Roger Federer spoke about his rivalry with Nadal today: “I’ve played Rafa on so many occasions. Almost, not on every court, but in almost all the big matches all around the world. I’m happy we could do it here. Not just once, but 3 times…” Respect. ❤️
"Not just once but maybe even three times": Roger Federer in reminiscent mood, looks back to Rafael Nadal clashes in Shanghai
ATPFriday, 13 October 2023 at 15:38
Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal in one of his final big wins in tennis at the Shanghai Masters in 2017 and he was in the mood to reminisce in his Icon Athlete ceremony on Friday.
In 2017, Federer defeated Nadal 6-4, 6-3 in the final and claimed his second Shanghai Masters title. It was also a fifth win on the spin against the Spanish ace in just over an hour.
He looked back on their rivalry and said that it was a special season overall for him as he was at his best for one of the final times in his career after returning from a serious knee injury.
"I have played Rafa on so many occasions, almost, almost... not on every court or every tournament I have played but almost in all the big matches all around the world. And I'm happy we could do it here, I think not just once but maybe even three times. And of course, even more special, if it's in the finals," he said.
"I thought I played extremely well in that match. I felt like Rafa was a little bit banged up with his knees and maybe a bit tired, but I played a fantastic tournament in a fantastic year in 2017 when I came back with my knee problems," he continued.
"It was an absolute dream year and I believe it was the last time I won the Rolex Shanghai Masters. So of course, forever special and it was a terrific week and I love it, you know, the battles I have with Rafa and happy that I won that finals here that year," he added.
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