Nadal wins test of might - and character

Sport, it is often said, does not merely build character but also reveals it. Rafael Nadal's win over Roger Federer at the Australian Open final was more than just another Grand Slam title for the feisty Spaniard; it was the triumph of his stronger character.

Nadal beat Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 in four hours and 23 minutes of pulsating tennis. It was fascinating to watch - while one was playing to create history - by equalling Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slams - the other was attempting to win his first Australian Open.

The emotions were in full display during, and after, the match. Federer cried while accepting his runners-up trophy, acknowledging the fact that it was 'killing' him to accept this loss. If losing the Wimbledon hurt a lot, this defeat broke Federer.

And yet, the irony was inescapable. The last time the Swiss master had cried on court was at the Australian Open 2006 when he had won it. Then he had Rod Laver by his side to console him. This time, he wept alone. While many were heartbroken to see Federer down and out, it was Nadal who put his hands around a visibly distraught Federer.

Photo credit: Jimmy Barrett

"I know how you feel right now but you are a great player and I am certain you will get Sampras's record," said Nadal in a television interview after accepting his trophy from Laver.

The match, if not more, was a thriller, with both players showing why they are on top of the ATP ranking. Federer was broken by Nadal in the first game of the first set owing to a double fault and two shaky backhands. In return, Federer broke back in the next game after five deuces on Nadal's serve. Nadal took the first set.

In the second, Nadal looked tired. It was evident that his body was still tired from the hard fought victory against Fernando Verdasco. He was unable to reach for the volleys he'd else reach effortlessly. Federer, on his part, played some great tennis, showing glimpses of why he is a still a contender for the number one slot. He relied on his ground-strokes and won four games in a row to close out the set 6-3.

Federer's fans hoped that he was back. They prayed and stood behind him. They cheered Federer throughout the match but the former world number one faltered again. His backhand let him down and his first serve percentage was a mere 52 per cent.

"I was almost in tears when Federer was crying on the stage. You know he such a good player but he played badly in the last set. If he had played like the Federer we know, he would have equalled Pete’s record," said Diederik de Groot, a Federer fan.

Nadal displayed some breathtaking tennis. Tied at 3-3 in the third set, the Swiss had many break points to lead, but could not convert. He lost the third set 7-6. Nadal's game-plan was simple - hold on to the serve and try and force an error from Federer.

In the fourth set, Federer lifted his game. He knew that he had to win this set to stay in the match. His held on to each point and broke Nadal. He led the game 2-0. Federer came onto the net better and tested Nadal with drop shots. A tired Nadal was unable to move around the court as he would normally have, and lost the set 3-6.

Photo credit: James Marvin Phelps

So, it all boiled down to the fifth set. It was only the second time a five-setter final was held at the Australian Open, the last one being the 1988 decider when Mats Wilander had defeated Pat Cash. And it was a disappointing set for Federer and his fans.

Nadal broke Federer in the second game. Serving at 2-5, Federer hit a double fault, while another error two points later brought up Championship point. Yet another error from the Swiss, after fending off three match points, and the Swiss had given into Nadal's strong will to win.

"Nadal was really tired and yet he managed to win. He is very strong mentally. He is a phenomenal player. He truly deserved to win," said Jonathan Peterson, a Nadal supporter.

The difference between a great player and a champion is very little. Nadal's legs were strong and did not give up till the end, and his mind manoeuvred him to another win against Federer. The champion had triumphed.