The two have met several times on the ATP circuit, with Nadal holding a 24-16 career lead over the Swiss superstar. However, in 2007 both men were having exceptional seasons, with Federer capturing the titles at the Australian Open and Dubai. Conversely, Nadal had accumulated an incredible winning streak on clay, dating back to April 2005.

The duo clashed at the 2007 Hamburg Open final, where Nadal's winning streak had extended to 81 matches. Not even Federer was considered a threat on Nadal's preferred surface. The Spaniard had in fact defeated him each time they met during the clay court season for two consecutive years.

The Hamburg final began with Nadal claiming the opening set, as expected. However, the Swiss Maestro proceeded to dominate Nadal for the rest of the match. He would win 12 of the final 14 games, including a final set bagel, to triumph 2-6 6-2 6-0.

Both men would meet in the Hamburg final the following year, but Federer was unable to replicate his 2007 performance. Despite fighting to win a second set tiebreak, he would lose 5-7 7-6(3) 3-6 to Nadal in a tightly-contested rematch.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5ICGRiFYA[/embed]