Federer and Nadal (Aussie Open)

[d000hg]

Sadly I only saw the highlights but it looked like a great match and the final set in particular.

I was struck that neither player actually looked that tired at the end. Really impressive fitness after a long and fairly physical match... hopefully we'll see them both contesting for more tournaments.

Also, Roger seemed to play a lot more aggressively - I don't think I saw a single backhand slice which was really common in the past.

Roger's expression as he won was like a little boy at Christmas, so lovely.

[LondonManc]

Well done to both Roger and Rafa on giving us a great final.

[shaunbhoy]

Bile deleted

[Troll]

ABM

hth

[d000hg]

Australian Open 2017: Rafael Nadal to meet Roger Federer in final after epic win - BBC Sport

[LondonManc]

No, that was McEnroe...

Federer just beats him because of temperament. Federer has never beaten Federer, but I've seen McEnroe beat McEnroe. I'd have McEnroe down as the best doubles player of all time, though, without a doubt.

[malvolio]

I remember first watching the Fed in the early noughties, he was phenomenal in that he did stuff that appeared physically impossible.

To my mind the greatest all-rounder ever, so far.

No, that was McEnroe...

[LondonManc]

6-3 - Game, Set, Match

I remember first watching the Fed in the early noughties, he was phenomenal in that he did stuff that appeared physically impossible.

To my mind the greatest all-rounder ever, so far.

Can't disagree with that - there have been better servers and Agassi was a better returner of serve imho but Federer's got it all at a high level. His shot selection is second-to-none too; whether he plays the shot right is moot but he generally takes on the correct shot at the time, regardless of execution.

[sasguru]

I remember first watching the Fed in the early noughties, he was phenomenal in that he did stuff that appeared physically impossible.

To my mind the greatest all-rounder ever, so far.

[LondonManc]

5-2 Roger holds.

Looks like we've got to turn the clock back 10 years with Williams/Williams and Federer/Nadal finals!

[LondonManc]

2-2 in sets for Roger and Stan - Roger has just broken in the final set to go 4-2 up. Double fault from Stan gives him the break; crowd sound very much on Roger's side.

[LondonManc]

It's similar to watching Agassi when Sampras and Goran were pounding big serves and booming forehands across the net. Agassi's return of serve was phenomenal.

[d000hg]

It's really interesting to watch Federer's more delicate style as such physical players have begun to appear... Nadal was once the monster physically but looks nothing special compared to players like Murray and Wawrinka, and even Novak is very physical despite being one of the less bulky guys.

I'd expected to see Federer get blown off the court and on occasion he has been, but watching him neutralise a power player is wonderful.

[LondonManc]

Not seen any of Nadal's game but Federer has looked like he's having a bit of a renaissance and that forehand looks as sublime as ever. Would love him to win it - the one thing in his favour is Stan's unpredictable form.

[d000hg]

So pleased to see these two doing well, Federer especially. The commentators were confidently saying he would be out and are now awkwardly tipping him as a narrow favourite against Wawrinka. Personally I think that's unlikely but I've sadly not seen any of the play, just heard it on the radio.