Federer-Nadal once again after 5 and half years
The entire tennis fraternity awaits Sunday, the 29th of January with bated breath. In something that has turned the clock by almost decade, its a Federer-Nadal showdown in a Grand Slam Final. Prior to this clash, several tennis legends have expressed their opinions and views. The Sportsrush takes a look!
Following their semifinal triumphs, both the players narrated an incident in their post match interview. Federer had visited Mallorca to inaugurate Rafa’s tennis academy. As both of them were struggling with injuries, they joked about playing charity matches in future. Hence, from back then to now in the AO finals, it indeed is a dream come true!
Federer-Nadal speak about one another
Rafael Nadal :
“It’s a very special thing for both of us to be in the final of a major again and have the chance to compete against each other after a couple of years out with some problems.
“It was a moment we never thought we were ever going to have again, to be in the final in Australia, so we both feel very happy.”
Also Read : Twitter erupts as Nadal gifts Tennis fans a Federer-Nadal final at the Australian Open
Roger Federer :
“Rafa has presented me with the biggest challenge in the game. I’m his number one fan. His game is tremendous. He’s an incredible competitor.
“I’m happy we had some epic battles over the years and of course it would be unreal to play here. I think both of us would never have thought we would be here playing in the finals.”
What legends say :
True to the magnitude of this showdown, tennis greats are divided on the Federer-Nadal match. Much like their legions of fans, both the maestro and matadors have received support from these tennis legends. Given below are a few of them –
Rod Laver : “I’m really not judging if one is favoured over the other because both know each other’s game. If he serves well, maybe Roger has an edge.”
Roy Emerson : “Every time I pick Federer because he’s my favourite. He’s serving awfully well and, when he serves well, he’s difficult over five sets. Rafa is in great physical shape and he’s also difficult over five sets. With Federer taking a medical break after two sets, no one knows how he is [physically].”
Lleyton Hewitt : “The match-up certainly suits Rafa slightly more but how is he going to bounce back from that [five-hour semi-final]? It was so taxing and gruelling on his body. Roger’s going to have to throw in the serve-volley attacking tennis but the court and the balls this year playing slightly quicker certainly plays into Roger’s hands.”
Pat Rafter : “Probably Rafa, but I don’t know how much last night has taken out of him and I have to imagine a lot. And I don’t know how Federer is either. It all depends on how these guys pull up. I’d like to see Federer change a few things up in his game if he wants to beat Rafa; be slightly more aggressive, come into the net a bit more.”
Pat Cash : “Everything points to Roger. A fast hardcourt, night time is perfect for Federer. Lower-bouncing balls this year is perfect for Federer. He’s fresh, perfectly made for Federer. The only thing is Rafa’s got him in the head.”
