The Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry is one of the greatest in the history of sport, and it is a topic than everyone, including actors like to talk about. Most recently, French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo has given his two cents on the epic rivalry, and why it may be over.

A “Wonderful” Rivalry

Belmondo, who was a major star in France in the 1960s, had only good things to say about the rivalry. When asked for his thoughts, he replied “Rivalry between Nadal and Federer? It's something wonderful!

Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal after their epic 2008 Wimbledon Final. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal after their epic 2008 Wimbledon Final. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images

In the interview with Le10Sport, he weighed in on each of the individual mean, showing a particular fondness for Federer, saying “Roger is fantastic and it's beautiful to watch him playing.” The Frenchman was a little more mixed in his feelings about Nadal, saying of the Spaniard “Rafa is great from the physical point of view, but I think that he has reached his final stop.”

 Some would consider it blasphemy to say that Nadal is at the final stop of his career, however there is reason to agree with Belmondo. Nadal’s results have steadily trailed off over the last two years, which have seen him fall out of the top five and fail to make it past the quarterfinals of the past six majors.

Federer’s Differing Opinion

Unlike Belmondo, Federer does not agree that Nadal is finished, and believes that the rivalry is far from over.

Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal after their Basel final in October. Photo: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images
Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal after their Basel final in October. Photo: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images

Our rivalry has been important, epic. I am sure that it will continue and that we will play so many matches in future. Rafa pushed me to change my game style different times. I am different player thanks to Rafa.”

Federer and Nadal last played in the Basel final last October, which Federer won in three sets. Both men are currently in a lull, with Nadal struggling with form and Federer struggling with a knee injury. However, they both remain in the top ten. And whether or not their rivalry continues, Belmondo is right in that it is one of the greatest rivalries of all time.

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About the author
Pete Borkowski
Tennis has always been my obsession. What better way to channel that obsession than writing about it? After 18 months of blogging with Sportsblog.com as the writer of A Fan Obsesseds blog, all the while completing my Bachelors in history and French, I joined VAVEL so that I can better share my love and knowledge of tennis with the world.