Wimbledon: Chance for ‘Fedal’ to rescript history

It so fits that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal stepped into the Wimbledon 2018 as two of the World’s best ranked players, but at par with themselves.

Nadal came into the competition as the world No. 1 and Federer followed at two. Similarly, the Swiss maestro – Wimbledon’s most-favoured player – is the first seed, while the king of clay is seeded second.

Both progressd to the fourth-round of SW19, but the way they did so in an emphatic fashion is what makes them favourites once again at the pinnacle of the game.

Back at his devastating best, Federer, 36, is chasing a record ninth title at the All England Club while Nadal his third. But they haven’t met each other in the final since a classic five-game set in 2008.

The Spaniard overcame Federer’s grass-court dominance that night in London as he marched on to his maiden Wimbledon title. It established them as two of the greatest tennis players to play the game.

They have gone on to win numerous titles since then, Federer is a 20-time Grand Slam winner, while Nadal has won 17 major trophies, however what did not come again was the prospect of seeing them go hard at each other again at the green turf of the Wimbledon.

But time seems to have finally met at horizon and 10 years on from the greatest tennis match to have been ever played, Federer and Nadal are on course to square-off again at the All England Club.

After a host of poor form and incessant injuries, after watching Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray snatch their moments of glory, the ‘Fedal’ duo are back to their peak again.

They are yet to lose a set at the Wimbledon and between themselves in the last two years, Federer and Nadal have won all six Grand Slam titles.

The Swiss has won a staggering 35 consecutive service points . As a matter of fact 93% of his of his first-serves have been winners and the soon to be 37-year-old looks the favourite to land his 21st title.

Meanwhile, Nadal has returned from a series of injuries to be the World No. 1. He has struggled at Wimbledon in the recent years, having failed to cross the fourth round in the last five attempts, but with Murray out and Djokovic struggling for form, this might well be the best shot at the title he’s had in a while.

Also Read: Wimbledon 2018: Nadal has the edge over Federer if they meet in the final, says former Indian player Jaidip Mukerjea

Time has certainly passed by and the youthfulness and exuberance of the past has given way to a more matured and experienced vigour of the veterans.

Federer doesn’t play at clay-court anymore and Nadal despite winning the French Open, has failed to light up at the grass-court.

This Wimbledon perhaps, is the best opportunity to not only witness but also for fans and critics alike to relieve one of the most fairy-tale rivalry of the sport.