World number-one Novak Djokovic outlasted second-ranked Rafael Nadal 5–7, 6–4, 6–2, 6–7 (5-7), 7–5 in a five-hour, fifty-three minute marathon match Sunday in Melbourne. The match was not only the longest in the history of the Australian Open, it also represented the longest Grand Slam finals match in the open era.
“Physically was the toughest match I ever played, if not the tougher. I am tired,” said Nadal, according to the Australian Open’s website. Nadal won a comparable five-set match against Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon finals.
These two have started to form a new rivalry, meeting the finals now of the last three Grand Slams, with Djokovic winning all three, and the two have combined to win each the last eight majors beginning with the 2010 French Open.
This match was highlighted by several turns in momentum.
Djokovic, after playing a five-set match himself against fourth-ranked Andy Murray in the semis, came out a little flat and dropped the first set 7–5. “It’s an individual sport, so we all try to rely on the people who are traveling with us,” said Djokovic regarding his preparations in light of his long matches.
Djokovic finished the second set much stronger winning the last eight points as Nadal double-faulted to end the set. Djokovic then broke Nadal twice in the third and appeared well on his way to taking the match in four sets midway through the fourth, when Nadal suddenly seemed to reach back for something extra.
Down two sets to one and trailing 4–3 in the set, facing triple-break point, Nadal rebounded to win the game and eventually the set in a tie-breaker to force a final set.
With momentum on his side, Nadal broke Djokovic’s serve early to go up 4–2 and was leading his service game 30–15 when he hit wide a near-certain winner. Djokovic went on to break his serve and then broke again at 5–5 before serving out the match that ended at 1:30 a.m. local time.
Friends Read Free