"I think Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer enjoyed the rivalry they had" - Jurgen Klopp compares legendary tennis rivalry to battle between Liverpool & Manchester City

Jurgen Klopp [inset] recently used the example of the Federer-Nadal rivalry to highlight the importance of rivalries in sport.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently referenced the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer while describing the battle for supremacy between the Merseyside club and Manchester City.

Liverpool and City are widely regarded as two of the best teams in England as well as Europe. They regularly push each other to the brink in multiple competitions and often make for the best footballing spectacles.

The same can be said of Federer and Nadal, who have dominated tennis for a good part of the last couple of decades, alongside Novak Djokovic of course.

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Speaking to the media (via ESPN) ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday, Klopp highlighted how both sides have pushed each other to new heights.

"The last four years we've stepped up a bit closer to City. We've pushed each other to incredible points tallies, I never thought it would be possible in this league," Klopp said. "The consistency both teams have shown over the period is crazy."

"In sport, I think what helps the most is a strong opponent. In the long term, especially," Jurgen Klopp said. "I think Nadal and Federer enjoyed the rivalry they had. That's how it is in sport. I wouldn't say I'm thankful City is that good, but it didn't harm our development."

Klopp revealed that he expects a cracking match on Sunday, highlighting how both sides would likely go for the kill.

"I'm expecting a good game. I know that doesn't happen often when two top teams face each other," the German added. "Our history with City shows that very often they have been a pretty interesting watch because both teams really go for it."

A look at Rafael Nadal's rivalry against Roger Federer

The Swiss and the Spaniard ahead of their Wimbledon 2019 clash

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have played each other a whopping 40 times on tour, with their first clash taking place way back in 2004. Nadal leads the head-to-head by a margin of 24-16. However, it is Federer who has had the upper hand over the Mallorcan in recent years.

📺 Jurgen Klopp on Manchester City:

"What helps in sport the most is a strong opponent, especially in the long term. Nadal vs Federer for example." 🔴 https://t.co/pgN7mmJv4G

The Swiss legend has won seven of their last eight fixtures going back to the 2015 Basel Open. Federer's sole defeat to the Mallorcan during this period came in 2019 at Roland Garros.

Injuries to both players and the pandemic has denied fans a 41st meeting between the two.