The 7 most memorable clashes of Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray

2024 will be remembered as the year of the retirement of emblematic figures of modern tennis. Both Andy Murray in the Olympic Games and Rafael Nadal in the Davis Cup said goodbye in the current season leaving an unparalleled legacy in which there are many spectacular duels between them. Here are seven of their most iconic clashes.

1| Australian Open 2007 - Fourth Round

Result: Nadal beats Murray 6-7(3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and 6-1

The first clash in the chronological order coincides with being one of the best between these two tennis beasts. Nadal, who was number 2 in the world, faced a Murray who was beginning to get into the discussion in the eighth round of the Australian Open. At that time the number 15 in the ranking showed that he could stand up to the best. Despite losing in five sets, Andy made it clear that he was destined to become one of the best. Nadal set the record straight by showing that he would soon extend his clay-court reign to any surface.

2| U.S. Open 2008 - Semifinals

Result: Murray defeats Nadal 6-2, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4

Just a year and a half after that clash in Australia, our protagonists would meet again in the US Open semis; but this time things would be different. Murray would beat Nadal for the first time to reach his first major tournament final. Nadal was flying: champion of Roland Garros, Wimbledon and winner of the gold medal at the Olympic Games, in addition to having become number 1 on the planet. Murray played brilliant tennis and managed to stop the Spanish player's comeback attempt, who won the third set but was unable to defeat the Briton, who kept his cool and closed the match in four sets.

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3| Monte Carlo Masters 2009 - Quarter-finals

Result: Nadal beats Murray 6-2, 7-6(4)

Rafa's dominance on clay was at its peak and this match only confirms it. Andy Murray was already the fourth in discord in a circuit led by Rafa himself, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Rafa was looking for his fifth consecutive title and started with everything, winning the first set comfortably. The second set was a different story, with the Briton feeling comfortable and complicating the Spaniard on his favorite surface. Finally Nadal got the better of himself and closed things out in the tie break.

4| Wimbledon 2010 - Semifinals

Result: Nadal beats Murray 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-4

Wimbledon has always been a special tournament for both Murray and Nadal. In the semis of the 2010 edition, the Spaniard came in as world No. 1 and top seed, while Murray was trying to become the first Briton to win the tournament since Fred Perry. The atmosphere on the court was electric and the match itself was far more even than its outcome would indicate. Nadal showed his mettle at key moments, especially in the second set tiebreak, to advance to the final, where he would eventually win his second Wimbledon.

5| Tokyo 2011 - Final

Result: Murray beats Nadal 3-6, 6-2, 6-0

In one of the most surprising results of this rivalry, a possessed Andy Murray crushed Nadal in the third set of the final in Japan to take the title. Nadal, then No. 2 in the world, had won the first set and everything indicated that it would be another title for him. However Murray, ranked No. 4, flipped the script completely, winning 11 of the last 13 games of the match. This victory was a testament to the Briton's ability to adapt and beat the best with forcefulness on inspired days.

6| French Open 2014 - Semifinals

Result: Nadal beats Murray 6-3. 6-2 y 6-1

Rafa Nadal playing at Roland Garros is something else. The Spaniard took the Tokyo defeat personally and dispatched the Briton in straight sets without breaking a sweat. Although Murray arrived as the world number 8 and with great performances on clay to his credit, he could not cope with the ferocity of Nadal, who was looking for his ninth title in Paris. The intensity of Nadal's strokes and ability to dictate play from the back of the court were too much for Murray.

7| Madrid Masters 2016 - Final

Result: Murray beats Nadal 6-3, 6-2

Another atypical result closes this top, and that is that Andy Murray defeated Nadal in front of his home crowd in the final of the Madrid Masters, becoming the first Briton to win the tournament. Although Rafa was the overwhelming favorite, the ranking in this case favored Murray, who arrived as number 2 and played one of the best matches of his career on clay, controlling the rallies and progressively leaving Nadal with no options. Months later Murray would close a magnificent season by becoming number 1 in the world.

The rivalry between Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal was much more than a series of matches; it was a constant confrontation of styles, mentalities and talent. From their beginnings to their last duels, both showed their best on the courts, leaving an indelible legacy. Their matches not only gave us tennis of the highest level, but also marked moments that will remain engraved in the collective memory of fans, who will be eternally grateful to have seen them share the court.