Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Australian Open 2012 - Historic Match



Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open with 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 against Rafael Nadal.in a match that lasted 5hr 53min. The breathless 32-stroke rally, at 5-4 in the final set drew a standing ovation from the crowd. Novak has spent 11 hours of past 54 hours in the court and everyone is amazed by his athletic performance and stamina.


The match didn’t have much heat in the opening set even though set it lasted long and the next two sets had been more or less one-way traffic. Then, in the fourth set, just when Nadal looked to be on his way home, the Spaniard pounced. From 3-4 and 0-40 down in that set, Nadal exploded into action. At one occasion, both looked very tired still played hard and neither of them were ready to give up the title. At two sets all and 4-4 and deuce, Djokovic won the last eight points of the set, the last four on Nadal's serve which helped him to seal the trophy.


Everyone could find extreme tiredness in his body and his eyes staring glassily into the distance. It was the face of a man who had exhausted all his inner reserves. But he should have been extremely satisfied as he had just delivered one of the greatest sporting performances of the age. Nadaal should be the most frustrated man at this point as his hard work went in vain. Still he should be proud of giving a strong opposition and for making this game as one of the immemorable for everyone.


Post match in the presentation ceremony, Novak expressed that he is playing against one of the greatest players ever. And also admitted that Nadal is mentally strong, and he always comes up with his best game and best shots at the right moments. But still when he was 4‑2 down, he pushed himself up to the limit. Hope everyone might have watched this match and for those who missed it, below is the match summary in detail.