Even if Roger Federer happens to retire from tennis at age 35, he isn’t likely to have to worry about anyone catching his record number of Grand Slam titles.
Federer took care of business in Sunday’s Australian Open final.
No. 18 probably did it for the 35-year-old “Wonderman.”
A MISSED CHANCE TO CLOSE ON RECORD
With a chance to close within two of Federer’s major titles, Rafa Nadal stumbled on the way to the victory celebration. Serving at 3-2 and ad-in in the fifth set, Nadal appeared to be only a few points from a possible 15th major title and an Open Era record second career Grand Slam.
It wasn’t to be. A Nadal forehand clipped the tape and went wide. There were few happy moments in the Nadal camp the rest of the way.
Federer had the 17s lined up, 17th seed and 17 major titles. He did very little wrong while winning the last five games for a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over his long-time rival.
NO TEARS THIS TIME FROM THE LOSER
The last time these two men stood together for the Australian Open trophy presentation in 2009, it was Federer who was crying. He had just beaten Nadal in another five-setter in which the winner also won sets 1, 3 and 5.
It probably wouldn’t have taken much to have brought tears from Nadal this time. He appeared to be on the verge, but he managed to maintain his composure and eventually gave a light-hearted, happy runner-up acceptance speech.
It may have been a little easier since both men are nearing the end of their legendary careers, and have become good friends. Losing is never easy to take, but this time it might have been easier than it could have been.
The pain will set in when Nadal replays the last four games
A MAJOR MADE FOR FED AND RAFA
Federer finally defeated Nadal in a Grand Slam final other than Wimbledon. Everything is now fine in the world of these two greats.
Of course, both want more titles. They may get them, but they may not.
This was a tournament made for Roger and Rafa. No Andy Murray, no Novak Djokovic to worry about for either.
They played five sets. Of course, the match will go down as one of men’s tennis’ more memorable encounters.
With both players playing in their first major tournament following long absences from the tour while recovering from injuries, both appeared lackluster at times, especially Nadal.
Nadal probably had never “just looked” at so many balls that he normally would have chased down.
NADAL MAY HAVE LOST HIS DREAM
With Rafa now four majors behind Federer’s 18, it would be difficult for Rafa to even dream of catching Federer.
But when Nadal walked to the service line with that edge in the sixth game of the final set, he had to be feeling pretty good about catching Federer. Then came the net-cord intervention that went against Nadal and set Federer up for a match-tying service break.
Nadal had his serving problems in the decisive set against Federer’s aggressive returns and brilliant forehands. Nadal faced at least one break point, 10 in all, in each of his four service games in the fifth set.
Rafa had been living on borrowed time when Federer whipped his mighty forehand cross court for a shot that would end the match. Rafa’s challenge failed, and Federer, indeed, was the king of men’s tennis.
James Beck is the long-time tennis columnist for the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier newspaper. He can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com. See his Post and Courier columns at
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