Federer buoyed by Nadal rivalry
Federer buoyed by Nadal rivalry
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Monday, 10, Jul 2006 09:27
World number one Roger Federer has insisted he has been buoyed by his rivalry with world number two Rafael Nadal.
Federer wrapped up his fourth successive Wimbledon title yesterday with a three sets to one victory over the Spaniard, his first win over the 20-year-old in four attempts this year.
The clash at the All England Club was the first time the pair had met on grass, the 24-year-old's favourite surface, and he admitted that it was good for the game to have someone consistently challenging him on all surfaces.
"When we play so often in finals, I think it adds something to the game," Federer said.
"It's a great rivalry we're having at the moment and sometimes that really can help tennis."
Yesterday's match was the second time inside a month that the two had met in a grand slam final, with Nadal winning on the clay courts of Roland Garros.
The Swiss player admitted he was glad to put one over Nadal, especially after tasting defeat at the French Open.
"I'm very well aware of how important this match was for me as if I lost, it would have been a hard blow for me and meant he would have won the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back," Federer added.
"At Wimbledon I knew it was going to be the place for me to do it the easiest way but it turned out to be tough and it shows how much he's improved."
Nadal, however, leads Federer 6-2 in match-ups between the two.