Holger Rune: Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry really stands out for me

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Holger Rune says the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rivalry is the that "stands out" for him as he feels that's the most iconic rivalry in tennis history. Rune, 19, absolutely enjoyed watching Federer versus Nadal as a kid.

Rune acknowledged that Novak Djokovic's rivalries versus Federer and Nadal can't be overlooked but noted that Federer versus Nadal is simply the one that stands out. This year marks the 50th anniversary since the launch of the ATP Tour and the ATP asked several players to reveal their favorite rivalry.

“I think personally that Federer versus Nadal has been incredibly interesting. I watched so many matches of them and yeah, I would say the same for Federer - Novak and Rafa-Novak but while growing up Federer-Nadal really stands out for me," Rune said in a video for the ATP.

Rune, Andrey Rublev pick Federer-Nadal as the best rivalriy

Rublev also agrees with Rune that Federer and Nadal have shared the greatest tennis rivalry. In the 2008 Wimbledon final - which is widely considered as one of the greatest matches in tennis history - Nadal edged out Federer to win his first title at The Championships.

"My favorite tennis rivalry is Rafa and Roger Wimbledon finals, I mean there have been so many unreal matches but the first thing that came to my mind is Rafa-Roger Wimbledon final maybe 2008," Rublev said. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters runner-up, mentioned the rivalries between the Big Three when asked about the best tennis rivalries.

"Well, for sure, I enjoyed it the most, Roger-Rafa, Djoko-Rafa, Federer-Djoko. I think the Big Three i enjoyed the most. You know, it’s going to be a great match. Even if they play badly, it is going to be a wonderful match. Then it is like entertaining," Davidovich Fokina explained. Nadal owns a 24-16 head-to-head versus Federer.