Rafael Nadal Wins First Aussie Open Crown

02 February 2009

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Rafael Nadal had to play another five sets to overcome Roger Federer to win his first Australian Open in a thriller that ended 7-5 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-2.

The twenty two year old Spaniard recovered from his exploits in his five hour semi final against compatriot Fernando Verdasco while Federer, who had enjoyed an extra day off, was aiming to equal Pete Sampras' fourteenth Grand Slam record.

The opening serve from Federer proved to be a bit shaky dropping his serve immediately but Nadal threw away the chance to open up an early lead after dropping his serve in a ten minute game.

Nadal dropped his serve again and it looked as if Federer was going to strike the first blow by taking the opening set. But the world number one and top seed stormed back to claim the set 7-5.

Federer's serve was below par as he managed just 54% of his first serves in but he fought back with some great forehands to convincingly take the second set 6-3.

But in the third signs of fatigue started to creep into Nadal's game and the longest match in Australian Open history seemed to be catching up with him as he called for the trainer twice.

Federer took full advantage of the drop in Nadal's intensity but the Spaniard seemed to get a second wind and fought his way out of trouble to take the third set into a tie break.

Nadal seemed to have recovered from his earlier problems and dominated the tie break 7-3 to take the third set and he once again looked his dominant self.

But the tables turned again as Federer took the fourth and to take the final to a one set shoot out.

And while many would have given Federer the physical edge, given his extra days rest, but it was Nadal who came out all guns blazing and Federer began to crumble.

Federer's serve deserted him and after four hours and twenty three minutes Nadal claimed his first Australian Open and cemented himself at the top of the men's game.

In the women's event Serena Williams won her tenth Grand Slam title as Dinara Safina crumbled under the pressures of being in the final and Williams cruised to victory 6-0 6-3.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

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