With six consecutive wins over Nadal Novak Djokovic came
into the Australian Open Final full of belief and with quality that would have
Nadal bamboozled at least once a game.
Nadal however showed that his spirit and sheer quality under
pressure can only create a year of tennis to behold.
No.1 vs No.2 are usually special affairs but the two best players created a spectacle worthy of the 1am bedtime the Australian fans were treated to.
A fantastic respectful Australian crowd were treated to a
thumping first set that had Nadal come out on top 7- 5. A dogged affair saw power triumph over the delicate and accurate Djokovic who pushed Rafa back on
many of his first serves.
The second and third set continued with the same quality as
Djokovic continued his ability to pressure Nadals serve thus taking control of points
and ultimately making Nadal gaze in amazement at pin point winners.
Djokovic’s energy was terrific and his talent to return the ball
deep shone as Nadal was made to work for every point he won. Ultimately
Djokovic’s quality was too much and Nadal was blasted away 6 – 4. 6 – 2.
Djokovic made is look comfortable but it really wasn't and Nadal looked frustrated at history repeating itself.
The fourth set saw Nadal find new energy. Djokovic miss
three break points while at 4-4 and an interruption in the way of an unexpected
shower and roof closure. From that moment on Djokovic looked tired and
lumbered, Nadal on the other hand pumped his fist at every given opportunity
and looked like he was ready for revenge. His tenacity and quality shone from
the moment he stepped back on the court and despite Djokovic’s ability on his own serve
Nadal survived the gauntlet of a tie break to win the fourth set and celebrate like he has won the title.
Far from waking Djokovic up the fifth and final set began
with the ball in a focussed Nadal’s hand. His torrent of attacking brutal
tennis continued and the tables were turned as Djokovic reeled on his own
serve. Djokovic looked out of energy and out of ideas as he served at 2 – 3, Nadal capitalised with a brilliant display of relentless aggression and accuracy to take a 4 – 2 lead. At this point Djokovic
began waking up and was handed an opportunity to galvanize his mental strength when Nadal missed a simple passing winner pushing the ball fractionally wide of the
line. At this point a purposeful Djokovic closed down the game and instantly broke his opponent back.
Again the match swung and a quiet, heel dragging Djokovic
remembered his early form to push Nadal wherever he so chose. The unforced
errors had left Djokovic’s game and Nadal was back to chasing and defending.
At 5 -5 and surviving a break point the fist pumping
returned to the Spaniard however this time Nadal showed his passion to the
referee when he heard the next point called “out” by a fan, Nadals return on the ball (which was in) should have been better and the same could be said for the next point as
Djokovic broke the Spaniard and amazingly left himself serving for the
championship.
His previous faultless serving game continued as the calm
Serbian served well placed first serves and calm returns.
Nadal looked
energized and concentrated and this paid off as he pulled the game to 30 – 40 but
ultimately ending up at deuce. At deuce Djokovic deserved his slice of luck as
Nadal’s return struck the net to give him advantage, he duly took control on
the next shot winning the Australian Open title in 5 hours and 53 minutes and
ripping off his shirt in delight.
A fantastic match to set up a most likely brilliant season; the best player won on the day and Nadal is going to have to find a way to deal with Djokovic's deep returns and flat accurate shots; 5 sets doesn't seem enough of an advantage any more.
Djokovic - Nadal
5 - 7
6 - 4
6 - 2
6 - 7 (Tie break 5 - 7 )
7 - 5
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