So the Australian Open 2009 dream final was happening. It was really the best for the last, Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer, another 5-set classic match.
Two great champions were at their best. But too bad somebody had to win and the other had to lose, that’s how the game works.
Congratulation to Rafael Nadal, this time he won.
Actually I wanted more Federer to win this grand slam, to equal Sampras’ record of 14 grand slam titles. But watching the level of Nadal’s game as well as Federer’s, I didn’t care anymore who would win. They are the “bestest”. Both of them are the true champion. As Nadal said in his acceptance speech, the time will come for Federer’s 14th title.
Nadal played a 5 hours game against Verdasco on Friday, and Federer got an easy winning a day before. Nadal should be the one who’s tired and exhausted, but the great champion never gave up. He fought every point so tenaciously that I worried something will break from his body. He outplayed Federer. Not that Federer played badly. Federer himself had also given his best game. He practiced every possible tennis shots on the theory perfectly; service, forehand, backhand, volley, half volley, lob, overhead. It’s a game anyway, somebody just had to lose.
On closing ceremony, the emotion had taken over Federer. He cried. Yeah, boys don’t cry but real men do cry. He couldn’t even say a word on his speech. His lips were trembling. He came to tears and needed some times before he calmed himself down and said a couple of words while sobbing.
And yes, I also almost came to tears with him; I am not ashamed to admit that. Every tear falls down for a reason. I cried a lot this week. I thought no more tears left, but the emotion had brought me there. These two humble role models deserved my tears. I can learn a lot from them even tough just over the media.
So congratulation gents, thanks for the lessons.