Simon Graf, the author of a book about Roger Federer’s career, spoke about Federer’s rivalry with Rafael Nadal and their remarkable Major final. Graf believes Roger somehow ruined Rafa’s celebration at the 2009 Australian Open after he burst into tears during the ceremony.
Still, he understands how disappointed Roger was after this heavy loss. Nadal’s only Melbourne trophy came in 2009 and he had to give his 120% to lift the trophy, spending almost ten hours on the pitch against Fernando Verdasco and Roger Federer!
Almost without energy, Rafa bounced back against his main rival in the fifth set to celebrate his first Major crown on hard and his third title in the last four Major events! In the semifinals, Rafa ousted Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 in five hours and ten minutes, in one of the most extraordinary encounters at Melbourne Park!
Nadal won a point more than Verdasco, serving well and getting broken twice from just four break chances offered to his compatriot. Verdasco gave his all to stay in touch with the world no. 1 in his first Major semi-final, fending off 16 of 20 break chances and pushing Rafa to the limit.
The elder Spaniard made almost 100 winners and over 60 unforced errors, overwhelming Rafa in the longer rallies but losing ground in the shortest up to four strokes.
Nadal had to endure another marathon match en route to the title despite having almost nothing left in his body! In their first encounter at the Australian Open, three-time Australian Open winner Roger Federer stood between Nadal and the sixth major crown.
The duel turned into an open war between the world’s most outstanding players before Nadal scored a memorable 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2 win in four hours and 19 minutes to lift the trophy pick up.
Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in 5 sets at the 2009 Australian Open
The Spaniard had little time to recover after the semifinal clash. However, he tried to get off to a good start against Roger and find the remaining powers in his body to be first across the finish line and write history books.
Federer won a point more than Nadal but not those who mattered the most in set number five, losing serve seven times and converting six of 19 break chances. Roger stayed in touch with Rafa in the longer points but it wasn’t enough for him to claim the win, losing ground in the final set and allowing Rafa to sprint over the top and celebrate the title.
“Roger was very upset after losing that final. I think he missed a big chance to win the title and he should have taken that match. Nadal had a tough semi-final match against Verdasco and Federer should have been fresher .
However, that was not the case in the fifth set. It’s a shame he burst into tears because he ruined the moment for Rafa, which drew quite a bit of criticism. He’s just like that; He’s an emotional guy.
I don’t think he’s a big loser; he hates losing. He had to learn to lose after he was dethroned and started losing more often,” said Simon Graf.
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