Top Players Take Part in Nike Clash of the Champions

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The rivalry between grand slam winners Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer may be dying out but the power these players showcase when facing one another is definitely still going strong.

The two men took the court on Tuesday night for the Nike ”Clash of the Champions” event held in the University of Oregon’s new $227 million basketball arena.

Joining Nadal and Federer, only two days before the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA, were other Nike sponsored players like Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka, who descended upon the college town to show fans what they’re made of.

"I don't think anyone else could've gotten us here a matter of a few days before Indian Wells is starting," Sharapova said.

Fans certainly did not disappoint, selling out the event only one hour after the tickets were placed on sale. Packed inside of the arena, they treated players to a deafening round of applause as they entered the arena floor under a spot light.

"Walking down those stairs and hearing the crowd, you would think it is normal but it is not normal for us," Federer told the press.

Opening the event were the women with a singles match featuring banter with court-side fans and each other before Azarenka took the victory 5-4 (5-0) in a tiebreaker.

Also added to the mix was John McEnroe as the surprise guest of the evening, the longest Nike sponsored athlete with a 33-year relationship with the company.

"That guy Knight promised he'd never do a tennis event without me...are you serious?" said McEnroe who took to the umpire’s chair for the mixed doubles match, "I never thought I'd stoop this low." 

McEnroe did even more than just commentate from the sidelines, however. While Sharapova and Federer were leading 5-3, the seven-time Grand Slam champion took it upon himself to switch places with Federer on the court. This comes after his retirement during an exhibition match against Ivan Lendl at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Though he may have suffered from a rolled ankle then, fans would never know by the way he played, getting the team to match point before Federer took over once again. leading to a 6-3 victory.

In the men's singles set, the intensity typically exhibited between the two players was nowhere to be found. In its place was a lighthearted match filled with trick shots and commentary before Nadal won, 7-5.

"We've had many big battles over the years and also had some wonderful moments in exhibition play," said Federer. "We've played in some amazing places and this is obviously very special doing it for Nike in a place that means a lot to Phil. We're very happy to be here tonight."

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