Australian Open: Djokovic wins the battle of two tennis giants

The spectators of the final of the Australian Open could not have asked for a better match and great suspense.  The winner could have been either one, the Serb Novak Djokovic (ATP 1 since July 2011) or the Spaniard Rafael Nadal (ATP 2).

After a marathon of 5hours 53 minutes, 5 sets and 55 games with long rallies of 30-40 shots, Djokovic ended victorious of the first final of the Grand Slam of the year with 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5.

 

By winning his fifth Grand Slam title and his third title at the Rod Laver Arena (2008, 2010, 2012), he made history playing the longest men’s Grand Slam final. Novak served for the championship at 1:37 a.m.! The previous record was 4h54 minutes in 1988, held by champions Mats Willander and Ivan Lendl at the US Open.

The way to the final had not been an easy one for the two best players in the world. Rafa had to beat Roger Federer (ATP 3) in a long difficult match and four sets 6-7,6-2-7-6,6-4. Novak had to battle against Andy Murray (ATP 4) for 4h50 minutes to win 6-3, 3-6,6-7,6-1-7-5. He also had one day less of rest than Nadal.

It was a real thriller, a pure enjoyment for anyone passionate for tennis. Anyone deserved to win, but at the end Djokovic prevailed, taking the service of Nadal at 5-5. Nadal then missed a smash in the next game and was unlucky with the net. Djokovic served and won the last final set in 74 minutes 7-5.

Nadal played well and knows it. He told in the press conference on Monday that he is happy with what he accomplished at the Australian Open. He had a knee injury before the beginning of the Grand Slam and thinks he played better than during 2011. “I am not happy to lose the final, yes, but that’s one of the loses that I am more happy in my career.” Despite his disappointment, he managed to smile and joked while holding his prize and saying “Good Morning everybody.”

Djokovic teared up his shirt at the end of the match, so happy to have once again won a Grand Slam tournament. But he still wished it could have been two winners. He said later “I really thought what I said sincerely on the court, is that unfortunately there
had to only be one winner because we both gave it all. We both put 100% of our
abilities on the court and played to the last moment. Unfortunately there couldn’t be two winners, but he definitely deserved to be a winner as well tonight. You know, I would be
saying same thing if I’m sitting here as a loser.”

Novak and Nadal looked tired after the game while listening to speeches during the prize ceremony. Nadal sat on the net while Djokovic was stretching his legs. “Physically was the toughest match I ever played, if not the tougher.  I am tired”, told Nadal after the match. Both were thankful when someone brought them two chairs and fresh water!

Nadal and Djokovic are taking some time off to rest before getting ready for the next tournaments and other Grand Slam like Roland Garros, Wimbledon and of course the Olympic Games in London from the 27d of July to the 12th of August.

 

 Thanks to Benjamin Solomon for the official picture of Novak Djokovic at yesterday’s final

 

• Andy Murray
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• Australian Open
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• Ivan Lendl
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• Mats Willander
• Novak Djokovic
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