New Delhi:
Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in an epic clash to win his 5th Australian Open and 18 th Grand slam singles title. Tennis fans could have not asked for a better final - a mouthwatering clash between two greats of the game, Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal. The Rod Laver Arena witnessed a brilliant encounter between both the giants as none of them was ready to give the other a chance to upstage them.Â
Three greats.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
Rod Laver, Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/KWv1khFlyj
The breathtaking match witnessed both the champions winning two sets each to take the match to the fifth set. Federer however broke Nadal’s resolve to win his 18th Grand Slam title.
Federer was superb in the last set and despite a majestic fight by Nadal, was able to win the last set and the match.
As the game began Federer upstaged Rafa in the first set whereas Rafa took the second set in style.
Federer once again went ahead of Nadal as he comfortably asserted his dominance by winning the third set. The fighter that Nadal is, he made a spectacular comeback to win the fourth set and take the match for an epic showdown towards the fifth set.
However, the herculean set witnessed Federer coming out on top over his old nemesis Nadal.
Let’s have a look at the road to the 2017 Australian Open Finals
Roger Federer
Lift that silverware, @rogerfederer!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2017
ðŸ†ðŸ†ðŸ†#ausopen pic.twitter.com/gEG5ANAGhW
At the ripe old age of 35, the veteran Federer has looked in good shape and brushed past his early round opponents with convincing victories.Federer defeated Czech Tomas Berdych in straight sets in the third round before clinching a five-set marathon against Japanese Kei Nishikori in the round of sixteen.He battled hard to win a five-set marathon against country mate Stan Wawrinka to storm into the Australian Open finals.
Rafael Nadal
A resurgent Nadal has regained top fitness and is back to the top of his game. Nadal made easy work of his early round opponents before fending off a stiff challenge from Alexander Zverev in the third round. He came good against dangerous Frenchman Gael Monfils in the round of sixteen.He overcame big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in a closely fought quarterfinal before clinching an epic 5 setter against rising Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitov in the semifinals.
Player Fact-fileÂ
Roger Federer:
Nationality: Switzerland
Grand Slam Singles Titles:17
Australian Open Titles: 5 (2004,2006,2007,2010, 2017)
Davis Cup titles with Switzerland: 1 (2014)ATP Titles: 88
Rafael Nadal
Nationality: Spain
Grand Slam Singles Titles: 14
Australian Open Titles: 1 (2009)ATP Career Titles: 69Davis Cup Titles with Spain: 4 (2004,2008,2009,2011)
