Call it the rapier versus the broadsword. The bull fighter versus the bull. For over five years now, Federer and Nadal have stunned the tennis world with their contrasting but compelling claims to be the greatest player on the planet. Federer’s light-footed movement and elegant, attacking style has, in head-to-head encounters, proved largely ineffectual against Nadal’s thumping, muscular defense. Nadal holds the edge 14-7. But Federer has a vastly superior career record he holds an all-time best 16 grand slam titles. So who holds the edge in the rivalry is up for debate. But there’s no doubt that tennis is blessed to have two of the greatest players in history currently at the top of the world rankings.
Top 10 Tennis Rivalries
Nothing ignites engrossing one-on-one match-ups quite like championship tennis finals: two players, one title. So with the U.S. Open in full swing, TIME takes a look at some historic (and current) rivalries.
Federer v. Nadal
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I Challenge You to a Duel