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!”
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.
“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.