By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday, March 13, 2025
In an eye-opening episode of the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, Rafael Nadal sits down with the former US Open champion for a riveting one-hour discussion. The entire interview is a treasure trove for tennis enthusiasts.
The compelling segment where Nadal reflects on his iconic rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, is particularly noteworthy. It’s a rare opportunity to hear Nadal candidly share his thoughts on his strategies without fear of revealing too much—something he couldn’t do during his active career.
Now that he’s hung up his racquet, Nadal is free to openly address the intricacies of competing against these titans during one of the most electrifying eras in men’s tennis history.
Catch the full episode below:
Here are some extraordinary excerpts from the interview that we’ve transcribed for you:
Nadal on Why the Federer-Nadal Rivalry Captivated Fans More Than Djokovic-Nadal
“I believe that the rivalry with Roger had a certain appeal for fans that was different from my matches with Novak. While we faced each other more frequently, the clarity of strategy in my matches with Roger was much more palpable.”
Nadal Discusses the Tactics in His Matches with Federer
“Against Roger, I was always aiming to exploit his backhand. Whenever I had an opportunity to play down the line, it served a purpose: to either secure a winner or create space to attack again. He, on the other hand, was focused on maintaining an aggressive game. His forehand was the toughest I ever faced; playing against him felt like a high-stakes chess match.”
Nadal Reflects on Facing the Federer of 2017
“There came a moment where I could finally challenge him on hard courts, but by the end of his career, he transformed his game. In 2017, I witnessed arguably the best version of himself—he played so aggressively, making it challenging for me to predict his moves. It was a different battle on clay, where he also adapted his approach.”
Nadal on the Uniqueness of the Djokovic Rivalry
“My matches with Novak had a different dynamic. Strategy played a role, but in the end, it always came down to executing my own game plan well. With Novak, I felt I needed to consistently elevate my performance rather than follow a distinct strategy.”
Nadal on Djokovic’s Unparalleled Ball Control
“When facing Novak, I learned quickly that his quick handling of high balls put me in a difficult position. I began to utilize slice shots more frequently, but I found that keeping the ball towards the center often worked better. His ability to manipulate the game and control the ball is something I’ve never encountered before.”
