In May 2007, tennis fans witnessed an unprecedented spectacle: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer faced off in a match on a court split evenly between clay and grass. Dubbed the “Battle of the Surfaces,” this exhibition aimed to determine who was the superior player by neutralizing their dominance on their preferred surfaces.
At that time, Nadal had an impressive 72-match unbeaten streak on clay courts, while Federer had not lost on grass for four years, amassing 48 consecutive wins. The match took place at Palma Arena in Mallorca, Nadal’s hometown, and was constructed at a cost of $1.63 million over 19 days. The court was divided down the middle, with one side covered in clay and the other in grass, presenting a unique challenge for both players .
The event almost didn’t happen due to unforeseen issues with the grass surface. A worm infestation had damaged the turf, leading organizers to replace it with grass from a local golf course just days before the match .
Despite the challenges, the match proceeded before a sell-out crowd of 7,000 spectators. Nadal won the contest 7–5, 4–6, 7–6(12–10), showcasing his adaptability and skill on both surfaces .
Reflecting on the experience, Nadal admitted he was initially apprehensive about the match, fearing it might be a disaster due to the difficulty of adapting to the mixed surfaces. However, he later described it as a “nice experience” and expressed enjoyment in the unique challenge .
Federer, too, appreciated the novelty of the match, stating it was “fun” and “exciting” to play on a court with mixed surfaces. He acknowledged the challenge of constantly switching between surfaces but found the experience enjoyable .
The “Battle of the Surfaces” remains a memorable moment in tennis history, highlighting the versatility and sportsmanship of two of the game’s greatest players.
