ATP relives first-ever Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal encounter in 2004; watch video

Sixteen years have passed since Roger Federer-Rafael Nal rivalry first came into limelight. Back in 2004, Roger Federer h won three Grand Slam singles titles for first time in his career and became first person to do so since Mats Wilander in 1988. Since n, both Rafael Nal and Roger Federer have gone from strength to strength with Roger Federer winning 20 Grand Slam singles titles— most in history for a male player.

Whereas, Rafael Nal has won 19 Grand Slam singles titles, second-most in history for a male player. While ATP recently suspended season due to coronavirus, let's go back to time when 'Fedal' rivalry first started

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Rafael Nal vs Roger Federer: making of Fedal rivalry 

first time that Fedal (Nal vs Federer) rivalry into limelight was back in Miami 2004 when tournament was called ATP NASDAQ-100 Open. Few would have predicted rivalry to go on for so long and also produce some memorable matches for fans over years. Back n, Federer h won Wimbledon in 2003 and h come into tournament after winning 2004 Australian Open title.

Rafael Nal was just d 17 back n and entered tournament after gaining a reputation of being a good clay-court player. It took a brave person to predict that Rafael Nal would beat n World .1 in a one-sided encounter.

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During that match, Rafael Nal never conceded a break point and he me 81% of his first serves count. Spaniard even won 13 of 14 net points, winning match with an overhe smash at net. He breezed passed Roger Federer in only 69 minutes for best win of his career at that point. Here are match highlights 

ATP: Roger Federer and Rafael Nal donate money for coronavirus victims 

ATP season is on a lengthy break following coronavirus outbreak, due to which entire clay-court was suspended. Tennis legend Roger Federer and Rafael Nal too are spending ir time with respective families amid coronavirus. On Wednesday, Roger Federer anunced that he and his wife Mirka have donated 1 million Swiss Francs to help in coronavirus fight.

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On or hand, Rafael Nal recently locked down his Rafael Nal Acemy in wake of coronavirus. In an open letter, Rafael Nal assured parents that children stuck at Rafael Nal acemy will be taken care of. 12-time French Open champion ded that some personnel and staff at Rafael Nal Acemy h volunteered to stay back to look after students and y will be sent home as soon as possible. 

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(IM CREDIT: ATP / TWITTER)