Watch 5 epic clashes between Federer and Nadal

The rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has always been regarded as one of the greatest rivalries of tennis. These two legends of the game are about weave magic at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday at the Australian Open 2017 men’s singles final.

 

The last time the two met at a Grand Slam final was in French Open 2011. The presence of Novak Djokovic and Sir Andy Murray had heavily impacted the odds. None would have thought Federer and Nadal would make it to the final and take us back down the memory lane.

 

This could be an epic chapter in their rivalries and the world is ready to soak it all up and enjoy every bit of the Australian Open 2017 final. The Spaniard is ahead when it comes to head-to-head grand slam final wins but one really cannot rule out Federer as he has showcased some astounding tennis in this edition of the Australian Open.

 

Before the two legends hit the court on Sunday, let us take a look at 5 of the epic battles between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal:

 

 

## Miami Open 2004 (3rd round): This was the first time when Federer was given the Nadal challenge. By then, Federer was already a two-time grand slam champion and little did he know that he will be thwarted 6-3, 6-3 by a 17-year-old Spaniard. And hence the book of rivalry was opened ever since then

 

 

## French Open Final 2006: Federer announced himself in the very first set of the match by thrashing Nadal 1-6. But the Nadal was slowly turning himself into the king of clay courts and he scripted an incredible bounce back and took three more sets and saw off the Swiss tennis legend.

 

 

## Wimbledon Final 2007: Federer was seeking revenge and he did end up taking a sweet one at his fortress, which is the grass court. However, the Fed Express had to work hard to win the Final as the game went on to 5 sets.

 

 

## Wimbledon Final 2008: The way Nadal played at the Wimbledon 2008, it was evident that he wanted to add that trophy to his cabinet. But he knew it was never going to be a walk in the park as he had to face Federer in the final. The Spaniard held his nerves and won the game in 5 sets.

 

 

## Australian Open Final 2009: Nadal has played Federer thrice in Australian Open finals and has triumphed every single time. But 2009 victory was special for Nadal as he thumped Federer. One would still remember after Federer was left in tears during the presentation ceremony after the game.