Nadal, 17, beats Federer in their first encounter (Miami 2004)

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Rafael Nadal, 17, can raise his fist. He has just beaten world No. 1 Roger Federer at the 2004 Miami Masters Series for their first encounter.

March 2004. A certain Rafael Nadal, a 17-year-old Spaniard, 34th in the ATP rankings, created a surprise in the third round of the Masters Series in Miami by dominating in two sets (6/3, 6/3) world No. 1 Roger Federer, big favorite of the tournament.

Since 2003, the Swiss has changed in dimension and for the first time in his career he ascended the throne of men’s tennis on February 2, 2004, following his victory at the Australian Open. He will not leave it until August 18, 2008. Federer also lifted the trophy in Dubai and he has just won in Indian Wells. Nobody sees him bowing against the rising star of the circuit.

And yet, Rafael Nadal, finalist at the Auckland tournament at the start of the year, will achieve this feat. The Mallorcan may still be a teenager, he is powerful and his qualities in defense are already exceptional. The young left-hander wins quite easily (6/3, 6/3) and signs the best victory of his career.

The two players do not know it yet but this first confrontation is far from being the last. Their rivalry will mark the history of tennis and they will become legends of this sport. As of now, Nadal and Federer have met 40 times for a record of 24 wins and 16 losses in favor of the Spaniard. After his first success against the Swiss, “Rafa” will lose in the round of 16 against Fernando Gonzalez in three sets.

” Gift idea : the Nadal quote t-shirt “I play every point as if my life depended on it”