The 2012 Australian Open with the sobriquet OZ has provided tennis fans worldwide with a great opportunity to marvel at yet another feisty duel between TWO of the best players in the history of tennis. With 26 grand slams (GS) and more than a 100 titles between them, Nadal and Federer have paid their dues in no small measure and will see this as a chance to add to their burgeoning resumes.
They are normally used to meeting in title matches. However, the devastating form of Novak Djokovic last year has ensured that this time they meet in the final before the final (SF) for the 1st time since 2005 when an unknown, unheralded 19 year old Nadal stunned the Swiss master in the semis of Roland Garros. The Spanish Matador went on to win his 1st GS title (d.Puerta) and since then has not looked back.
Federer for all his achievements hasn't fared well against Nadal. His record of 17 losses in 26 meetings v the Spanish power house represents his worst among any player on the ATP tour. Even Sampras and Agassi weren't half as dominant v the great Swiss. He has also lost 7 times in 9 GS meetings V Rafa, including 6 finals (1 Wimbledon, 4 French, 1 Aussie Open). He will aim to change all that when they meet at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday.
The last time they met here was 3 years ago when King Roger was aiming to become only the 2nd man to win 14 slams after Pistol Pete. That was not to be as Nadal put paid to his ambitions in 5 gruelling and nerve wracking sets, thus winning his 6th slam at Fed-xpresss' expense. It was HARD TO TAKE for the then World no 2 who burst into uncontrollable tears right in front of greats like Laver himself. He would go on to equal Samp at Roland Garros and eclipse him at Wimbledon in that same year, but the next chance to further increase his title haul at Flushing Meadows (US OPEN) was thwarted by Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro (JMDP) who he beat soundly to set up this 2012 SF clash with old foe, NADAL. Roger went on to cement his place as possibly the greatest player of all time with a 16th GS title on the same court he fell short of the 14th. This time he made no mistake, destroying Andy Murray in straight sets. Although we could argue that the match was closer than what the scoreline read.
Federer has had an almost perfect ride at this year's OZ and he is riding on a 25 match winning streak which will give him all the confidence he requires to tame the BEAST in RAFAEL NADAL. Rafa on his part, hasn't been too far behind, only losing one set to Berdych in the QF on the way to this eagerly awaited clash.
It promises to me another SPELL-BINDING AND GRIPPING BATTLE between the most familiar FOES in Tennis these days.
Ohis Eboreime
follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990
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