Revisiting the epic "Battle of the Surfaces"

Twelve years ago, the Rafael Nadal the King of Clay faced off against the Roger Federer the GOAT of Grass in an epic “Battle of the Surfaces” exhibition match. The half clay and half grass spectacle cost approximately $1.6 million to create.

At the time of the clash in May of 2007, Nadal had won 72 consecutive clay court matches and Federer had won 48 consecutive grass court matches. The Battle of the Surfaces was meant to determine who the best player in the world was, on a level playing field.

But was this really a level playing surface? Or did the contrast of surfaces benefit the Spaniard? Every shot Nadal hit from the grass still had his legendary spin, which would bounce up high out of Federer’s strike zone on the clay. At the same time, Nadal had the luxury of extra time while playing on clay, allowing him to use his unprecedented defense and scrambling ability to his advantage.

He sealed the win,  7–5, 4–6, 7–6(10). Regardless of your take on who had the upper hand, one thing is for sure: If the conditions are adverse, it is almost always advantage Rafa.