think, and he's very all-around, too, so he's got many strengths in the game. I've played only four times against Nadal, but we have been No. 1 and No. 2 for a little bit now; I guess we will have to see how it progresses. I always said there are more players than just Nadal, and I still believe that; the other rivals will play well too in Indian Wells. We'll see if Nadal can back it up at the French, at the clay-court season and everything. Still, I don't think we can call it yet a rivalry; there are just too many other great players around."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38Huka1