Wimbledon: 8 things you need to know before Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer step on court for their 40th meeting

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will meet for the second time in five weeks when they face off on Friday in the Wimbledon semifinals. The two tennis legends have been rivals on court for around 15 years, but despite that, every time they meet on court the excitement amongst tennis fans only keeps on growing. 

Here are 8 facts you need to know before Friday's semi-final clash between the tennis legends as the greatest rivalry of a generation gets set for its latest chapter:

1. When was the last time they played each other at the Wimbledon championship? 

Friday's semi-final will be their first meeting at Wimbledon since the 2008 final. That clash between the two titans was called one of the greatest tennis matches in history. Nadal finished off the five-set classic in almost darkness - somewhat fitting given that the outcome was widely touted as a figurative passing of the torch. The long-dominant Federer, then 26, lost his spot to the aggressive 22-year-old left-handed Spaniard. 

2. Who did they play in the quarter-finals this year in Wimbledon?

Federer finished his quarterfinal on Wednesday before Nadal stepped on court, rallying to defeat Kei Nishikori, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, on Centre Court. Nadal joined him soon after, defeating America's Sam Querrey with a strong 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 performance on court No.1. 

3. What time is the semi-final match tomorrow?

The match is scheduled at 7:30 IST and will take place after Novak Djokovic's match against Spain's R. Bautista Agut.

4. How many times have the two players played against each other?  

Friday's semi-final match will be the 40th meeting between the two players.  

5. How do the two players feel about playing each other for the 40th time?

Federer's response was, “It’s going to be tough.”

 “Rafa really can hurt anybody on any surface. I mean, he’s that good. He’s not just a clay-court specialist, we know.” 

While Federer complimented his opponent's form and potential, Nadal kept his answer very simple and said that he looks forward to the match and is curious about to see how the match goes for the two players.

6. How many times have to two players won Wimbledon?

Nadal has won two titles with his first coming in 2008, followed by another in 2010. He reached the final in 2011 but did not get past the fourth round at Wimbledon again until last year, when Djokovic beat him in an edgy and extraordinary two-day, five-set semifinal.

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7. What is the win-loss ratio between the two? 

Nadal has a 24-15 edge in head-to-head matches, and Federer has a 2-1 edge at Wimbledon, having defeated Nadal in the 2006 and 2007 finals before losing in the gloaming in 2008.

8. How many titles have the two won in their tennis career so far?

Federer has won 20 grand slam titles and has won 155 singles titles in total including ATP tours, Olympics and World Championships. His opponent, on the other hand, has won 18 grand slam titles and 119 titles overall in singles.

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