It was not quite another tennis masterpiece. The much-anticipated rematch between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer lacked the consistent quality and, above all, the crescendo finish of their five-act drama in fading light at Wimbledon last year.
But this Australian Open final was certainly epic entertainment, too. It also lasted five sets and more than four hours. It also featured plenty of abrupt reversals of fortune and unexpected breaks of serve, and it also ended with Nadal triumphant and Federer devastated.
Federer, the 27-year-old Swiss star, needed just one more victory to match Pete Sampras’s all-time record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles. But he faded badly in the final set on Sunday night and was then unable to keep his composure after Nadal’s 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 victory.
In the post-match ceremony, Federer choked up after receiving the runner’s-up plate from one of his idols, Rod Laver, and was unable to get more than a few sentences into his speech to the crowd before he began to cry in earnest.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Sampras, but I truly hope Rog gets to 15. Nadal’s hitting his peak right now (much like Federer a couple years ago), and it remains to be seen if he’ll dominate on all surfaces. I’m surprised he’s been able to alter his game to suit grass and fast hardcourts.. most dirtballers have real trouble with the change of pace and spin. It’s an impressive feat to be sure.