Rafa and The Fed

I've made it my mission to post as much as possible today until my laptop battery runs out, my stomach implodes from lack of food, or my car is ready.

The Australian Open final last night was epic. Nadal won over Federer in five tightly contested sets. I make no secret of the fact I was cheernig for Federer. "Best Ever" is a term bantied around way too much, but, regardless of his place in history, Federer is just a joy to watch. He has an all court game, not fixated or limited to a "big serve", "serve and volleyer" or some other classification. He excels everywhere and moves with a grace of a dancer.

The attitudes and personalities of each player are on display when they step out on the court. It such a mammoth physical and metal effort that they can't help but reveal themselves. Last night, it was evident from Federer's face that he was being emotionally influenced by the turn of events - who wouldn't be - but also that he has a sensible respect for Nadal's ability. Nadal's excellent record against him no doubt looms large whenever he steps up to face his great rival. Federer knows he's better than any player other than Nadal and hence he can play free, confident tennis against these opponents. He is also a more refined player than Nadal, more subtle and nuanced, but mentally he's lost the edge. Even in the situations where it looked like Nadal was on the rails, or during any number of break points against Nadal's serve that Federer failed to exploit, Nadal did not waver.

Missing a dozen break point opportunites has to be horrendous for your emotional state, and it put Federer into a bit of a spin. After being 2-0 in the fifth, only to have Nadal crawl his way back, Federer finally more or less resigned emotionally. He could have, and maybe should have won it, especially after Nadal's herculean effort to back up after the electrifying match against Verdasco on Friday night, somehow pushing his body to repeat the feat in the final.

But full credit to Nadal, strong, passionate and exciting to watch, and a very deserving winner.

Onwards to the French!