A fine bromance: Nadal's epic rivalry with Federer

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's rivalry started in the sweltering heat of Miami and ended almost two decades later in tears and hand-holding in an emotional London farewell.

In between, the great friends met 40 times, battling out epics on European clay, London grass and hard courts from the United States to Australia.

Nadal edged their head-to-head count 24-16, coming out 9-3 on top in Grand Slam finals, including his stunning Wimbledon triumph in 2008, widely regarded as one of the greatest finals at the majors. However, the statistics only scratch the surface.