Making The Call: Anyone For Tennis?

Photo of Roger Federer by Rick Stevens/AP

Super Sunday got off to a great start this morning when Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in five sets to win the Australian Open. Unfortunately, since the match started at 3:30AM, almost everyone in the U.S. probably missed it. Actually, the time probably didn’t matter since tennis hasn’t been a popular spectator sport in this country since John McEnroe was in his prime and that is a shame because there is no better rivalry in sports right now than Federer-Nadal.

Roger Federer stands one Grand Slam win away from tying Pete Sampras’ record of 14, but he might not ever get there because he has a younger and better rival in Rafael Nadal. Nadal is the first player since Bjorn Borg to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year and by winning the Australian Open today, he now holds three of the four major titles. Every great player needs a rival to push them even further and Nadal and Federer are the perfect combination.

It’s not only the fact that they meet so often in the biggest tournaments, it’s the quality of the matches they play. Last year at Wimbledon they played what may have been the greatest tennis match ever. Today wasn’t far behind as they battled each other for over four hours. Afterwards, Roger Federer was inconsolable in defeat.

If you aren’t a tennis fan, but you like sports watch the next time these two play. Rivalries like this one are not to be missed.

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By Peter Trinkle in News on February 1, 2009 6:00 PM

Comments [rss]

JMH

I didn't see any of the Aussie Open match because of the time difference, but that Wimbledon final was absolutely classic.

freddynyc

Yes, there are more pressing concerns in life, however, by the pained expression on his face I almost feel sorry for the guy....

EricRoberts

You can tell just what he's thinking: "another fucking platter."

Quenepa

I doubt I was the only one but I did see this match and it was amazing - these two left everything on that court - Nadal had shots that were like video game shots -

The next time they play I will surely watch again - you are guaranteed of 2 passionate and talented players at the top of their game.