MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Playing against Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer is a fast-paced, physically exhausting and intimidating process that typically leaves opponents worn into submission.
Nothing quite prepares the pros for playing Rafa and Roger.
Xavier Malisse, a 30-year-old Belgian who has known the Swiss star since they were 12, lost in a businesslike fashion 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Friday.
He's extraordinary,'' Malisse said.His style was like that in the beginning, when he was 12. But when you see how it evolved - it's another world.''
They both turned pro in 1998, but Federer owns a record 16 Grand Slam titles. Malisse is ranked 45th after a career high of 19th.
When he hits the ball, there's an incredible speed,'' Malisse said.You're always on the defensive. You have to adapt to each point, but you don't have time,'' said . ``He's a perfect player.''
The 29-year-old Federer exudes calm on the court and an effortless grace, which belies the intense power of his shots and ability to generally outthink and outmaneuver opponents by anticipating their next move.
Federer often says he still enjoys tennis. He is not tortured by the pressure of living up to his reputation. After Friday's match, he was asked what keeps him excited about the sport. Federer said he loves playing on center court.
It takes a lot of hard work to get there,'' said Federer, who has a staggering 755-177 career record.When you're there, you want to stay there.''
Nadal's style is different. The 24-year-old Spaniard is muscular, intense and phenomenally athletic. He relentlessly chases down balls and pounds them back with viscous topspin. Since Nadal turned pro in 2001, he's won nine Grand Slam titles and logged a 477-102 record.
Together, Federer and Nadal have monopolized the No. 1 and No. 2 year-end rankings since 2004. At the Australian Open, Nadal is in the top spot and trying to complete a ``Rafa Slam'' by winning his fourth straight major.
Federer is bidding to become the second man in history to win five Australian Opens. A Federer-Nadal matchup in Melbourne could only happen in the final.
Frenchman Gilles Simon gave Federer the biggest challenge of the tournament so far, pushing him to five demanding sets. Simon is one of only three players - along with Nadal and Andy Murray - who own a winning record against Federer.
Simon said it felt like he was running nonstop for three hours, while Federer was still speedy at the end.
You look at the ball, and you have the impression that you can't do anything in the moment,'' Simon said.I feel like he's in control, he can do whatever he wants.''
Murray, who holds an 8-6 record against Federer, has never beaten him at a Grand Slam. The Scot, who lost to Federer at the 2010 Australian Open final, studies both players.
``If they're on TV and you're in the hotel, you'll definitely sit and watch some. You can learn a lot from those guys,'' Murray said.
Novak Djokovic is ranked No. 3, yet he considers the gap enormous.
I'm in this small group of players behind them that is trying to challenge them in each event,'' said Djokovic, the 2008 Australian Open champion.They are physically fit and mentally very strong.''
Like others, Djokovic marvels at their nearly flawless games and ability to improve.
This mental strength is, I guess, a big advantage over the other opponents,'' he said.They always play in full speed, especially Nadal.''
American qualifier Ryan Sweeting lost to Nadal in a clinical straight-set match that didn't take long, but left the 23-year-old wiped out.
Mentally, it was draining. It wore me physically,'' Sweeting said.I'm running, running, and running just to get a point in the game. With Rafa, he's so fast and so strong that he gets there and he gets the ball back deep and you have to start all over.
``You have to win the point two or three times just in order to get a 15-love.''
But he wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
I was very excited,'' Sweeting said.It's not every day you get to go head-to-head against the No. 1 player in the world, possibly one of the best to ever play the game.''