The similarities b/w these two rivalries are actually much more striking now that i look at it more closely. If you compare the Fedal rivalry from 2006-2008, its similar to Borg-Mac from 1979-1981.
In the Federer Nadal rivalry, from 06-08, the contest was on French Open and Wimby.
Borg Mcenroe the rivalry from '79-81 was on Us Open and Wimby.
Federer dominated Wimbledon, Nadal dominated French Open.
Borg dominated Wimbledon, Mcenroe dominated US Open.
1979- Borg wins Wimby, Mac wins US. 2006- Fed wins Wimby, Rafa wins French
1980- Borg wins Wimby, Mac wins US. 2007- Fed wins Wimby, Rafa wins French.
1981- Mac wins both 2008- Rafa wins both.
Yes the two "all time great" matches did not happen in parallel years, but Fed's 07 win was still a 5 setter. Also, Borg's 1980 was his 5th consecutive Wimby AND Fed's 07 win was his 5th consecutive Wimby. 1981 and 2008 was when the newcomers (Mac/Rafa) finally surpassed the long-standing top dogs.
After this however, Borg stopped fighting and retired in '82 whereas Federer did not give up and reached new heights in '09. That is where the parallel ends.
I find, this kind of symmetry in a rivalry pretty crazy, any thoughts?
In the Federer Nadal rivalry, from 06-08, the contest was on French Open and Wimby.
Borg Mcenroe the rivalry from '79-81 was on Us Open and Wimby.
Federer dominated Wimbledon, Nadal dominated French Open.
Borg dominated Wimbledon, Mcenroe dominated US Open.
1979- Borg wins Wimby, Mac wins US. 2006- Fed wins Wimby, Rafa wins French
1980- Borg wins Wimby, Mac wins US. 2007- Fed wins Wimby, Rafa wins French.
1981- Mac wins both 2008- Rafa wins both.
Yes the two "all time great" matches did not happen in parallel years, but Fed's 07 win was still a 5 setter. Also, Borg's 1980 was his 5th consecutive Wimby AND Fed's 07 win was his 5th consecutive Wimby. 1981 and 2008 was when the newcomers (Mac/Rafa) finally surpassed the long-standing top dogs.
After this however, Borg stopped fighting and retired in '82 whereas Federer did not give up and reached new heights in '09. That is where the parallel ends.
I find, this kind of symmetry in a rivalry pretty crazy, any thoughts?