With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominating the ATP circuit, and most of the top-contenders ending their seasons early, 2018 is primed to produce some electric battles between rivals, both new and storied. Baseline will countdown the most anticipated rivalries of the new year.
See No. 5 here.
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Head-to-Head record: Federer leads 20-3
OK, so this isn't the closest of rivalries. But these two best friends from Switzerland with powerful one-handed backhands are a honor to watch. Wawrinka has only managed to beat Federer three times in his career, the last coming in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Roland Garros, where he went on to win the title.
However, even though Federer outplays Wawrinka on most occasions, the world No. 9 pushes him to his limits, just like in the Australian Open semifinals earlier this year. The duo battled over five sets before Federer prevailed 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 on his way to the title.