History is made every time these two meet on the tennis courts.  Nadal is the physical young bull, and Federer is the smooth, unflappable assassin.  They are the best in their sport and most of their matches have been epic battles. 

Federer’s legacy as the best ever has been thwarted by losses in three French Open finals—and in this past Wimbledon final, which was probably the greatest match ever played.  Nadal had been frustrated by Federer on the grass as well, until this year.  

They have brought out the best in each other, and they do it in a way that is different than all the other rivalries we have mentioned before.  There is no ill will between them, and they praise each other as top-notch players. 

These two are so good and battle so hard, that they have drawn fans to the sport that were indifferent before.  This is the top individual rivalry going on today.  There is not another that comes close.

Honorable mention: Borg vs. McEnroe

Tiger Woods vs. Nobody

We are currently waiting for someone to step up and replace Nobody.  I don’t think it will happen.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Canada is serious about their hockey, and this is their version of the Hatfields and the McCoys.  Through 1970, they were the only teams north of the American border, so every time they met it was a big deal.  From 1944 to 1978, they met twelve times in the playoffs, and faced off in five Stanley Cup Finals.

This rivalry is symbolic of a rift in their history and society—the English and the French Canadians.  The English were British, conservative, and Protestant, while the French Canadians were Roman Catholic and liberal.

Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tarheels

Also known as the battle of Tobacco Road, this is the fiercest rivalry in college basketball.  The intensity of the rivalry is inflamed by the proximity of the two universities, located only eight miles apart.  These teams are always among the ACC’s top teams, and every time they meet it is a huge deal.

Former North Carolina coach Dean Smith and current Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski are Hall of Fame coaches, and have presided over some of the best and hotly contested battles between the two schools.

There are other college basketball rivalries, but this one is the gold standard.  None of the others have quite the bite that this one has.

Rivalries are what help to make sports what it is.  It lets us know that that there is something other than just money that is driving our athletes.  Thanks to the rivalries past, as we look forward to the future rivalries.

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