subject: Federer Vs Nadal [print this page] Federer Vs Nadal Federer Vs Nadal
When looking at the ATP and WTA players, we realize that no one have the same technique. Basically, the technique is directly related to the player's grip, the surface used to practice and the style of game.
If we compare Roger Federer to Raphael Nadal, it is obvious that their forehand, backhand, volley, service and smash are completely different.
Federer chose a classic "eastern" forehand grip, which allows him to hit the ball more flatly. Indeed, he is used to train on faster surfaces. Since the past 20 years, we see less players on the circuit with one-handed backhand since it is more difficult to generate power... even though you do have more control! Roger makes up for his lack of power by adding more amplitude and relaxation into his swing.
As a result, Roger Federer won 16 Grand Slams (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, and Australian Open) during his career.
On the other hand, like many Hispanic players, Nadal uses a "western" forehand grip as he has more practiced on clay courts. His western grip enables him to generate more spin, higher balls and to find more angles to his game. To compete the power of Roger's flat ball, he had to compensate with his muscles. Rapha is a very dynamic player, fast and mentally strong!
Federer and Nadal played their first match in March 2004 at the third round of the Miami Masters. During the previous nine months Federer had won his first two Grand Slam titles and earned the No. 1 ranking in February at the age of 22. Nadal, only 17 years old and ranked No. 34, shocked the tennis world by defeating Federer in straight sets.
Their second meeting was one year later, again in Miami, but this time in a best-of-five-set final. Coming into the match, Federer had been a dominant No. 1 for over a year. Nadal, ranked at No. 31, won the first two sets. However, Federer recovered to win the third set in a tiebreak and then won the final two sets, extending his record win streak in tournament finals to 18. Despite the blown lead, this match was considered by some tennis analysts as a breakthrough performance for Nadal.
