Rafa and Nole will shortly be facing off for the 42nd time.  Rafa leads the current head-to-head 22-19, but these two seem destined to meet many more times.  The final at Roland Garros carries with it a Grand Slam crown, the number one spot in the ATP rankings and a possible Career Grand Slam.  A lot is up for grabs, but there is room for some levity when looking at this rivalry.

Rafa and Nole already have played each other more often than any pair of male players in the Open Era.  Many institutions of popular culture have had fewer than 42 installments.  I will express the Rafole rivalry in terms of these other aspects of our popular imagination.

Ali – Frazier

Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier only fought three times.  Still, their rivalry is part of sports lore.  Djokovic has more in common with Ali as both men have entertained fans with words and deeds.  Frazier was a physical  brawler, and Rafa would more easily fill that role. “If Uncle Toni wants to talk about me, I’ll beat Rafa in three!”

007

Twenty-three James Bond were released through the company Eon.  Two other films were made as well. 007’s dry wit meshes well with Nole’s personality as well.  That means Rafa would likely have to be Q who could through meticulous tinkering find the best electrolyte drink possible (and the best way to position the drink near one’s chair).

NBA

The LA/Minneapolis Lakers and Boston Celtics have met in 15 different NBA Finals.  Based on more recent teams and personalities, I would slate Rafa as Kevin Garnett and Nole as Shaq.  In a more vintage look at the NBA, I’d look at Rafa as Bill Russell and Novak as Magic Johnson.

Big Bang Theory

Of the four main male characters, Rafa’s obsessive side is a good match for Dr. Sheldon Cooper while Nole’s joking side and set of impersonations is reflected best by Howard Wolowitz.  The idea of Rafa and Nole at a comic book store together is comedic in and of itself.

Monster Movies

The 30th Godzilla film was recently released.  Rafa would have to be viewed as Godzilla on clay.  Since Nole has beaten Rafa 4 times on clay and pushed him on other occasions, he’d have to be seen as King Ghidorah/Ghidrah.

 VS.

Pro-Wrestling

Couldn’t we use Jim Ross in the broadcast booth?

The 30th edition of Wrestlemania was held this past April.  In wrestling, Uncle Toni might throw flour into Nole’s eyes allowing Rafa to grab a quick victory.  Andy Murray might come out at the end of the match with bagpipes playing and attack the winner to set up the next pay-per-view Wimbledon 2014.