PV Sindhu: 'Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are legends in their way'

In March 2004, the 17-year-old Rafael Nadal defeated newly-promoted world no. 1 Roger Federer in the third round in Miami in straight sets. The first chapter of their incredible rivalry came in Florida and has been going on for over 15 years. Rafa and Roger have been pushing each other to the limits and became better and more complete players throughout that battle. Federer and Nadal had their first Major clash at Roland Garros 2005 when the Spaniard added his name to the list of immortals on his debut in Paris. Improving his game on the other two surfaces, Nadal became a legit contender for the GOAT honor, melting the deficit and catching Roger Federer in the previous couple of years. The Swiss claimed his 20th Major in Melbourne 2018, with Nadal and Djokovic winning almost every Major after that to move closer to Roger in the GOAT race.

The Indian badminton player PV Sindhu watched their first clash in 2004, enjoying the rivalry ever since and calling Federer and Nadal the most incredible tennis and sports competitors. At Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal won the 20th Major title to match Roger's achievement, standing on the same level with his great rival for the first time and feeling honored and privileged after another perfect run in Paris. Nadal has had an excellent relationship with Roger over the years, fighting for the most prominent crowns but always respecting each other.

PV Sindhu calls Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal the legends of our sport.

After the quarter-final loss at the Australian Open and withdrawal from the US Open, Nadal had one shot at that 20th Major at his beloved Roland Garros, beating all the opponents and the conditions to lift the 13th Parisian trophy. In the title match, Nadal outplayed Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in two hours and 41 minutes, playing on a high level and leaving world no. 1 far behind. Returning to Paris this week, Nadal defeated Feliciano Lopez to join Roger Federer in the exclusive group of players with 1000 ATP victories. 

"I believe both Roger and Rafael are legends in their way and love to see both of them play. I can't choose one from the other, but I think they have a different play style, so I would say both are legends. I think it's the greatest rivalry in tennis and globally because they are true champions and have always inspired us in many ways. I would say it is always a treat for us to watch them play. I was young when Nadal won against the then no. 1 Federer in Miami 2004. When I saw that, it inspired me a lot. The closest of that for me would be when I won against the Olympic champion Li Xuerui in China Masters in 2012. So yeah, that was the closest for me," PV Sindhu said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2TS9HmD