This year has been like a nostalgic ride for tennis fans all over the world. For all those who wondered if they had seen the best of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the two legends shut all their critics up as both of them had a fabulous 2017.
Roger first beat Rafa in the Australian Open at the beginning of the year in what was one of the most emotional Grand Slam wins in recent memory. Nadal came back though and won his tenth French Open, a feat that is unlikely to ever be matched.
Roger then roared back as he won another Wimbledon title which was then followed by Nadal’s US Open triumph which saw him end the year as the new world number one.
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It is funny that Nadal never beat Roger in any of their meetings this year but still finished above him in the final rankings.
Here is what Rafael Nadal had to say about finishing the year as world number one.
‘I’m very very happy for everything. It’s been an amazing year,’ he said after the match. ‘One year ago for sure I never dreamed of being world No. 1 at the end of the season so I’m very happy for everything.
‘But the season is not over, I’m here in Paris and want to carry on this amazing season. ‘For me I think I played well since the beginning but, of course, the most important moment of the year was the clay season and winning a 10th Roland Garros. ‘I’m happy to achieve the year-end world No. 1 here in Paris.’
