Rafa, Roger, Thank You!
There were rallies, there were breakpoints, there were comebacks, there were emotions. There were these two!
The men’s singles final of the Australian Open 2017 gave us the cream of tennis — the match we wanted, the one we are used to seeing. The fact that there hasn’t been a grand slam showdown between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the last few years made it richer than ever.
One might have almost lost hope that we would see the rivalry again. 2016 was the worst in either men’s professional life. Injuries and form played a part. Yes, the emergence of the next generation played its part as well. But yesterday, they turned the clock. It was mesmerizing. It was poetic.
Of course it had to be a five setter. And it was sublime. It’s fair to say that both men are back to their best. All you needed to confirm that was thriller of a final they dished out. The voice levels in the stadium and the excited commentary brought the tension right into our homes. It was hair raising. It was nail biting. The Swiss maestro deserved his 18th and was humble as ever;
There are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to share one with Rafa tonight.
Well played Roger, Well said champion!
Roger Federer
The man is wine I tell you. Fedex defies age. The Swiss superman played supreme tennis. It was as good as the magic he showcased during his prime. That 26 shot rally, goosebumps it was! The longer the match went, it should have favoured the Spaniard. Federer taking time out before the final set and Rafa breaking him should have sealed it. But no, not this time. When Hawkeye confirmed championship point was indeed to Federer, he jumped up in joy like a little boy. There were tears. He had done this 17 times in the past. — more than any man in history. But those tears tells the story of how much it meant to him. 35 is the new 18.
Thank you, Roger!
Rafael Nadal
Rafa, you beaut! What a comeback it was. It was vintage Rafa out there. His preparation for the event was spot on. He came like a man possessed. The passion in his game and fire in his eyes were there for all to see. He is back amigos, he is back. Nadal might have lost to his arch rival, but honestly, in our minds, he won as much as Federer did. The clay court season is to start. Rafa looks is fabulous shape to reclaim what is rightfully his. I’m grateful this guy fit and roaring again. If anything, the defeat to Federer will only spur him on.
Thank you, Rafa!
The final was a statement to the younger generation. Djokovic and Murray, it won’t be as easy as you thought it would be. The rest of the guys will have to step it up. One thing is sure, we are set for a bumper year on the ATP tour.
