In his first competitive tournament since the Wimbledon championships, Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, in the final of the Australian Open to win a record 18th major title.
The Melbourne final was one that attracted over 10,000 fans to attend Melbourne Park. It was the resumption of one of the greatest rivalries in the Open Era, but this meeting was unlike the others. This time both players were on the comeback from injury, Federer due to his knee and Nadal due to his wrist. Throughout the tournament the tennis icons proved their critics wrong as they surged to the final, Federer’s first in the tournament since 2010 and Nadal’s first since 2014.
“I don’t think either one of us believed we’d be in the finals in Australia when we saw each other at your academy four, five months ago. And here we stand. I am happy for you. I would have been happy to lose to you. The comeback was perfect.” Said Federer.
Tipped to be the showdown of the entire tournament, the clash didn’t disappoint. Federer’s aggressive play from the baseline towards the net against Nadal’s brick-wall defence resulted in rallies that both amazed and inspired the crowd inside a packed Rod Laver Arena.
Drawing first blood in the match, a forehand smash at the net elevated the Swiss player to his first break point before he broke for a 4-3 lead thanks to a Nadal backhand error.
Great drive volley from Fed. pic.twitter.com/qbQ7mDltX3
— José Morais (@ZezeAM) 29 January 2017
Federer’s six-month hiatus from the tour failed to curb his belief or ability. Throughout the opening set he dropped just four points behind his serve, outclassing his long-time nemesis. Closing out the set proved to be no issue for Federer as the pace of his shots continued to wear Nadal down.
The dream start by the 17-time grand slam champion was soon tamed by Nadal and his fierce forehand. Hitting the ball towards the deep areas of the court, a shaky Federer service game rewarded the Spaniard a break as he battled to a 3-0 lead in the second set. The dramatic momentum change was one that stunned many. Suddenly it was Nadal, who could not miss a shot against a rapidly erratic Federer. To the relief of the crowd, the Swiss player once again upped the level of his game, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Nadal for levelling the match at a set apiece.
Engaged in what seemed to be tennis’ own version of a Battle Royale, both players threatened to derail each other throughout the third set. A tentative Federer service game saw him fight off three break points for a 1-0 lead. The efforts invested soon paid off as once again the momentum switched sides to Federer’s favour after a deeper return to break elevated him towards a 3-0 stronghold.
Está confirmado o break, Federer lidera o terceiro set por 3-0. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Q7OsKSOW18
— Bola Amarela (@Bola_Amarela) 29 January 2017
The ability of the 35-year-old to take the ball early and reduced his opponent’s time to make his shots was one that he benefited from. A cross-court backhand winner off a Nadal serve sent the Melbourne crowd into hysteria as the 17th seed muscled his way to a two-sets lead, with a backhand volley at the net.
Trying to Emulate Pete Sampras at the 2002 US Open, who was the last 17th seed to win a major title, six games separated Federer from glory. Still, he had to contend with the gigantic fighting display of Nadal. The Spanish resilience was one that even triggered the applause of Federer when a spectacular forehand shot moved Nadal closer to forcing the match into a deciding set.
¿Habéis visto eso? ¡Menudo puntazo! 😮🎾💪 #AusOpen #VamosRafa pic.twitter.com/CiXFIS7Bwm
— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) 29 January 2017
Doubts surrounding Federer’s ability to clinch the win in five sets began to gather as he exit the court before the decider to receive medical attention on his right leg. It wasn’t just injury troubling him, it was also the tenacious play of his arch rival. A forehand error from the Swiss player rewarded Nadal fresh blood to thrive on as he grabbed the early advantage in the decider. Still, Federer refused to relinquish the title. Five chances to break back came and went before he secured the breakthrough with the help of a Nadal error. The comeback sent the crowd into hysteria as a standing ovation erupted inside the Rod Laver Arena. From trailing 1-3, the 17th seed battled to a game away from the win, producing some of the greatest tennis witnessed in this year’s tournament.
Failing on his first championship point, it was the second which brought Federer tears of glory. A forehand winner, which was challenged by Nadal, was ruled in to extend the Swiss players iconic lead in grand slam history to 18 titles.
Celebrating his 100th match at the Australian Open, Federer celebrated his latest triumph by paying tribute to Nadal.
“Tennis is a tough sport. There are no draws. If there were I would have been happy to accept one tonight and share it with Rafa.” Federer said during the trophy ceremony.
“Everybody says they work very hard – I do the same – but I try not to shout about it. I’d like to thank my team. It’s been a different last six months. I didn’t think I’d make it but here I am.”
“I’d like to thank Rafa’s team. Keep playing Rafa. Tennis needs you.” He added.
Enduring a season consisting of injury and illness last year, Federer has opted to savour major title No.18. Expressing his desire to return to Melbourne Park in 12 months time, the Swiss player openly admitted that his 2018 appearance is not guaranteed.
“I’ve been coming here for almost 20 years now. I’ve always enjoyed it and now my family does too.” The 35-year-old said.
“Thanks again for everything, to everybody. I hope to see you next year. If not, this was a wonderful run here and I can’t be more happy to win tonight.”
At the age of 35, Federer will once again return inside the world’s top 10 on Monday in tenth place.
