Rafael Nadal wins Australian Open, photo uploaded on azzurri_nr1Roger Federer was hoping to tie the Pete Sampras record of fourteen major titles. Rafael Nadal was hoping to win his first major title on a hard court. The rivalry between these two champions is legendary. This was destined to be an absolutely thrilling match. Tennis fans were not let down.
Roger Federer, photo uploaded by azzurrri_nr1
Federer showed an unusual vulnerability in this 4 hour and 23 minute five set slug fest. There were double faults normally not seen from this former number one in the world.
Rafael Nadal, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1 on Flickr
Rafa and Roger during trophy ceremony, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1 on FlickrRafa showed his usual class after defeating Roger. When Roger lost his composure during the trophy ceremony, it looked as though Rafa was going to cry as well. Roger had to be led from the podium. After Rafa was given his ,he backed up and let Roger come back up to the podium and try again.
Roger Federer at trophy ceremony, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1Both players are class acts. Rafael Nadal is solid gold. As a musician friend of mine, Pete Fahey, says, "solid gold, with a lion's heart and a gentle soul."
Roger and Rafa, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1
Rafael Nadal celebrates his win, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1 on Flickr
One last thing, the commentators asked the drivers for the driving service that shuttled players back and forth to their hotels how the players behaved in the cars. The drivers said the nicest player all the time is Rafael Nadal. Of course he is.
Here are some more photos I found on flickr that tell the story of this amazing match.
Roger Federer after his loss to Nadal, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1 on Flickr
Rafa drops to ground after winning Australian Open, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1
Rod Laver, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, photo uploaded by azzurri_nr1
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