Rafael Nadal Has Opened as Small Favourite Over Roger Federer
Published on January 27th, 2017 3:06 pm ESTIt will be a battle for the ages on Sunday at the Australian Open as Roger Federer is set to take on Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Men's Australian Open.
The path to the finals wasn't easy for either man, as both needed gruelling five set victories in the semi-finals to make it through. Roger Federer, currently the #17 ranked player in the world, beat Stan Wawrinka in five sets, while Rafael Nadal defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4. This works out well for fans, however, as no player can claim an advantage heading into the finals.
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Over the course of the years, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have played a total of 34 times, with Nadal leading the rivalry 23-11. The two have squared off a total of 11 times in Grand Slam finals matches, with Nadal maintaining a 9-2 lead. Five of these wins came at the US Open, while both of Nadal's losses to Federer came at Wimbledon.
As of this moment, Rafael Nadal is the #9 ranked men's tennis player in the world, while Federer has a ranking of #17. Both men will see their rankings improve tremendously following this weekend's action.
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Rafael Nadal is the slight favourite to win on Sunday - here are the current betting odds:
Rafael Nadal, 4/5
Roger Federer, 11/10
Games Handicap
Roger Federer, +1.5, 4/5
Rafael Nadal, -1.5, 10/11
Set Betting
Rafael Nadal 3-1, 7/2
Rafael Nadal 3-0, 3/1
Roger Federer 3-1, 4/1
Rafael Nadal 3-2, 5/1
Roger Federer 3-0, 4/1
Roger Federer 3-2, 11/2
Total Sets
Over 3.5, 1/3
Under 3.5 9/4
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Rafael Nadal is five years younger than Federer, though Nadal has had to work his way through numerous injuries over the past couple of years.
In addition, both men are coming off of gruelling semi-final matches, so there is apparently no advantage there as well.
Rafael Nadal last won the Australian Open in 2009, while Federer won his last title at the event in 2010.
You might want to tune in on Sunday, as this might be the last time we ever see Nadal and Federer square off in a Grand Slam final.
