Andy Roddick says beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final launched Rafael Nadal into an all-time great

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick said beating Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final catapulted Rafael Nadal into an all-time great. After winning the 2005, 2006, and 2007 French Open titles, Nadal also made it to the 2007 Wimbledon final.

But the Spaniard lost a five-set thriller against Roger Federer and it was a heartbreaking loss for the youngster. However, Nadal bounced back strongly in the next season and defeated Federer in a humdinger contest in 2008 Wimbledon final.

Speaking on his popular Served podcast, Roddick said: “I think [the 2008 final] was significant for so many reasons.

“I think we were pre-programmed in what a rivalry should look like. A lot of the matches that we’ve talked about Mac (McEnroe), Borg, Chrissy (Chris Evert), Martina (Navratilova), Rafa, Novak.

“What are the similarities? They’re very different.

“The lefty righty thing in the history of tennis has been a big deal.

“The other thing that it did and I think why it was so significant is at that point we knew Rafa was gonna win 10 plus majors because of the French Open.

“But to beat Roger in that venue in his prime on his surface, I think from the locker room automatically catapulted him into one of the greats of all time.”

Meanwhile, Nadal won a total of two Wimbledon titles in his glorious career whereas Federer won eight crowns at SW19. Nadal went on to win 22 Grand Slams in his career whereas Federer won 20 Major titles before announcing their retirement.

The duo shared an epic rivalry on the court and off the court, their friendship bond is well known in the tennis fraternity.