Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal

Monday July the 16th, Rafael Nadal leads Roger Federer by 85 points in the ATP tour race.The ongoing debate is whether this is the beginning of the end for the World No.1. Federer has a 36-5 record this year with four titles which include the Australian Open and Wimbledon. 21 year old Nadal is 51-8 this season with five titles including his third French Open. They have faced each other 13 times in the past with Nadal leading the duel 8-5. Nadal has beaten Federer every time at the French Open, once in the Semis and twice in the Finals. Most believed this was Federer's year to clinch the elusive French Open having just beaten Nadal in the previous clay court Final at Hamburg. Federer had only himself to blame as he failed to convert 16 of 17 breakpoints. However Federer kept his record intact on grass beating Nadal in both the Finals they have played in. Nadal is young and seems to be improving his game rapidly as was evident in the recently concluded Wimbledon Final where he took the defending champion to five sets. Many believe Federer is running out of steam. His recent lapses on the court before the French open against Canas and Volandri raised doubts about his game. Nadal has a long career ahead of him as compared to Federer and it will remain to be seen how both the players handle the upcoming US open.