On this day: When Rafael Nadal struck the first blow in his rivalry with Roger Federer

Sixteen years ago today, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal began the start of what would become a glorious rivalry.

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Rafael Nadal has 'a lot more tennis ahead' as Spaniard backed to break more records

Rafael Nadal won his 85th career title last month at the Mexican Open in Acapulco.

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Novak Djokovic prediction made about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal GOAT debate

Andy Roddick has outlined what Novak Djokovic needs to do to win the conversation over who is tennis' 'greatest of all time'.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas claims he's 'losing his mind' in bizarre coronavirus video

Stefanos Tsitsipas posted a video of his rambling thoughts on YouTube.

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ESPN2 Brings Fans Federer-Nadal Marathon

Looking to satisfy your tennis cravings? ESPN2 is providing a 22-hour marathon on Saturday that features six epic Grand Slam matches between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The matches can also be viewed on the ESPN app.

Nadal currently leads their ATP Head2Head rivalry 24-16 and has won 10 of their 14 Grand Slam battles. Federer picked up three of his Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon.

Federer-Nadal Marathon Schedule (all times EST on 28 March)

Time	Match
6:00am	2006 Wimbledon final
8:00am	2012 Australian Open semi-final
10:00am	2007 Wimbledon final
1:00pm	2017 Australian Open final
6:00pm	2008 Wimbledon final
11:00pm	2009 Australian Open final

Wimbledon provided additional Grand Slam viewing on Thursday by posting the entire 11-hour, five-minute encounter between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut to their YouTube channel.

[TTV FEDAL]

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Cabal Launches Campaign To Help Colombian Families Combat COVID-19

While the pandemic caused by COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the world, some of the biggest stars on the ATP Tour have thrown themselves into providing aid during this difficult situation.

Juan Sebastian Cabal, No. 2 in the FedEx ATP Doubles Rankings, launched an initiative with his brother to help the most vulnerable people in his hometown of Cali, Colombia. Cabal is promoting a campaign on social media to raise funds for buying food in local markets and delivering it to families in need, especially those who normally work on the street. The goal is to make it possible for everyone to stay home and adopt the necessary protective measures against COVID-19.

“While our doctors, nurses, security, supermarket and pharmacy staff are fighting for us, we cannot stand by and watch,” Cabal wrote in a post on his Instagram account. In our city, 70 per cent of the population relies on the informal economy and we know that part of the success in the fight against COVID-19 is social isolation. In order to guarantee that our people who work in this way can comply, we must guarantee food for them and their families during the days of quarantine.

“We invite you to support us and contribute to this cause. With the help of community leaders, we are identifying the city’s vulnerable families.”

Cabal is promoting and coordinating the initiative from his home. Donations can be made through two bank accounts that the Colombian has set up. His longtime doubles partner and fellow Colombian, Robert Farah, also shared the campaign on his own social media accounts.

There are 491 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia as of 27 March, while the global figure has reached 577,624.

[TENNIS AT HOME]

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Nadal & Gasol Support Red Cross In Fighting COVID-19

Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol have launched the #NuestraMejorVictoria (Our Best Victory) campaign, which they hope to use to encourage donations from Spanish sport in the fight against COVID-19. The initiative, which forms part of the #CruzRojaResponde (Red Cross Responds) project, aims to raise €11 million and help citizens in need during this health emergency.

The two sportsmen made an appeal on Thursday via social media, sending out a clear message of unity and reciprocal support to all members of the Spanish public. Because Spanish citizens have supported them in their victories and defeats, they wanted to return that affection at this challenging time.

“You have always been on our side during happy times and difficult times. You have always been understanding… We athletes are what we are largely thanks to your support. Now is the time that we cannot let you down,” Nadal said. “It occurred to me to ring my friend Pau [Gasol] and he was also thinking about doing something. We reached the conclusion that now is the time to launch this initiative, which we hope that the whole of Spanish sport will get behind.”

Nadal is at home in Mallorca and complying with the confinement regulations set out by the Spanish government. Since 14 March, Spain has been under a state of national emergency, which includes measures limiting the movement of citizens.

[TENNIS AT HOME]

“We are going through a time that would have been unexplainable and unimaginable a few months ago,” Nadal said. “We’re suffering the impact of this pandemic which has changed all of our lives, particularly those people who are suffering firsthand and their relatives.

“These are sad times, being at home all day. The news is not very encouraging. There is nothing we can do other than be positive, strong and united in the fight to beat the virus. I have been at home for a few days and thinking about how I can help in this situation, which is completely new to everyone.”

With more than 64,000 cases confirmed and almost 5,000 deaths, Spain is one of the countries most seriously affected by this pandemic. Spanish athletes were quick to respond and several have already shown their support for the project by promising to give donations.

Notable ATP players such as Feliciano López and David Ferrer have been joined by other Spanish athletes, including WTA stars Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro, race car drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, football goalkeeper Iker Casillas, track and field athletes Bruno Hortelano and Orlando Ortega, and yachtswoman Theresa Zabell, among others.

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