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Federer will begin his bid for a ninth Wimbledon title against Serbian Dusan Lajovic on the central court tomorrow.
But on the eve of the Swiss Wimbledon's 20th Wimbledon, the defending champion's spirit returned to the night when he was dethroned by Nadal in a classic final widely regarded as the biggest match ever played.
Federer had beaten Nadal in two previous Wimbledon finals before the Spaniard dropped him from his perch in 2008 with a five-set suspense that lasted nearly five hours late in the evening in front of an audience captivating world of millions.
This is the match that cemented Federer and Nadal as giants of their generation and accelerated the resurgence of the sport as a multi-million pound industry.
Nadal's triumph – his first at Wimbledon – fueled an epic rivalry that reminds Federer that Barcelona striker Messi and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo beat him for the prizes the most prestigious football.
"Of course, yes, they have a longstanding rivalry, I have the same thing with Rafa," Federer said when asked if he could see similarities between the rivalries.
"They are very different from each other, I suppose that there are also similarities.
"As similar as we are, Rafa and myself, we are always very different on many levels, I think it's pretty much the same for them.
"Obviously in football, it 's different because you' re as good as your team, the field is huge, with 11 of them running everywhere.
"With us we are a little more in control, let's be honest, I hope I can control it a little better than they could." Like Messi and Ronaldo, Federer and Nadal have demonstrated amazing longevity, sharing the last six Grand Slam titles with three each.
Federer now has 20 major titles to his name, while Nadal won his 17th title by winning the recent Open de France.
Sorrowful Memories
Nadal arrives at Wimbledon as world number one, with defending champion Federer one place behind him.
And while Messi and Ronaldo were eliminated from the World Cup in Russia, Argentina and Portugal having both been eliminated on Saturday, Federer and Nadal could easily face off at the reunion. 10th birthday this month.
For Federer, this would bring back painful memories of one of the most difficult defeats of his brilliant career.
"I think it was one of the hardest losses I've ever had, that's no doubt: I was so close to succeeding six times in a row "said Federer.
"It was a great match for several reasons, but it also made me more humane, losing in the circumstances.
"We're going back on time with Rafa, I'm sure we'll talk about it when we're older in the rocking chair.
"We're going to talk about all this, I'm sure I got something out of it, but mostly positive, even though the timing was rather difficult." Before being able to consider revenge on this loss, Federer's immediate goal is to avoid a first-round swing against the world number 57 Lajovic.
In spite of all his experience, playing the first match of the Center Court is still an anxious moment for Federer, who skipped the clay court season to stay cool for Wimbledon.
"I think it's still a little scary, in all honesty," said Federer, who won the Wimbledon warm-up in Stuttgart, but lost in Halle's final at Borna Coric on the weekend. last end.
"I mean, in addition to the story and the mythical place that it is, you can not also practice on it.
"When you go out, there is some uncertainty for both players, from a very quiet week and from a site we saw this week, that 's it. just packed everywhere.
"The whole atmosphere is changing at Wimbledon, and you realize that the eyes are on you, it's a huge honor."
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