What a night and what a final at Melboune! A maestro and a matador fighting tooth and nail to etch their legacies and probably win the ‘GOAT’ battle! On the given day, it was Roger Federer who had the last laugh pocketing his 18th Grand Slam title. The Sportsrush takes a look at the post match presentation of the epic Federer-Nadal clash!
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Rafael Nadal –
Rafa appeared to hold back his disappointment at finishing second. He however, pulled off a brave face and showed the spirit of a champion, like he so richly is. Here are a few of his quotes:
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“Congrats to Roger[Federer] and his team. Its just amazing to see how he played today without being on tour for 6 months”
“It has personally been a great month. First Brisbane, then the Fast four in Sydney and now the last 2 memorable weeks in Melbourne. This is a beautiful country having fantastic people who always support me a lot.”
“Overall it has been an unforgettable experience for me. Melbourne is very special and I fought my way here through injuries and tough matches. Even though injuries are not new to me (smiles), it was a great match today. Maybe, Roger deserved it a little more than me today”
“I am going to keep trying hard as I always have. I feel that I am back at highest level and I’ll keep fighting for rest of the season and to come back next year stronger. This runners up trophy is beautiful but the winners’ trophy is even more so (huge smiles)”
“Thanks to my team, sponsors, especially Kia who are also my personal sponsors since a long time now. Also, a big thanks to Tennis Australia to make this wonderful event, one of the best in the world come true.”
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Roger Federer –
Roger Federer, in his 100th appearance at the Australian Open pulled off his 18th Grand Slam singles title. This is also his 5th Australian Open triumph. He was teary eyed and speechless at the beginning of his speech. Given below are few of his thoughts :
“Congratulations to Rafa. I believe neither of us thought that we would reach this stage when I went to Mallorca to open his training academy. From there to this day, I believe that the journey has been amazing”
“This has been the perfect comeback for the both of us. Unfortunately, there are a no draws in tennis. A draw would have been the perfect result today. I would have been happy to share this trophy with Rafa.”
“I work hard just like everyone else but choose not to shout about it. It has been a different 6 months and I thank my team, especially my wife and fitness coach for helping me with my comeback”
“Please keep playing Rafa. Tennis needs you!”
“Thanks to all the sponsors, organisers and volunteers for creating this wonderful environment to play in. You drive us to play hard and go ‘one more time’ always. Thanks especially to Rocket[Rod Laver] for gracing the ocassion with your presence”
“I have been coming to Melbourne for 20 years now. My family enjoys it too now. Hope to see you all next year and even if thats not the case, it has been a unforgettable experience. Thanks everyone!”
Brief match review
This final contested between the two modern greats ran for 3 hours and 37 minutes. The 5 setter ran in a typical fashion of an early break in the first set with the service-breaker going on to win the set. Each player dominated one set alternatively. However, things intensified when both players went to another level in the final set.
A break down in the final set, Roger Federer dug deep and broke back in the 7th game. This flustered Rafa and very soon, it was Fedex serving for the championship. After a exciting last game and a anti-climatic challenge at the last point, Roger Federer emerged triumphant 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
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