The Australian Open men’s final will see the number one ranked Novak Djokovic up against the number two rank Rafael Nadal.
The defending champion Djokovic; who is coming off one of the greatest years in tennis history, is looking to build on the momentum and win the first major of the year. Advancing to the finals with an epic five hour, five-set match verse the number four seed Andy Murray in the semi-finals. Djokovic showed the heart and soul of a champion coming back from 2-sets to 1-down, to win the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5. A match defined by long rallies, with both men running all over the court to retrieve the ball resulting in both men buckled over, grasping for air numerous times. Upon winning the match, Djokovic fell onto his back in celebration, catching his breath and taking a big sigh of relief.
Nadal on the other hand, did not have as much of a problem with his semi-finals against long time rival Roger Federer. After losing the first set to Federer, Nadal buckled down, rallied back and took the next three sets winning the match 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Nadal looked a little lost in the first set; as if the right knee that he had injured two weeks prior to the commencement of the tournament may have been causing him discomfort again. However, he showed that when it comes down to it, no bit of pain is going to stop him from making it back to a Grand Slam final and seizing the opportunity at winning the Australian Open once again.
This is the third straight Grand Slam final that will pit Djokovic against Nadal, with Djokovic taking both the US Open and Wimbledon in four sets. All time Head-to-head, Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other 29 times, with Nadal holding the slight edge in victories 16-13.
We are in for quite a show Sunday morning, as Djokovic and Nadal know how to bring the best out of each other. A win for Djokovic would put him into selective company, joining the group of four; Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Federer, and Nadal as the only men to win three straight Grand Slams in the Open Era. While a win for Nadal, will put him back into the winner circle in Melbourne for the first time since 2009.
Expect a gritty five-setter from these superstars, with whoever has the most endurance to come out on top. With Djokovic coming off a tough five hour, five setter this might give the edge to Nadal, but anyone that knows Djokovic’s personality. When he sees a player of Nadal’s calibre on the other side of the net, fatigue will not be a problem and this should make for epic showdown.
Remember to Follow us on Twitter @SportsJunki3
Written by: Omar Khamissa - @omarbha135The Australian Open men’s final will see the number one ranked Novak Djokovic up against the number two rank Rafael Nadal.
The defending champion Djokovic; who is coming off one of the greatest years in tennis history, is looking to build on the momentum and win the first major of the year. Advancing to the finals with an epic five hour, five-set match verse the number four seed Andy Murray in the semi-finals. Djokovic showed the heart and soul of a champion coming back from 2-sets to 1-down, to win the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-1, 7-5. A match defined by long rallies, with both men running all over the court to retrieve the ball resulting in both men buckled over, grasping for air numerous times. Upon winning the match, Djokovic fell onto his back in celebration, catching his breath and taking a big sigh of relief.
Nadal on the other hand, did not have as much of a problem with his semi-finals against long time rival Roger Federer. After losing the first set to Federer, Nadal buckled down, rallied back and took the next three sets winning the match 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Nadal looked a little lost in the first set; as if the right knee that he had injured two weeks prior to the commencement of the tournament may have been causing him discomfort again. However, he showed that when it comes down to it, no bit of pain is going to stop him from making it back to a Grand Slam final and seizing the opportunity at winning the Australian Open once again.
This is the third straight Grand Slam final that will pit Djokovic against Nadal, with Djokovic taking both the US Open and Wimbledon in four sets. All time Head-to-head, Djokovic and Nadal have faced each other 29 times, with Nadal holding the slight edge in victories 16-13.
We are in for quite a show Sunday morning, as Djokovic and Nadal know how to bring the best out of each other. A win for Djokovic would put him into selective company, joining the group of four; Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Federer, and Nadal as the only men to win three straight Grand Slams in the Open Era. While a win for Nadal, will put him back into the winner circle in Melbourne for the first time since 2009.
Expect a gritty five-setter from these superstars, with whoever has the most endurance to come out on top. With Djokovic coming off a tough five hour, five setter this might give the edge to Nadal, but anyone that knows Djokovic’s personality. When he sees a player of Nadal’s calibre on the other side of the net, fatigue will not be a problem and this should make for epic showdown.
Remember to Follow us on Twitter @SportsJunki3
Written by: Omar Khamissa - @omarbha135
