Australian Open, 2009 Finals
What a match! What a match! let me say again, WHAT A MATCH!
One was expecting a mouth-watering experience, but of such magnitude?!
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We are witnessing a remarkable rivalry here between Federer and Nadal, just the thing this sport, or any sport for that matter, needs. We saw a period of dominance by Federer but the tide is now changing. And this is the dawn of a new era (perhaps a bit early to call it that I suppose). And the contrast in the styles only makes the competition all the more exciting.
Nadal came through after a 5 set thriller winning the final set 6-2 (7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2), a match equal to the Wimbledon, 2008, finals, if not better. Fernando Verdasco had said after the Semi Finals that one has to win each point thrice against Nadal. Doubt Federer would disagree. First 5 setter in 21 one years but worth the wait. Every second of it. What incredible tennis! (let me say it again,what a match!).
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Federer must be crest fallen. With Each Grand Slam, Federer must see his chances of breaking Sampras’s record of 14 Grand slams diminishing. He must be wonder what he has to do to overcome this man, this machine. For every shot, Nadal had a reply.
For Federer the penny dropped in the final set when he was serving 2 games to 1, 30-love. What followed was a streak of 7 unforced errors. There could only be one winner after that.
However, the game of the match came at 2 games all in the fourth set, with Federer serving. Nadal striking a beautiful winner after running across the court at least thrice followed by a clean ace by Federer. Picture this in repeat mode and even that will not do justice the remarkable game that it was. The standard of play was extraordinary.
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Nadal fans must be thinking that he reached the pinnacle. A finished product. Having defeated Federer on Clay, Grass and now on Hard Court, it was can said that we are witnessing historical gamesmanship from Nadal. He is, at present, the best player on planet, and arguably the best ever. Federer fans will have to wait for the next round. And there will be a next round.
With limitless endurance, boundless energy and a never-say-die attitude, Nadal has proven himself to be a worthy adversary to Federer’s dominance over the Sport in the last few years. With 10 hours of tennis in two days, who would have thought Nadal will survive this long and go on to win the Australian Open, 2009. He chased every ball as though his life depended upon it. And more often than not, came up with an amazing winner. His powerful forehands was impossible to match.
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The fact that Federer broke down after the match reveals a lot about what he was feeling and the psychological impact the match might have had on him. The applause that followed, however, said it all.
Two great ambassadors of the sport, two great champions. Congratulations to both of them.
But there was only one winner.
