The Battle of Surfaces

“The Battle of the Surfaces” is a unique event that has never taken place before in the history of tennis. Its protagonists were the two best players in the world: Roger Federer, from Switzerland and Rafael Nadal, from Spain. The match was played on May 2nd at the Palma Arena in Palma de Malloca, a venue recently inaugurated, and which had a half clay, half grass court.

We are speaking of authentic specialists. Federer is the King on grass courts and the last Wimbledon champion, where he has won consecutively between 2003 and 2006. Nadal is King on clay courts; champion during the last two seasons at Roland Garros. Thus, the two who govern the ATP circuit will come face to face playing on their preferred surfaces.

The characteristics of the match were normal. That is, it was played to the best of three sets with the usual changes of side on uneven games. And it enabled us to pose a possible answer to a so-far unanswered question: Who would have won “The Battle of Surfaces” between the best Boris Becker or Pete Sampras against the best Sergi Bruguera or Carlos Moya? It would be impossible to know for sure because at that time the “Battle of Surfaces” did not exist. But now we are in a position to reveal the mystery by measuring the forces of Federer and Nadal, the kings of grass and clay.

“The Battle of the Surfaces”, much more than just a match.

The Jewel of Majorca

The Palma Arena Velodrome was built in 14 months and required an investment of approximately 50 million Euros. Its architectural design is spectacular and it has already hosted the Spanish Cycling Championship.

The Palma Arena exhibits a very special scenario. Its construction began in November 2005, following a project by Architect Ralp Shûrmann. Naturally there was an alma mater behind this enterprise; someone who was desperate to have a complex of that nature in his own country: cyclist Joan Llaneras, six times World Champion and Olympic King. A symbol of Spanish sport.

The cost of the Palma Arena is estimated in 50 million Euros, and one of the best locations of Majorca was reserved for it, on Uruguay Avenue. It was built in what is considered record time, in 14 months, on a plot of land of 295,276 square feet. As was stipulated in their objectives, it was inaugurated when the National Cycling Championships were held, on February 28th this year. Its distinguished architectural design, heated and with glass panes that allow natural light to enter from the Mediterranean, give it a physiognomy all its own. On that occasion, its capacity was for 5,000 people with a parking sector–roofed and open sky–for 1,000 automobiles.

The original idea–in the investment of which the Balearic Government participated actively–was not only to create a sports center, but also that it should act–based on its name–as a means of dispersing tourist congestion.