They’re not done yet. And neither is the rivalry.
For the first time at the Australian Open since 2009 and for the first time overall since the 2011 French Open, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will be facing each other in a Grand Slam final when they collide on Sunday night at Melbourne Park.
Nadal leads the head-to-head series 23-11 and even owns a somewhat surprising 9-7 edge on hard courts. The Spaniard is 9-2 against Federer in all Grand Slam matches, including 3-0 at the Australian Open. Federer, whose two major wins over Nadal have come at Wimbledon (2006 and 2007), came out on top of their most recent encounter via a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 decision in the 2015 Basel final.
Federer-Nadal XXXV in a major final comes as borderline shock, and not just because both veterans trudged through all of last season without reaching a slam title match. In fact, saying that neither one even made it through all of last season would be more accurate. A wrist injury forced Nadal out of the French Open after two rounds, sidelined him from Wimbledon, and ended his 2016 campaign after two Asian-swing events. A knee issue prevented Federer from playing two of the four slams and he missed the final five months of the year after falling to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semifinals.
“That’s where both Rafa and myself said, ‘Okay, enough of this already,’ Federer said of their respective decisions to shut things down early in 2016. “‘Let’s get back to 100 percent, enjoy tennis again, enjoy the practice.’ Not just practice; treatment, practice, treatment, match, treatment. All the time all you’re doing is fighting the fire.”
To say a much-needed offseason has rejuvenated the all-time greats and refueled their fire would be a gross understatement.
Nadal warmed up for 2017 by winning the six-man Abu Dhabi event, taking out Tomas Berdych, Milos Raonic, and David Goffin along the way. The world No. 9 lost to Raonic in Brisbane, but he avenged that setback with a 6-4, 7-6(7), 6-4 victory over the Canadian in the Aussie Open quarterfinals. In addition to that result, Nadal has advanced by beating Florian Mayer, Marcos Baghdatis, Alexander Zverev, Gael Monfils, and Grigor Dimitrov. The 14-time major champion has twice required five sets–first against Zverev and then in an epic 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4 struggle with Dimitrov that lasted four hours and 56 minutes on Friday.
Federer has an extra day of rest, as he survived a five-setter of his own against Swiss countryman Stan Wawrinka on Thursday. The 35-year-old preceded that victory with defeats of Jurgen Melzer, Noah Rubin, Tomas Berdych, Kei Nishikori, and Mischa Zverev.
“It’s going to be special,” Federer assured. “It’s the epic battle with Rafa…. I just think he’s an incredible tennis player. He’s got shots that no other one has. When you have that, you are unique and special. Plus he’s got the grit. He’s got the mental and physical ability to sustain a super-high level of play for years and for hours and for weeks. He’s proven that time and time again.”
“(It) is special play with Roger again in a final of a Grand Slam,” Nadal added. “I cannot lie. (It) is great; exciting for me and for both of us that we (are) still there and we (are) still fighting for important events.”
Exciting for them and for everyone else in the tennis world.
“Everyone is going to see that final now,” Dimitrov said during his post-match press conference after losing to Nadal. “Including me. I’m going to watch it for sure. It’s super amazing. It’s great for the sport.”
It should be a great match, too. Nadal has been dominant in the head-to-head series, but the playing field could be evened out by Federer’s extra day of rest, Nadal’s grueling semifinal, and because conditions in Melbourne are slightly faster than usual. That being said, Nadal has proven that–when healthy, as he is now–he can bounce back in style from energy-sapping efforts. He will likely do just that again, and therefore be able to execute his unwavering game-plan against Federer: pound away at the one-handed backhand with spin serves out wide to the ad court and with heavy topspin forehands.
Pick: Nadal in 4
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Massive congrats to Fed and his fans! extremely well played.
I am proud of Rafa. He played well and he showed he is still very fit. That double fault at 3-4 0-30 is my only regret.
Rafa was actually not ready for Fed’s improved backhand. I kept saying Rafa needs better length on CC forehand or he will get punished. Fed’s larger racket allowed him to punish shorter forehands.
But, the rally Fed won at 4-3 deuce, was MAJESTIC.
There is a lot to say regarding what Rafa SHOULD have done but this is federer’s day.
The best slam win of his career and one of the best slam wins ever!
Good luck for RG, Rafa 🙂
Is the GOAT debate over now? 🙂
Doesn’t matter who’s the GOAT and who is not, it was simply an amazing match, of course as a Federer fan I was extremely nervous and excited, I screamed after those CC backhands in the fifth, my reaction after the 26 shot rally finished with forehand DTL by Roger was like jumping all over the place.
However, I just have to say, that I really do respect Rafa’s will to fight, his heart, the way he saved some of those breakpoints in the fifth it was as clutch as anyone could be right there.
Who needs Djokovic, when we have those two? These are the real, true GOATs, and I think we should feel happy, even flattered that we were able to watch this match which was maybe the most important match in tennis history.
Why did Federer say ..keep playing Rafa please…
Congrats to Fed and his 18th.
Conditions suited him but credit for playing so well throughout to take full advantage.
Rafa’s 90% not good enough under such fast conditions.
The BHs IMO were the right choice but they lacked depth allowing Fed to hit them as winners.
I’m ok with Feds massive win. He’s obviously worked very hard.
Still a very tough loss for Rafa and his many fans.
But he must take satisfaction about regaining his form to get him back to slam finals again.
If he plays like this, he has a great chance for la decima.
Vamos Rafa no matter what!!!!
Hawkstradamus, you did your name proud – unfortunately 🙁
Right now I can’t say if Rafa will take more positives than negatives from this outcome. His mindset proved to be a liability again. I hope this doesn’t haunt him for the rest of the season. Novak isn’t going away and neither is Andy.
For Roger everything alligned during this tournament. And the faster conditions as well as the peculiar scheduling certainly helped him. I also agree with you that the stricter enforcement of the time rule neatly coincides with Rafa’s mental struggles 🙁 But that is not meant as an excuse. The rule is what it is, Rafa needs to adapt.
The time violation is a complete side issue that he has never been able to resolve. It’s there for a reason, no need for excuses.
Ben, I didn’t mean it as an excuse. It is what it is and Rafa has to adapt. But that doesn’t change facts. The stricter enforcement has definitely contributed to Rafa’s struggles.
Vanni Gibertini @vgibertini 11m11 minutes ago
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Federer”The MTO did help me like vs Stan, I did feel a bit better, but got down in the score, maybe he deserved the win but snuck it away”
Roger”This means a lot to me cos he caused me the most problems through the years, and doing it in a 5th set is special” #AusOpen
#AusOpen @AustralianOpen 12m12 minutes ago
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“I really got lucky tonight.”
Rogers quotes after the match..
lucky? I thought you won it fair and square.
Rafa”Didn’t play bad, my legs were a bit tired, but it was difficult to play my game because of how aggressive he was” #AusOpen
Rafa”Fighted to have the trophy with me, had chances in 5th with break up. He played super agressive all match, made it difficult for me”
Rafa”In 5th even with break up I was suffering a lot on serve, no free points. Played great on BP, but every game was tough”#ausopen
Rafa”I was missing a bit of strength in my sholulder to try to hit it long enough so that he could not attack” #AusOpen
Rafa”Before the tourno I felt I was practicing well, I had to do it in matches. I cant say Im sad, I wanted to win, but Im not sad” #AusOpen
Rafa”In these matches I have won a lot of times with him, today he beat me. Important title for him, important two weeks for me” #AusOpen
#Class
But hawkstradamus..I dont think he played well..I think he was not full strength after the semi..he is very unlucky at AO..this is 3rd time..twice has lost being break up in 5th..
Rafa has rarely played well against Roger on a fast court like that. I think he played as good as he did in earlier rounds as I said 90% IMO but Roger played too aggressive and he needed his very highest level.
The stats say he played the same way he has all tournament, he played at his best today. He only just made it through some very tough matches playing well, but he is not hitting enough winners each match, is over relying on opponent unforced errors and is unable to outrally opponents from the back of the court – that is why many people thought Fed had a good chance.
If Rafa plays like this at the French he’ll win it, and if Fed plays like this at Wimbledon he’ll win it. They may not be as amazing as they were but still good enough to be at the top.
Not sad but unhappy.
What difference you saw in Rafas strategy VR? I thought nothing
Also what different strategy did Roger adopt?
What lesson will Rafa take out of this?
Don’t play Roger on a fast court.
Nah, he had his chances but threw them away! He said Fed was very aggressive during those few games, my question is – why didnt he serve like the way when he saved BPs when Fed was aggressive? Why went into rallies with him instead of hitting a few good serves to hold? Why must it be back against the wall then he served well, but when he was leading, he served so poorly?
Because rafa plays better against the wall. Just failed at the end at the wrong time.
Yeah, and that’s the problem! Why have such mindset? It’s rather passive, no wonder hes doing so much harm to his body, by making it work so hard to try to win.
Well maybe he can get it back. He used to play great with a lead.
Tough to win seven straight matches without the consistent killer instinct.
Hoping clay makes the difference.
Exactly, nothing special. Fed came prepared, he’s hitting his BH with more power, earlier and it didn’t break down that easily.
Perhaps Rafa was unlucky at the AO, but he had himself to blame, for allowing his matches to drag on. Also, he’s taking too long to serve and the TV warnings had clearly disrupted his momentum, in both the Raonic and Dimi matches. I noticed after the TVs both times, Rafa went on to lose his serve and then the set. He was taking average 27 Sec between points, Dimi 24 and Raonic 23. His team should work on getting him to serve under 25 secs. Note that both Dimi and Raonic didn’t get a single warning despite going over 20 seconds. If he wasn’t getting TV warnings, perhaps he could hold on to his serve and maybe the set too, that way he may not need to drag his matches and so at least stays fresher for the later rounds.
Well he didn’t lose the set to Raonic, but had a hard time winning the set in a TB, having to save a few set points.
TV played a big factor in his three year slump.
It detracts from the game and intended to impact Rafa’s success.
Yeah, but he’s not doing anything to solve this issue, but letting it affect him every now and then, and in important matches!
No, he was lucky in the tournament up until the point he got broken at 3-4 in the fifth. It’s not unlucky that he could easily have lost to Dimitrov in a gruelling match, I think Dimitrov was unlucky not to win that. He’s always had warnings for taking too long between points, nothing to do with luck.
What Fed did in the fifth set today was truly exceptional, even for him.
Agreed that it was but Rafa did play a poor service game to let him get the first break back.
Well I think Rog had about 2 or 3 break points on every service game of Nadal in the last set. As I said in the semis eventually the break points tell so it was the whole of the last set Fed dominated apart from the opening game.
wanted to say big congrats to benny and abhirf. both great fed fans and always sporting when rafa wins. any other fed fans i have forgotten then congrats to you as well.
Congrats to Roger and his fans! Condolences to Rafa and his fans… Two things: Roger has to be considered among the favorites for Wimbledon now. And Rafa must be considered among the favorites at Roland Garros. I can see both those guys being serious contenders on their respective best surfaces this season…
Congrats to Federer and his fans, and to Hawkeye for winning the bracket challenge, smart picking 😉 ….
Thanks Alison.
Would rather finishing last. ?
Christopher Clarey @christophclarey 17m17 minutes ago
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No public retirement plans but Federer on ESPN on the “if not” line to Aussie crowd: “Because you never know. I’m not getting any younger”
Hi everybody,
Congrats to Roger and his fans. He’s amazing at 35! So is Rafa! And,yes, we have to admit: the GOAT discussion is probably over. I can’t see anyone passing 18.
And of course I’m totally gutted. It would be wrong not to admit it
🙁
The most slams debate may be over. GOAT debate will rage on
I think it’s over.
Yeah, it’s definitely over…I had my hopes for Rafa to win it as he would then remain in the equation…Fed even if he had lost today would have remained the main GOAT material…this way it is all over for Rafa…
I think he will never get another chance at the AO…this outcome and the way he let it slip away will most likely jeopardize the rest of Rafa’s career…this is why I feel so depressed over this heartbreaking loss…
Exactly Natashao. I’m upset because Rafa let it slipped away. Imagine the whole top ten can’t even beat a 35 yo Fed who’s just back from a long break. It speaks volume as to how dreadful the top ten are these days! They are all younger than the 35 yo, yet they all lost to him or couldn’t outlast him.
No doubt Fed was brilliant and aggressive, but he’s not unbeatable, but the younger challengers all failed to take their chances.
Yeah, I doubt Rafa could win the AO ever again, so I hope we no longer talk so much about any double career slams; Djoko is more likely to get it at the FO. We just have to hope he still can win on clay and reaches 15 slams at the FO this year, unless Rafa himself is not thinking of winning any and is just happy playing tennis.
luckystar ( AT 2:35 PM),
I hope, Rafa fans will talk about his double career slam until he retires.
Rafa has no plans to retire.
Yes, I dropped the Double Slam from my mind. It had been a long shot at best before the tourney anyway.
But while difficult, No 15 is certainly not out of the question. Maybe even during this season, if Rafa manages to see the whole AO experience as very positive.
If Rafa stays healthy he will have another chance in Australia. He was the youngest of the four finalists don’t forget.
The more we talked about his double career slams, the more we get disappointed, better not talk about it. Imo, Rafa has no more chances at the AO when he will be 31 next year. Guys like Dimi and Zverev will get even better next year. Rafa is not Fed, he has already lost the ability to play offensive tennis, at least not for a whole match. He won’t have a better chance than this year, when both Djoko and Murray got knocked out early, when he still could outlast Dimi and Zverev, when Stan got knocked out by Fed, and when Fed is 35, came back from long break, got some injury and neeed MTO.
All these mentioned factors may never happen against the AO.
littlefoot (AT 2:47 PM),
Rafa hasn’t dropped the Double Slam from his mind. That’s all that matters. Watch this video starting with the 2:22 minute mark:
https://youtu.be/bDoOvZlbxMI
luckystar (AT 2:57 PM),
While reading comments from posters who call themselves a Rafa fan, I have a feeling that it’s better not to read them, because I get frustrated. 😆
We have to face reality, no point having false hope and get frustrated. We can criticize any player about their tennis, Rafa is no exception. When he plays well I commended him, not well I criticized his play. We can be fans without being fanatics.
I may sound negative but I (and we) can’t help feeling frustrated when Rafa let this good chance slipped away. I honestly feel that Zverev and Dimitrov will be forces to be reckoned with at the AO next year.
Natashao…Hey that’s okay..we don’t know what’s the future will bring to rafa…like we didn’t expect that he can reach the final at AO after just coming back from a long lay off..he will rise once again natashao…Today,roger was just too good for him…honestly,i’ve never seen roger this determined…who knows maybe rafa will get his 10th at FO???It’s not over yet okay?
Yes, it will rage on. But at least for now it’s over for me. Roger has much more speaking for him than just the slam count.
I’m gutted, though, because I really hoped that Rafa can surpass Sampras. It was not to be today. And it’s also highly unlikely that he will get to at least two slams each.
As to Roger: I don’t even exclude that he will win more slams. US Open and Wimby are not impossible.Depends largely on Novak and Andy.
As to Rafa: I do hope he takes it mostly positive. His run was astonishing. But Novak will come back eventually and breathe down his neck. The clay season will hopefully be interesting and competitive
Novak will challenge Rafa for RG title…he is not going away…young guns will be around as well…this was Rafa’s huge chance to get his invisibility mojo back and his mental edge…but, it was not meant to be…so sad for Rafa…
I think Djoko will most likely surpass Rafa at the slams and makes it to no. 2 behind Fed. Djoko can win anywhere even though the USO seems his worse slam. Rafa’s only chance will be at the FO. The way he’s playing on the HCs, the aggressive young guns will out run him and beat him, with their big serves and big forehands.
I haven’t checked: did Roger drop hints at his retirement? It sure would be the perfect moment. GOAT status in the bag, having vanquished his strongest and classiest foe, two sets of twins at home…
Sampras did it after he bagged No 14…didn’t count on Roger’s development, lol!
Rafa should continue. And he will – strong hopefully. But again, the GOAT debate is over for Rafa. A few consolations: Rafa’s name will be attached to the GOAT’s as no other player’s name. The head-to-head is still heavily in his favor. This one match doesn’t change it. And he still won the Greatest Match Of All Time 🙂
That’s about all the consolation I have to offer.
Novak’s further development will be interesting. I still think that he will catch up with or surpass Rafa’s slam count. That’s another reason why I’m so disappointed today…
Nothing is over for Rafa. Vamos Rafa!
The match was very significant if not just for the differential in slams won IMO.
Sampras admitted to losing joy for the game and the commitment required. Fed still loves everything about it. He said just a few weeks ago that he wants to play for another few years and anything he might have said today I’m sure is only about his future health.
Yes significant..Now Rafa knows he has to go back to drawing board for his game plan vs Roger..the same rinse and repeat wont work…
I disagree sanju. He is very close and was a break up in the 5th.
He is still not back to the form he is capable of at 30. He is getting close.
Nothing is over..Yes Rafa may not get to 18 at this age…but it is not necessary that Rafa will not win more slams…
The RG is wide open..
Dont count Rafa out at USO too…
Novak we all thought was unstoppable after RG last year..but everything changed..
Things can change very fast…
There is no guarantee that Fed will play this well from now till Wimby as now its slow surfaces except Dubai in Feb..
Roger said try to see next year but if not this has been a remarkable year. His exact words
When asked later about the use of ‘If not’..he said I am not getting younger..
USO? Not when he’s playing counter punching tennis and playing catch up tennis all the time. He’s not going to last seven matches playing five setters mostly. Wimbledon is out of the question. It’s at the FO that he can have all the time in the world to play his counterpunching tennis.
I think Rafa may win no.15 and retires with 15. Djoko maybe 16?
But who is to say he wont learn from this loss..he can right? He may not necessarily play counter punching..he won USO in 10,13 being very aggressive..
Sanju, Rafa’s career is hardly over. But the GOAT debate is over for him IMO. He would need to win at least two more slams for even being in the discussion again. And I cannot imagine that Novak will win 6 or 7 more slams. But he might well get the career double slam. Hopefully Rafa will stop him, though 😉
While medium fast, USO is slower than this AO I think Rafa would have won on Ashe conditions today.
AO also used a faster ball for Roger this year, lighter and with tighter felt so rafa’s spin wasn’t as effective to Feds BH but traditional depth was lacking on that shot which is needed to keep him pinned in the corner instead of letting him step in on short BH to hit them repeatedly for clean winners.
That was the difference.
His strategy is still good but the execution was lacking a bit too often.
Roger can stay the GOAT…There is never a clear GOAT
All we need to bother about is how many slams will Rafa end up with? Stays at 14 or goes further
When he won USO2010 and 2013, his serve did help him a lot.
He’s at a disadvantage now at the USO because since having a roof, the AA Arena is playing quicker with lesser wind; they have a roof now and it will become an indoor court should it rain. Who knows, they may also speed up the court, having seen so many upsets and excitement at this AO.
Rafa would be embarrassed some of his fans are so ungracious.
No different from Fed’s “embarrassment” with some of his fans after a loss to Nole or Rafa Ben LLoyd.
#NothingNew
A Fed fan accused Nadal fans of being ungracious, LOL.
I am so happy to see Roger win #18. I became a huge tennis fan in 2012 and I had never seen him win a Major live until now, I missed wimby 2012 :(. Hopefully this will put an end to the arrogant Nadal fans who keep on predicting 3 easy sets against Federer. The keys to the match were Federer’s aggressive backhands whilst limiting his backhand slices. Nadal after going two sets to one down played liked the champion he is, and almost won this one. All those breakpoints saved early in the 5th set. What a warrior! I thought he had it, but Federer himself is also a great champion and showed his mettle to break Nadal twice and win his 18th. Congrats Federer!!
Signed,
A Tennis Fan
Agree..Fed showed what he never showed against Rafa and Rafa showed what he did not against Fed..both surprised..
I still cant believe as well as Fed played, Rafa let a break slip in 5th.
I am so happy to see Roger win #18. I became a huge tennis fan in 2012 and I had never seen him win a Major live until now, I missed wimby 2012 :(. Hopefully this will put an end to the arrogant Nadal fans who keep on predicting 3 easy sets against Federer. The keys to the match were Federer’s aggressive backhands whilst limiting his backhand slices. Nadal after going two sets to one down played liked the champion he is, and almost won this one. All those breakpoints saved early in the 5th set. What a warrior! I thought he had it, but Federer himself is also a great champion and showed his mettle to break Nadal twice and win his 18th. Congrats Federer!!
Signed,
A Tennis Fan!!
Another interesting aspect I noticed was that all these different tennis sites had predicted Nadal winning in 4 to 5 set. What I enjoyed reading was the analysis and predictions made by tennis greats who had it 50/50 either way and it was correct because this match could have gone either way!. Wish they do this for every slam final 🙂
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/tennis/what-aussie-tennis-legends-are-expecting-in-the-2017-australian-open-final/news-story/276c2a638a8535c7117310e688670e85
Congratulations to Rafa for winning 2nd place, this is his best GS result since the middle of 2014!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3WCSviWIAAqkJ6.jpg
Vamos Rafa!
We’re going to be partying like rock stars tonight, I can tell you that” – Federer
The rules are there, so you can use them. But I don’t believe we should abuse the system”, Federer on the MTO he took.
Boris Becker @TheBorisBecker 7m7 minutes ago
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2 #goats …@rogerfederer @RafaelNadal …we salute you…#Melbourne
I think Roger will play this season and then retire…why would he bother? He may even win Wimby this year and if not he will not be sad about it…his legacy is safe…
I am not saying Rafa’s career is over and I definitely expect him to win more slams…it just would have been so easier if Rafa was able to win this one…he would have been the favorite to win RG because his belief and his mental strength would have been back…but nothing comes easy for Rafa…he will have to fight for it again and again…he will have to fight not only his opponents, but the tourneys who do all they can to speed up the courts, the time rule and the rigged draws and most importantly the injuries if he would continue playing grueling matches…it takes a lot of effort for Rafa to win GS…
I agree that everything would’ve been so much easier for Rafa if he had won this. The circumstances aren’t favoring him.
I hope No 10 is a heavy priority for Team Rafa now. Hope that he stays healthy.
I also think that Roger will continue in order to finish the season. He can be totally relaxed now. But I doubt that he will continue for another season.Why should he?
I can’t agree more with this part “he will have to fight not only his opponents, but the tourneys who do all they can to speed up the courts, the time rule and the rigged draws” and the scheduling to favour certain player.
The court speeding was a surprise..And Rafa signed a contract to let tennis Australia stay at his academy when in Europe..
Sanju (AT 3:29 PM),
As for Rafa’s contract, it’s a business. 🙂
I agree with Liz.
Even some of the players in the draw complained about favouritism shown to Fed this year.
But it is really nothing new. After fed complained about time between serves the rule was changed and enforced.
Preferred scheduling, courts etc nothing new.
That is why I picked him two weeks ago.
This tournament opened my eyes the extent the tournament would go to give Fed advantage over his opponent especially Nadal. Tf they had scheduled the women’s semis on different days, at least the favourtisim would have been less obvious.
and I forgot, Rafa will have to fight his own demons again…
That’s what I fear, too. I wish he wouldn’t have been up a break in the 5th. That makes accepting the loss so much harder…We will see how this plays out psychologically for him.
but Federer won if from 3-1 down more than Nadal lost it from 3-1 up. He will realize that.
I hope you’re right. And Rafa has been good in the past seeing things ultimately in a positive way. And Roger did win it!
No Ricky not five games in a row. Rafa won’t accept that. He lost the first break more than Fed won it IMO.
natashao2013 (AT 3:00 PM),
No, natashao, Rafa doesn’t have heath issues currently!
I have written here multiple times that Rafa and U.Toni have explained several times that Rafa lost confidence in 2015 because of his HEALTH issues in 2014. An excerpt from U.Toni’s recent interview with COP, a radio network in Spain [translated by Genny]:
“Getting injured in the AO 2014 final was a big blow. When he recovered, the wrist issue happened [July 2014] and then appendicitis [October 2014] when he was trying to come back. All this caused him a huge stress and lack of confidence in his body. He was going on court [in 2015] without knowing/trusting what his body would do.”
http://www.cope.es/player/Toni-Nada…ser-el-de-antes&id=2015122301340002&activo=10
@ augusta 3:18 PM,
I said Rafa would most likely have to fight injuries IF he continued playing grueling tennis which I believe he will because it is too late to significantly change his style of play at the age of 30…and once injuries are there Rafa’s own demons will surface…
Fed’s body is also breaking down. His knee issue I think is not going away that easily. He’s very careful with the way he moves and would stop moving once he feels something wrong with his knee. I think he won’t win Wimbledon and this slam may be his swan song (I mean for winning a slam). I think he won’t win another slam any more and may retire soon.
He’s remarkable, for winning 5AO, 5 USO, 7 Wimbledon with a FO. Winning this AO, he has 10 HC slams in total and pulls away from Djoko even further when Djoko has 8 now. Sampras manages 2 AOs and no FO. Djoko may still has a chance to match Fed at the HC slams but I doubt he can get five Wimbledon or five FOs, so Fed’s records at each slam, save for the FO, are truly remarkable.
I agree. He’s not my favorite player. But immense respect for his truly astonishing achievements.
luckystar (AT 3:16 PM),
Fed took a MTO also during his SF match. He had a problem with his upper leg (not with his knee).
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/roger-federer-defends-medical-timeout-9697206
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3RDb2VWcAE4-n3.jpg
Can’t really express my happiness at this moment!
Roger conquering his mental demons.. His most pleasing grand slam win probably as far as I’m concerned.
Hop on Roger! #8 & #19 awaits you this July!
Commiserations to Rafa! He clearly was disappointed losing this one. Looked quite glum during trophy ceremony.
You can be truly proud of your guy!
Congrats abhirf. Happy for you and the respectful fedfans like you.
@ abhirf88 3:19 PM,
I think you should be happy and should enjoy the greatness of your man! Fed really is Maestro of tennis and his persistence and belief in this match made difference! Congrats once again to you and other Fed fans on this site…My family member is Fed fan and she is over the moon right now…can’t argue with that! You guys deserve it!
The few positives
Rafa reached a final..that no one thought he would
He won 2 5 setters that he had been losing..
He seems healthy…
He knows now that he has to change his tactic against Roger next time..THe same rinse and repeat wont work..Rafa may realize that the tiredness possibly did him in at the end..
It is not that just coz Roger won this..he will wipe the floor with Rafa next time they meet..He barely scrapped through this…
Last time Rafa lost AO in 2012 and 2014..he won the RG..yes he was younger then..but dont count him out
He is No 6 in rankings now and has a chance to get upto No 4 by RG if he plays decent from now on…
BIGGEST of all..no more will he be favorite against Roger..whether by media or his own fans..this was a good lesson to his over confident fans who thought result was inevitable..The pressure will be equally on Roger too infact at every non clay event (maybe more)
Sanju (3:36 PM) says: “Rafa reached a final..that no one thought he would.”
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Yep, sanju, Rafans wrote on the Grandstand before the final that Rafa has exceeded their expectations…