KRISTEN’S KOURT: World’s Greatest Rivalry Continues, But Lacks Excitement

Written by: Staff on 15th March 2013

KRISTEN'S KOURT: World's Greatest Rivalry Continues, But Lacks Excitement

epa03625011 Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 14 March 2013. EPA/PAUL BUCK |

The hype surrounding the potential quarterfinal match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open began the day the main draw was released. For two weeks, fans hoped and prayed that Nadal’s return to the hard courts wouldn’t be cut short and that Federer stayed on track to defend his title. Those prayers were answered and on Thursday under the lights, the world’s greatest rivalry continued with a match many deemed would be worthy of a final. Instead, fans (including myself) found themselves disappointed and dismayed at the lackluster performance from the world no. 2.

It was no secret that Roger had slightly injured his back in his match against Ivan Dodig. But he survived his next match against Wawrinka and in post-match interviews said it was just a little tweak – nothing unusual and nothing to really be concerned about. But from the first strike of the ball last night, it became evident that it was more than a tweak and the Swiss suddenly had his work cut out for him. Nadal came out on fire and in less than an hour Roger Federer found himself down a set and a break to the Spaniard, with his back appearing to increasingly become more of a nuisance. 5 games later, Federer found himself at the net, congratulating the man who had become his biggest foe over the last few years. Though his on-court demeanor said differently, Roger still didn’t seem too concerned by the injury.

“I could play. I’m happy to be out there and able to compete, you know. But it’s obviously a small issue. That doesn’t work against guys like Rafa, obviously.”

For Nadal, he was happy to just be competing again. The “rivalry” with Roger was just an added bonus.

“Play against Roger in any moment in any situation is special…very, very important matches against him for our careers, you know. This classic match is always special and means a lot to me to go on and play against Roger.”

Though he has clearly cemented his return to the tour, Rafael Nadal still says there is work to be done.

“I go day by day as I did all my life, and that’s not gonna change…I go match by match, practice by practice, and I try my best in every moment,” he said. “Important thing is to be healthy. And if that happens and I’m able to practice as much as I can, as much as I want, probably that the comeback will be a little less difficult.”

As a fan, the match as a whole was very hard to watch. I, like most everyone else, always look forward to a match between these two guys. They are constantly giving it their all, and it always amount to an incredible performance from both players. The fight was in Roger’s eyes, but seeing him unable to turn that fire into his usual dominance performance was rough. Sure, Nadal was playing brilliantly. But there’s no doubt that had Federer been at 100% last night’s so-called battle could have turned out very, very differently.

Follow Kristen on Twitter! @KristensKourt