I'm interested in learning the perspective from Nadal fans who watched the Australian Open 2009 Final against Federer.
I want to ask, how well do you think Nadal played in the final based from what you saw? How was he physically after playing his long 5-setter against Verdasco in the semi-final? What were your thoughts on his forehand, backhand, serve and mental game in the final?
As a long time RAFA fan, I think RAFA played his worst match of his career in that final except for running (which caused his subsequent injury and why he lost RG 09). That's why the match went to five sets; otherwise it would have been a straight-set beat down. RAFA lost only four games to PEAK Frauderer in the RG 08 final, which was the highest level of tennis ever known to man. Healthy RAFA has never lost in his career.
As a long time RAFA fan, I think RAFA played his worst match of his career in that final except for running (which caused his subsequent injury and why he lost RG 09). That's why the match went to five sets; otherwise it would have been a straight-set beat down. RAFA lost only four games to PEAK Frauderer in the RG 08 final, which was the highest level of tennis ever known to man. Healthy RAFA has never lost in his career.
RAFA lost RG '09 because his parents were getting divorced and you could see on that day against Soderling that he was distracted. He was also carrying knee injury because of which he withdrew from Wimbledon that year.
As a fan of the nadal, I can say that yes it was quite special but I have to say it was slightly overrated cause Roger's first serve was missing and he had back problems and Wim 07 was much better because both were at their peak even though I don't like to admit but if pushed, I accept that Federer's better.
At the AO '09, I fully believe RAFA played the highest level ever played at the AO. The SF and the F specially although both were 5 setters. Verdasco in super peak mode and RAFA still beats him and then federer in the final with extraordinary shot making from impossible positions
AO '09 was one time a player looked absolutely unbeatable on a non clay surface.
At AO'09, RAFA's defense was at its best. Incredible passing shots, court coverage, fighting spirit. He looked invincible. Best Slam in terms of drama.
Though, he didn't have USO'10/13-like FEARhand and offensive skills. If he did, Federer would be straightsetted.
Not a Nadal fan but IMO he was better in the SF than final. Verdasco played like the world #1 that match, and Federer was very subpar in the final.
I think his SF level would have beat pretty much anyone, but his final level would've lost if Fed hadn't had one of the worst serving days of his career.
Not really. federer played one of his best matches and still lost 6-2 in the 5th. But I definitely agree with you that the SF-F are the highest level of tennis ever played and would have beat anyone on those days.
Nadal made Verdasco look good, which he often does to players (like he did vs Tsonga at AO 08, and Davydenko, and so on...). He was hitting the ball short with no pace and just endless retrieving.
Rafa was clearly tired from the semifinal. He didn't run as much, there were some balls he let go (he usually chased everything). But his groundstrokes were very good. There aren't many matches where he hit his BH as aggresivelly as that one.
Yes. Nole was up after 3 sets by a lot. Then he couldn't move in the fourth set and Wawrinka ended up winning 1 more point than Nole (144-143). But the fourth doesn't really count because Nole was completely compromised and couldn't move.
The reason Nole lost and didn't win in 3-4 sets is because he couldn't convert on the millions of BP chances he had while Wawrinka converted each time on his few chances.
After 3 sets? Oh, I didn't know it was a 3-setter
Before the final, Djokovic has spent precisely 8 hours 58 minutes on the court, Wawrinka 17 hours 54 minutes. And you are talking about Nole not being able to move in the 4th set? It strikes me as strange.
Before the final, Djokovic has spent precisely 8 hours 58 minutes on the court, Wawrinka 17 hours 54 minutes. And you are talking about Nole not being able to move in the 4th set? It strikes me as strange.
I agree with what Jim Courier said during his live commentary of the final.
He said Nadal was slightly late on the ball, was a step behind, and was feeling the effects of the previous match.
Nadal had way more zip to his movement in the Verdasco match.
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