Rome Masters 2013. Yet again we are blessed to be able to witness this amazing rivalry in any sport, another FEDAL final. They are currently engaged in a storied rivalry, which many consider to be the greatest in tennis history. 

Roger had this to say:

“It almost doesn't matter what the surface or what the conditions are. I've got to play aggressive tennis and take it to Rafa,” “I know he doesn't give me much on clay. He's got incredible spin.”

“He is the best mover on clay of all-time, if not Top 2 with Bjorn Borg, so it's hard to play against him. But I've done it before and can put him under pressure,”  “I hope this time I have a better chance than at Indian Wells, where things were a bit difficult for me. He's had an incredible comeback, so I'm really happy for him. But someone has got to stop him, so I hope it's me.”

Rafa:

"Always it's special to play against Roger, all the history that these matches have already, always for me it's an honor to play against probably the best of the history, always play against him is special, two different styles, that makes the match more interesting"

They have played 29 times, and Nadal leads their nine-year-old rivalry 19–10, Finals: Nadal, 13–6

• Nadal has won 12 of their 14 encounters on clay courts.
• Federer has won 2 out of their 3 meetings on grass courts.
• They have split their 12 meetings on hardcourts with 6 all.

• All matches: Nadal, 19–10
• All finals: Nadal, 13–6
• Grand Slam matches: Nadal, 8–2
• Australian Open: Nadal 2-0
• French Open: Nadal 5-0
• Wimbledon: Federer 2-1
• US Open: Have not met
• Grand Slam finals: Nadal, 6–2
• Tennis Masters Cup/ATP World Tour Finals matches: Federer, 4–0
• Tennis Masters Cup/ATP World Tour Finals finals: Federer, 1–0
• ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Masters 1000 matches: Nadal, 10–4
• ATP Masters Series/ATP World Tour Masters 1000 finals: Nadal, 6–3
• Best of five set matches: Nadal, 10–3
• Five-set matches: Nadal, 3–2
• Best of three set matches: Nadal, 9–7

Results on each court surface
Clay courts: Nadal, 12–2
Hard courts: Tied 6–6
Indoor: Federer, 4–0
Outdoor: Nadal, 6–2
Grass courts: Federer, 2–1