sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Rafael Nadal made his feelings clear on rematching Roger Federer in £1m half-clay, half-grass court contest
Home>Tennis
Published 13:14 17 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Rafael Nadal made his feelings clear on rematching Roger Federer in £1m half-clay, half-grass court contest

Nadal and Federer were involved in a 'battle of the surfaces'.

Marcus Chan

Marcus Chan

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Rafael Nadal has previously spoken about the possibility of playing Roger Federer on a 50-50 court again.

Having won a combined total of 42 Grand Slams, Nadal and Federer will forever be etched in tennis history as two of the greatest.

During his career, Nadal dominated on clay as he won 14 French Open titles.

Federer was the man to beat on grass, having lifted the Wimbledon trophy on eight occasions.

Advert

Back in 2007, Nadal and Federer faced off on a half-and-half court - one side was clay and the other was grass.

The match was labelled as the 'battle of the surfaces' and the court reportedly cost over £1 million to construct.

In front of 7000 fans in Mallorca, Spain, Nadal took the first set 7-5 before Federer bounced back to take the second 6-4.

The third set was a roller coaster ride as it swung one way then the other.

In the end, it was Nadal who came out on top as he won the tie break 12-10.

After the match, Nadal stated that he would like to do it again.

He said: "It has been a nice experience, although before the match I thought it would be a disaster because I felt it would be very difficult for me to adapt to the court.

"I have had a good time and that is important."

The Spaniard continued: "Both of us would like to repeat this experience because, although the match was not a real one, it allowed us to play for points without much tension and to play more relaxed."

Meanwhile, Federer said: "I found the court to be excellent, especially the clay part. The challenge was difficult, because you have many things in your head.

"You have problems to work out about how you are going to play on either side of the court. On the grass, I felt at the start that I was moving very well, although it took me a while longer to adapt to the clay."

Federer called time on his career back in 2022 before Nadal stepped away from the sport in 2024.

Featured Image Credit: YouTube

Topics: Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis

Marcus Chan
Marcus Chan

Recommended reads

Tommy Fury disagrees with Tyson's 'no choice' claim as he reveals why he doesn't want his children to boxGetty ImagesEddie Hall confirms retirement decision as ideal next opponent named ahead of Tommy Fury fightGetty Images'I wanted to give back to the sport that gave me everything' - Ashley Cole is finding himself in first manager jobGettyAn interview with Ben Stokes: 'English cricket doesn't lack talent... there are quite a few names'Getty Images

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
2 days ago
  • Getty Images
    a day ago

    Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in talks over shock US Open mixed doubles pairings

    We could be in for one of the greatest mixed doubles events of all time.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    a day ago

    Emma Raducanu Queens game suspended for ‘insane’ reason

    Emma Raducanu's quarter-final Queens match was delayed for an 'insane' reason.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images | Instagram: @albertolledoquiles
    a day ago

    Carlos Alcaraz fitness update issued ahead of Wimbledon as potential return date mooted

    The Spaniard posted a positive injury update but he won't be at Wimbledon this year.

    Tennis
  • Getty Images
    2 days ago

    Jannik Sinner among stars ‘considering boycotting’ Grand Slam event hours after Wimbledon statement

    Jannik Sinner is among several tennis stars that are considering boycotting a Grand Slam hours after Wimbledon statement.

    Tennis
  • Roger Federer played Rafael Nadal 'on water' using specially designed court and the footage is incredible
  • Jannik Sinner recently changed his mind when picking GOAT out of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
  • Andy Murray settles the Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal tennis GOAT debate once and for all
  • Rafael Nadal has made his feelings clear on Jannik Sinner's return to tennis after doping ban