Roger Federer: Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal The 'Most Intense' Rival Ever

Tennsis sensation Roger Federer, revealed that the former World No 1 Rafael Nadal is his  "most intense" rival ever.

Federer and Nadal both ruled the tennis world at a point of time and had the World No 1 title decorate their names. Federer, the legend called Nadal who surpassed him during his reign, the most intense rival he has ever had in his career, according to IB Times.

Roger Federer Admits Rafael Nadal The "Most Intense" Rival

"The most intense rivalry I have ever had was with Rafa, no doubt on that. It has been an epic and incredible rivalry and it will continue to be like this because we are going to play often in the future," said the 34-year-old Federer in an interview to Tennis World.

The duo met in Grand Slam finals eight times before and almost every time the 29-year-old Spaniard outsmarted Federer. Nadal won Federer 5-0 at the French Open (2005 to 2007, 2008 and 2011), 3-0 at the Australian Open (2009, 2012 and 2014) and 1-2 at the Wimbledon Championships (2006 to 2008). However when the titles won by the two formidable players are tallied the Swiss has the upper hand over the Spaniard.

"He made me change my game many times since he is lefty and we had never seen a player who could hit the ball with so much spin. If we see the way I played in 1999 and the way I play now, the change is brutal. Now I play with more strength, before I had such a 'soft' game. My movements, the way I hit the ball, I'm a different player due to Rafa's presence," said Federer.

Rafael Nadal Would Stay In Tennis Only For Couple More Years

Meanwhile Nadal has noted lately that he is enjoying playing tennis and would like to remain in his dream career for couple more years. He also noted that he would fight for his much desired sport like he always did, reported the YouTube channel of Australian Open TV.