Whenever one talks about tennis superstar Roger Federer, one name always comes to mind. That name is Spaniard tennis star, Rafael Nadal. Like a shadow that keeps following you, Roger Federer just can't escape Rafael Nadal's shadow. One just cannot simply talk about Roger Federer without even including Rafael Nadal in the conversation. And vice versa.

Roger Federer, 35, is considered by many as the greatest tennis player ever to play the game. But despite the record Grand Slam titles, Rafael Nadal always has Roger Federer's number. Their past three matches seem to turn the tide in Roger Federer's favor. As Fox Sports reported, Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round match at the 2017 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in such dominating fashion that it seems to indicate that Rafael Nadal is on the decline.

Roger Federer defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, via a report from BBC. It's the third straight time that Roger Federer has beaten Rafael Nadal, including this year's Australian Open. In the 36 times that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has faced each other head to head, this is the first time that Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal three straight times.

That Roger Federer at 35 years old dominated Rafael Nadal in such fashion surprised many. Rafael Nadal is younger at 30 years old and yet during the match, he seems to be the older player.

Roger Federer was quicker with his returns. Rafael Nadal just couldn't keep up.

It wasn't always like this in their earlier head to head match ups. During the peak of his career, Roger Federer dominated the tennis world on his way to a record 18 Grand Slam titles. Rafael Nadal is the only player Roger Federer has not dominated.

Despite his recent loss, Rafael Nadal still leads their head to head series 23-13. Roger Federer still has a lot of catching up to do but the recent play of Rafael Nadal is any indication, that lead may soon evaporate in a blink of an eye.