eSports Log

Rafael Nadal truly is a heroic performer after recuperating from the longest epic the Australian Open has ever known to conquer the might of Roger Federer and assert his third grand-slam title in a dazzling seven-month stretch. The 22-year-old Nadal held off Roger Federer in one more energy-fluctuation, five-set final to win the Australian Open on Sunday, keeping the Grand Slam singles record safe for now. Nadal needed 4 hours, 23 minutes to win 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2.

After the match, Federer stood on the court, having just missed his first possibility to equivalent Pete Sampras’ record 14 Grand Slam singles titles. He was sobbing. He couldn’t speak. Federer finally said,

In the first moment you’re disappointed, you’re shocked, you’re sad, then all of a sudden it overwhelms you.

The problem is you can’t go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You’re stuck out there. It’s the worst feeling….. It’s rough.

The 27-year-old Swiss star couldn’t restrain tears at the presentation. Federer said with weeping, “Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me.” But he didn’t forget to congratulate Nadal within, saying: “You deserved it. You played a fantastic final.”

Nadal collected the trophy and put his arm around Federer. He said,

Roger, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now. Remember, you’re a great champion, you’re one of the best in history.

He has now won five of the seven Grand Slam finals he’s played against Federer and is 13-6 overall against him. Nadal beat Federer in the last French Open and Wimbledon finals and replaced him at No. 1 last August after winning the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.