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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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On Sunday, Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal to covet his first Wimbledon title. Nole has always been one of my favourite players due to his work ethic and down to earth sense of humor. The only thing iffy to me was his conditioning and ability to stay sharp in 5-set matches. So far, in 2011 he has strived to absorb his flaws and has become a more enduring Novak Djokovic…
Fuelled by a stallar year, Nole also dethroned Rafa as the #1 player in the world as of today. He was assured the spot after beating Jo-Wilfred Tsonga to clinch a Wimbledon Finals birth. This marks the end of the lengthy Federer/Nadal reign at the top of tennis’ upper echelon. Serbia must be absolutely shut down right now.
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An injured Rafa takes a second straight quarterfinal exit from the Austrailian Open early this morning against fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer.
Damn, I was looking forward to staying up 3-in-the-morning to watch Nadal go for his fourth straight Grand Slam Title (and maybe the start of a potential 2011 Grand Slam?). Anyways, I guess now I root for my next favourite, Novak Djokovic.. Or even Andy Murray since this guy needs to win one already.
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Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic and finally wins his first US Open Championship. Rafa becomes the youngest player to complete the Career Grand Slam! True greatness.
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Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon 2010 Champions! Serena cruised through the entire tourney and Rafa did his thing and played amazing tennis. Rafael Nadal for US Open 2010 Champion. This year’s the year it happens.
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Rafael Nadal beat Robin Soderling in straight sets to win his 5th French Open title; 1 away from Bjorn Borg’s record of 6 titles. With this win, Nadal passes Federer and claims the No.1 seed once again. Rafa went into beast mode in this tournament and never dropped a set—he didn’t even face a single set point. This performance shows why Rafa is the King of Clay.
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REMATCH! Rafa gets a chance, tomorrow, to avenge his first and only loss at Roland Garros.
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First Grand Slam of the year. Roger chases 16 and Rafa hopes to repeat at the Australian Open 2010.
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“Nothing around me was important, time stopped, the voices faded and the stands were no more than mist. Roger and I were alone.”
(Rafa.- Wimbledon, 2008)
Poor Roger, this would have been 13. What a match though. Nadal went up to #1 after this to add insult to injury (Federer was #1 for 237 weeks prior).
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