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Roger Federer fell to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the 2011 Miami Open, a 3-6, 2-6 loss that left the Swiss maestro disappointed.
Despite the defeat on the night, Federer had the Miami fans squarely in his corner, as the crowd tried to cheer him on at every turn, calling out his name and professing their loyalty to him.
Speaking at his press conference afterwards, the 20-time Grand Slam champion shared his gratitude towards the fans, stating that it was a "nice" feeling for him to see such support while playing against his arch-rival.
At the same time, the former World No. 1 was not sure if he wanted it or not, as he believed part of the support came only because he was down in the score. Regardless, Federer was chuffed with the gesture from the fans, adding that he had always enjoyed playing in Miami for the same reason.
"Haven't gone through every match I've ever played, but it's definitely a very nice feeling to get the support from the crowd, you know, especially against Rafa, obviously," Roger Federer said.
"Yeah, I think definitely had something to do with the score. I'm not sure I wanted it or not because it meant I was down in the score. Definitely nice hearing my name go through the stadium. I've had some great times here in Miami. Definitely nice feeling to have to play out there and hear that," he added.
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic share 66 Grand Slams
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic together boast an impressive 66 Grand Slam singles titles. Djokovic leads the pack with 24, followed closely by Nadal with 22, and Federer with 20.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open an impressive 10 times (in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023), along with seven Wimbledon (in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022), four US Open (in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023), and three French Open titles (in 2016, 2021, and 2023).
Federer's cabinet includes eight Wimbledon (in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2017), six Australian Open (in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, and 2018), five US Open trophies (in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008), alongside one French Open title in 2009.
Nadal's mastery shines on claycourts, as he has won Roland-Garros 14 times consecutively from 2005 to 2008, then from 2010 to 2014, followed by 2017 to 2020, and again in 2022.
Additionally, the 37-year-old has clinched the New York Major four times in 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019, triumphed at the Melbourne Slam twice in 2009 and 2022, and secured two titles at SW19 in 2008 and 2010.
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