Federer & Nadal’s 10 Best Quotes About Each Other

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal haven’t always let their racquets do the talking when they face off.

The two legends of the game have always had a healthy respect for each other. Check out their 10 best quotes on the matches and friendship that have transcended the sport.

Nadal

“If he had played his best tennis, I would have had no chance. But that’s what happens in tennis. If a player like me plays at a very, very good level and a top player like Roger doesn’t play his best tennis, I can win.” – 2004 Miami Open presented by Itau

“If he is playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible, especially if he’s playing with good confidence. When he’s 100 per cent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him.” – 2007 Nitto ATP Finals

“We have a great relationship all the time. Our relationship didn’t change a lot since the beginning because it was always very respectful. The only way the relationship has improved is getting closer we spend more time together, always being in the [ATP Player] Council, being on court, playing exhibitions together. I don’t think it’s a rivalry. All these important moments in tennis make you appreciate it more.” – 2010 Nitto ATP Finals

“When you go on court against Roger…I go on court knowing that I am playing against a player that is unbelievable. What happened in the past probably will not help me.  I take every match like a different history and every day is different.” – 2014 Australian Open

“It’s the combination of two different styles that makes the matches really special. Both of us have a different way to play tennis [and have] a lot of good success with these two different styles. I feel that this rivalry goes not only in the tennis world. People from outside of our world talk about it and that’s good for our sport.” – 2017 Australian Open

Federer

“I just think he’s an incredible tennis player. He’s got shots that no other one has. When you have that, you are unique and special. Plus he’s got the grit. He’s got the mental and physical ability to sustain a super high level of play for years and for hours and for weeks. He’s proven that time and time again. He’s come back from many injuries time and time again. He made it seem easy, and it’s not. I think he’s been tremendous for the game. I have a lot of respect for him on many levels.” – 2017 Australian Open

“There are no draws in tennis, but I would have been happy to share this trophy with Rafa tonight.” – 2017 Australian Open

“It’s not gonna happen. We don’t have enough years left on the tour and we’re ranked too good that we play each other only in finals at the moment…can’t win them all against Rafa, to be honest. He’s too good of a player.” – Federer on whether he can take the lead in his FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry with Nadal, 2017 Rolex Shanghai Masters.

“I think he’s definitely one of the guys that make me a better player. I don’t want to thank him for that, but he made me maybe rework my game and go back to the practice courts and think about what I could change. I think for that, I’m happy about the losses I took.” – 2017 Rolex Shanghai Masters

“I think we are very different personalities or maybe also player types. The way we go about it is very different, but yet we both find a way to excel…I think it all adds to the cool rivalry that we had. And then you add all the foundation stuff we have had, promotional things we have done for the tour, political things…it’s been quite a journey with Rafa side by side.” – 2019 BNP Paribas Open