By: Adrian Manguit, Eagle News Service US, Florida Bureau
(Miami, FL) – Many say rivalries are what make sports entertaining. In boxing, there was Ali vs Frazier. For football, Manning vs Brady was “must-see TV”. And for basketball, no one will forget the classic games of Magic vs Bird. It is no different in tennis, as Federer vs Nadal, again, took place in Key Biscayne, FL at the Miami Open.
Federer defeated Nadal in straight-sets, 6-3, 6-4, becoming the tournaments oldest champion in history. This is Federer’s third title on the hard-court this year, demonstrating consistent elite performance in his 19-year professional career. This win is Federer’s third straight win over Nadal, although Nadal still leads their overall head-to-head matchup 23-14.
Nadal sounded deflated after the defeat saying, “Every three years I am in this position, but with the smaller trophy.”
Federer encouraged his rival telling him, “I truly believe you are going to still win this tournament. You are too good not to.”
Federer continues his remarkable run, going 19-1 during this year’s men’s tour. He continues to add to his collection of trophies that are more certainly cementing his position as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in the sport of tennis. Federer’s name is mentioned in tennis as the Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Muhammad Ali are mentioned in their respective sports.
However, the 35-year old Federer, did surprise some on Sunday after the tournament saying, “I need a rest. My body needs healing. I’m not 24 anymore”
He notified the press that he will be taking a 2-month break and will return in late May for the French open.
There is no doubt that Federer will return and continue his dominance, despite his age, as his parting words from the Miami Open were, “For me, the dream continues.”