Roger Federer: Strong Comments Make Rafael Nadal Sound Jealous of Federer

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal used to be fierce rivals on the court and good friends off the court. But it looks like the love has been lost.

The two most successful players of the last five years are at the top of the tennis food pyramid. Anything they say and do is felt throughout the tennis world.

Nadal has used his clout to publicly criticize the length of the tennis calendar. He believes that some of the nagging injuries that hamper the top talents could be prevented with more rest. Federer believes that players should stay private with their issues. 

Recently, the Spaniard was less than complementary about Federer when reporters asked if he believes the Swissman doesn’t like to criticize the sport in public: 

"

For him, it's good to say nothing. Everything positive. 'It's all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,' and the rest can burn themselves.

"

Woah.

That’s way over the line and Nadal should be ashamed of himself. He essentially was calling Federer a fake and a phony. 

Tennis rarely gets the world’s attention and constantly complaining about the rules is not good for the sport. Federer understands this.

Sure you can call Federer a company man of sorts, but he has to be. He is the best player of the last decade and the most famous active tennis player on the men's side. That’s what happens when you win 15-career Grand Slams.

Nadal is coming off of a frustrating season that was derailed by injuries. He’s using the schedule excuse for his down season. Just because Federer stays in better shape and is more durable doesn’t mean you have to rip him for not publicly shredding the sport he loves.

The normally level-headed Nadal made a very odd decision to rip Federer. The Australian Open kicks off and it now makes for a very interesting storyline at Melbourne Park.

Let’s hope they play each other at some point in the next two weeks.