Australian Open

The Australian Open came to an end on Sunday. I didn't see the final live and heard the result from radio even before I saw it on TV. But it really didn't hamper my enjoyment of the match, not that much. I couldn't possibly ask for a better final, a re-match between Federer and Nadal, two of the best players around.

Nadal beat Federer in a five set match that wasn't as good as the Wimbledon final but no less entrancing, at least from the perspective of Nadal who beat Federer in both occassions. The Spaniard robbed Federer of tying Pete Sampras 14 Grand Slam titles. Nadal coming in after a 5 set and 100 hours victory against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, he still looked terribly and terrifyingly fit (Verdasco probably would have won the match if he didn't care too much his hair standing up nice, he never towelled off his oh so styled hair, he cared his hair more than winning the match I suppose.). Federer, dejected and couldn't hold back his disappointments, just sobbed in front of the audience during the Championship Trophy ceremony. But he gathered himself shortly and spoke before Nadal so as not to have the "last word" at the podium. Nadal, always a gentleman, in the cermony, still addressed Federer as the best player ever even he keeps on beating him. I meant that was not only great tennis but great sportsmanship on display. Both men display tremendous talents and grace on and off the court which we come not to expect from most sports nowadays.