Who's Better? Federer on grass or Nadal on clay?

[serve/and/volley]

So who is better? Federer on grass or Nadal on clay? Head-to-head Federer is 1-0 against Nadal on grass and Nadal is 5-0 against Federer on clay. But what other factors should be considered? How about their respective win-streaks on each surface? How about their strengths and (if any, weaknesses) in their playing styles in their respective dominant surfaces?

 

[Andres]

I'll say Nadal on clay, but Federer is no slouch either. But Fed is closer to get beaten on grass than Nadal on clay, IMO.

 

[Deleted member 4983]

Rafa will beat fadarar the next time they on grass. Add to the fact that Rafa is a far superior player than fadarar, I will say Nadal is much more dominant on his surface.

 

[muggy]

I don't think it'd be too much of a stretch to say Federer has been better on clay than Nadal on grass, he's been pretty damn close to beating Nadal at Rome and had that good start in the French.

In terms of the original question, I think a lot of the top players have deficiencies on clay compared to grass, like the American players, for example. I think this makes Wimby a tougher win, along with a slightly bigger stage. I think if Federer used the serve & volley a little more he'd seem more invincible at Wimbledon, although he hasn't exactly been too shabby controlling points from the baseline. Nadal has always used his athletic ability to dominate the clay tournaments, he doesn't use much variety but it doesn't seem like even Federer can maintain his timing against the heavy balls he produces.

I really do think that they're both monsters on those surfaces, but I think all it may take for Fed to beat Nadal is an extra hot and dry day on the right clay court, Nadal wouldn't get so lucky to find a slower grass court.

 

[tintin]

Federer has won 4 straight Wimbledons
Federer has made the finals of all clay court tournaments since Rome 2005 including RG 2006

Nadal has won 2 Roland Garros and made just 1 Wimbledon final

Federer is 2nd behind Nadal on clay so
need I say more?

I think the question is whose the better player overall?
and the answer is 10-2 in favor of Federer
I'm out

 

[urban]

On Masters shields, the difference is pretty small. And there is another number: 26-20.

 

[Fedace]

This will be decided very soon on May 1st. there will be exibition match with rafa and fed in spain, with court that is 1/2 clay and 1/2 grass. that is going to be real interesting.

 

[Zaragoza]

Federer has won 4 straight Wimbledons
Federer has made the finals of all clay court tournaments since Rome 2005 including RG 2006

Nadal has won 2 Roland Garros and made just 1 Wimbledon final

Federer is 2nd behind Nadal on clay so
need I say more?

I think the question is whose the better player overall?
and the answer is 10-2 in favor of Federer
I'm out

Yes, you need to say that Nadal is 20: 2 Grand Slams, 8 Masters Series and the longest streak ever on clay. Beat that at 20.

 

[Buuurnz]

I'd say Federer on grass!
I mean Fed wn Wimbledon 4 years in a row, hasn't lost a match on grass for 4 years as well...Nadal the same, but on clay and the clay season is much shorter and only for 2 years...!
Aditionally check how many sets roger lost in his matches on grass and nadal on clay!
but all in all their dominaces on these surfaces are about the same!

 

[GOD_BLESS_RAFA]

It's hard to compare them they do not belong to the same generation

When Federer won his first Grand Slam on grass Nadal was still a teen that makes sense no?

 

[Rosebud]

And there is another number: 26-20.

You mean their age? (Allthough Federer will not be 26 before August this year). For Federer time seems to be running out, more quickly than expected, to win that elusive French title. And Nadal has time on his side. Despite the fact that people have been forwarning his eminent physical demise, and despite his periodical foot problems - of which he seems very aware and cautious - Nadal is still the same imovable object as he was before. I don't believe those self proclaimed soothsaying medical doctors (Federer fans in disguise?) who say Nadal won't last. I think he'll certainly outlast Federer and perhaps one day even manage to achieve on grass what Federer may never on clay.

 

[tlm]

You have to remember most of the injury predictions are fed fans hoping for nadal to end his career early.

 

[KingOfTennis]

they are both excellent but i rekon nadal might be abit beter on clay

 

[KingOfTennis]

OH YEA 400 Posts Semi-pro!!!