Photo: NBC SportsMelbourne - The 100th Men's Singles Championship match at the Australian Open showcased something magical.
The Associated Press called it: "one of the most dramatic finals in tennis history."
A sell-out crowd at the Rod Laver Arena in hot and humid conditions, and a worldwide television audience, would agree that it was an epic battle for the ages.
In a grueling six-hour marathon in which the players dueled each other like Roman-style gladiators, Novak ("The Joker") Djokovic (No. 1 Serbia) outlasted Rafael Nadal (No. 2 Spain) in five ferocious sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5.
Djokovic, 24, successfully defended his Australian Open championship, and won his 5th Grand Slam career title.
Djokovic has won 4 of the last 5 Grand Slam titles, the last 3 in a row, and the last 7 finals he played against Nadal, 25. He retains his World No. 1 rank.
It was the longest Australian Open final in history, and the longest Grand Slam final ever.
In the words of ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, the players "re-defined the boundary of what's possible on a tennis court."
If tennis, on a primal level, is about physicality, endurance and the mental battle, this match raised the bar of what 2 players, each refusing to buckle, can do.
Numerous point rallies exceeded 25 strokes and routinely reached speeds of 70 to 100 MPH, with both players making seemingly impossible offensive and defensive shots.
"We made history tonight, and unfortunately there couldn't be two winners," remarked Novak.
"I will never forget this match," said Rafa. " Even though I lost, it was something really special for me."
What is next for tennis this year after such a fantastic start at Melbourne Park over the fortnight?
2012 promises to be one of tennis's best years.
Stay tuned . . .
Congrats to all the winners, players, fans and supporters at the Australian Open 2012!
Gary
Nole played a great game against the great opponent Rafa and got a epic victory and claim his 3rd Aussi open title and he is going to chase his 4th straight tile and become the record holder to win the all 4 grand slams in a row.
ReplyDelete[url=http://www.localroofingexpert.com/]roofer nj[/url]