It was the dream match-up everyone hoped for but no one believed would ever happen again. Roger Federer, 35, missed six months due to a leg injury and the Australian Open was his first major tournament since the injury. Rafael Nadal, 30, also has been dealing with injuries to his wrist. Yet somehow, both defied the odds and made in to the Australian Open final to face each other for the 35th time.
Fans watching in the wee hours in the United States (including me), and the millions more watching what ESPN predicted would be the most globally watched tennis match ever got quite a treat. Federer and Nadal exchanged set wins, and after an epic fifth set, Federer came out on top to win his 18th Grand Slam title, adding to his record for most ever by a male player.
I had never stayed up that late to watch tennis, in fact I almost never watch tennis, but I’m so glad I saw this match. It might be the last time these two iconic faces of the sport face off, and boy was it fun to watch. Maybe, just maybe, Nadal and Federer continue playing at the high level they are at right now and meet up again sometime soon. The world and tennis can only hope that happens.