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Nadal falls to Djokovic, yet again — Novak Djokovica wins back-to-back Austrilian Open Championships in the longest Grand Slam Final in history (5 hours 53 minutes). He defeated Rafael Nadal in yet another Final and has won the last 7 finals meetings against Rafa. This is Nole’s 5th Grand Slam title, winning 3/4 in 2011.
It was an epic battle between the two best tennis players in the world. Djokovic seemingly had the had the match won in the 4th set, but a late run by Nadal (including fighting off a triple break point) forced a 5th..
Nadal was being out-played. It’s just not a good match up for Rafa—as he himself is with Federer and Murray. Rafa just dug deep and willed his 4th set tie-break win.
Rafa had his chance to close the match as he went up a break in the final set. At this point, Novak was noticably winded and exhausted after every long ralley. It reminded be of the unrefined Novak that had visible limits and quit matches in the past. It was Rafa’s time to win. Unfortunately, Rafa made crucial mistakes and missed costly, game-securing shots.
Djokovic fought through his exhaustion and found his second wind. This time it was Novak who willed himself to greatness. He overcame his fatigue and wrapped up the match inspite of a valient last effort by Rafa.
Novak has reached another level of his game. The potential for him to be great was always there. He is a different player now, who refuses to give in and not let his conditioning determine an ill fate..
I have always been a huge fan of both guys and excited for future epic battles. As for the state of the game right now, it looks like Nole has Rafa’s number. In a few month’s Nole is going to Rafa’s house in Paris, the French Open. If there was any opportunity to end this Grand Slam slump against Nole, it would be by retaining his French Open Championship and uphold his status as the King of Clay.
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