Are the stars aligning for another Federer-Nadal final?
LONDON (Reuters) - On the 10th anniversary of the 2008 Wimbledon men’s final that is widely considered the ‘greatest ever tennis match’ it seems like the stars may be aligning for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to meet in another mesmerising epic.
The pair are again the two best players in the world and have split the last six Grand Slam titles between them - taking their combined haul to an incredible 37 major titles.
But, most importantly, they are fit and healthy at the same time and showing signs that a blockbuster rematch might be on the cards come July 15 as they have both reached the fourth round at the grasscourt championships without dropping a set.
So while tennis fans around the world start dreaming, hoping and longing that the two most successful players on planet tennis will renew their rivalry on the sport’s greatest stage, there is one person who is definitely not keen on the idea.
“If I am in the final, I prefer to face an easier opponent. I am not stupid,” world number one Nadal said , to hoots of laughter from reporters.
Since reaching his fifth final at the All England Club seven years ago, it has not been a happy hunting ground for the 2008 and 2010 champion as he has failed to get past the fourth round.
The Spaniard has lost to players ranked 100 or lower in four of his five previous Wimbledon appearances as his patched up knees have struggled to cope with the constant bending required to handle the low bounce on the lush green lawns.