2009 Australian Open Men's Final

[Parasurama]

It begins, discuss here.

I'm hoping for five sets and a victory for neutral states everywhere

[Parasurama]

Nadal takes the first set 7-5, but Federer looks good early in the second. I really hope I'm not the only FTR'er up this late and watching tennis.

[Parasurama]

Nadal wins in five, 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2. An excellent match overall but the final set was disappointing. Nadal cements his status as the World's No.1 player. Federer seemed mentally unprepared, unable to get the monkey off his back. Nadal just didn't make mistakes in the big points and Roger failed to take advantage of the many break chances he had in the early sets. The only way he can redeem himself is to beat Nadal at the French Open imo. Maybe it will be easier mentally now since he'll be a decided underdog. I just hope this doesn't mean Federer won't even be competitive any more because these are great matches.

The contrast in their styles made for some compelling drama, as it always does. Nadal is just a cutthroat fighter who won't give up and gets everything back. Federer is truly an artist with his racquet, placing the ball perfectly and manipulating his opponent into making mistakes. The problem is, Nadal simply did not make any.

Well, that's all from me, I hope someone else watched it and has some input.

[sinister1]

I watched the first few sets and Federer just seemed off his game. His 1st serve % was retarded low and he was making lots of uncharacteristic unforced errors but he somehow won the 2nd set in spite of it. Just goes to show how good he really is. I think Federer is on the downslope though and Nadal is taking over big time. I like Nadal and I am glad he won, he is fearless and wants to win more than the other guy. Two qualities that make great athletes in any sport imo.

[Jack Sawyer]

Oh man, Federer is past his prime IMO

[bigspenda73]

god fucking damnit I fucking hate Nadal

also, Fed isn't past his prime. People thought Arnie was past his prime but Jack was just better.

[Jack Sawyer]

His mentals is fucked up. He seems restless and easily startled, can't maintain focus in key situations.

[Parasurama]

I agree that Nadal looked like he wanted it more but I think that Federer actually wanted it equally or even more. Watching his face and the way he was playing at times really reminded me of how sometimes when I'm tilting/running bad and I just focus on winning, I just want to win so badly that I don't even think about how best to play the game. I make careless mistakes because I can't take my eyes off of winning. It gets even worse if that frustration is directed at a particular opponent. Nadal has become a monkey on Federer's back, and it doesn't look like he will go away soon until Federer changes his mindset to view Nadal as just another opponent, with weaknesses to be exploited. Federer has been the calmest, coolest guy on tour for the past 5-6 years and it's really only against Nadal that he looks unfocused, which is a shame.

Federer is on the downslope, I agree, and Nadal looks like he will only get better for some time, but there are plenty of younger players who will begin challenging the top two. I do think, though, that if Federer can bounce back from this loss with a fresh attitude, he will surpass Sampras and be able to defeat Nadal a few more times, hopefully at Roland Garros. Sometimes a loss when you want a win so badly is exactly what you need to force you to step back, examine and retool your game, and come back mentally stronger.

[Mr Bigcity]

fed dominated the 4th set. It looked like he was gonna win it all , but he came out flat in the 5th and like I said when the money is on the line I like Nadal and his determination.

[kettleofish]

Got around to watching it yesterday, damn good match. 5th set was wierd, thought fo sho Fed was gonna win after basically dominating the 4th but it's almost like he didn't think he could.

I still think Fed will at least make it to 14 majors, altho Nadal might overhaul him anyways. How does he not get sick of running for every fucking point?

Fed should stop crying so much tho, it's unbecoming of a man.

Oh and Para the only way anyone will beat Nadal at Roland Garros is if he gets bored or injured imo.

Sidenote: Nadal looks less dreamy now he's dispensed with the pirate look...

[GatorJH]

I saw a video on espn.com that showed Nadals record now versus Fed's at the same age. Was absolutely shocked at how much more impressive Nadal's are considering how successful Federer has been.

[Parasurama]

I saw a video on espn.com that showed Nadals record now versus Fed's at the same age. Was absolutely shocked at how much more impressive Nadal's are considering how successful Federer has been.

This. They showed this after the match, I was very very impressed. It doesn't necessarily mean that he's going to beat Federer's records though, since if Nadal didn't exist Federer would have 19? grand slams. All he needs is a rival who has his number, and I think one will emerge as all of the pros turn their collective energy into figuring out how to beat him.