Beijing: There will be many rivalries to look forward to in Beijing but none more enthralling perhaps that Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal.
Federer will be looking to take revenge for his defeats at the French Open and Wimbledon. Even though he will lose the No. 1 ranking to Nadal but he is still a huge draw at the games and the Olympics are special to him.
"Eight years ago meeting my girlfriend at the Olympic Games is also a highlight of my career. Carrying the flag was a different highlight. I don't know what's nice but I guess it was meeting the girlfriend because we have been together for eight years whereas the flag was only there for 10 minutes," Federer said.
After five years at the top Federer is one of the biggest stars at the Olympics and probably one of the richest too.
But there's no escaping the fame and that's the reason why he isn't staying at the Games Village.
"Not possible really. I cannot escape. There are so many athletes who want pictures. I don't mind it but every day for I don't know how long. It is not the ideal preparation for a gold medal," he revealed.
But there are no such worries for Federer's main rival though. Nadal is staying in the Olympics Village and loving every minute of it. Even his coronation as the world No. 1 has taken a back seat for the moment.
"Yes to be No. 1 is a great thing. For many years I have been battling to achieve this and it will be great. But right now I don't really have time to enjoy that. We are all enjoying the Olympic Games. It is a very different experience and I want to live the Olympic experience," Nadal said.
There is a line from Rocky movies. "It ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward."
Federer may have lost his No. 1 ranking but he is by no means finished. It has made him all the more determined and that's why her is the player to watch out in tennis at the Olympics.
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