The Mighty Federer is Out—Nathan’s Notice
By: Nathan M. Cuny
Roger Federer lost his chance at winning his 17th Grand Slam Thursday night at the Australian Open. Federer’s chances of winning the Australian Open were extremely hyped up when he began the tournament, mostly due to his confident talk about quickly becoming world No.1 again. Federer last won the Australian Open title in 2010 and has not won a single Grand Slam since. Looking at Federer’s Grand Slams in that angle isn’t so positive, but here’s a little light, Federer has played every Grand Slam quarter final since May of 2004. This year Federer lost 6-7⁵, 6-2, 7-6⁵, 6-4 in the Australian Open semifinals to his long time rival Rafael Nadal. Federer’ loss came from many little mistakes.
Federer was on a 24-match winning streak before entering the semifinals, undoubtedly sure of himself and his abilities to defeat Nadal. Federer clinched the first set, but from there on the tables turned. This was the 7th match out of 27 between him and Nadal where the winner of the first set did not win the match. Nadal then advanced his head-to-head lead over Federer 18-9. It was also Nadal and Federer’s 10th Grand Slam matchup, where Nadal is in the lead 8-2 in Slams.
Federer began the match quickly, closing out points at the net mercilessly, beating the ball back at Nadal with his powerful forehand. The hard work led to a 4-1 lead and early service break in the first set. As the match progressed into the second set both players exchanged breaks of serve early on. Soon into the second game Federer busted into a 4-3 lead but dropped the lead and his serve in the next game.
In the fourth set, at 5-6, 30/40 Federer saved one set point with a potent crosscourt forehand winner but again at the tie break Nadal took the lead, 6-1. As the fourth and final set commenced Federer hit a backhand wide and Nadal converted his second break point opportunity at 4-4. Federer had another break point opportunity in the final game, but he lost it after hitting a weak overhead at the baseline shooting it wide. Federer’s last deadly mistake came when he hit a backhand long giving Nadal the victory.
By the end of the 3 hour and 42 minute match tears rolled down Federer’s face. When his emotions subsided Federer was interviewed afterwards where he reflected, “I thought Rafa played well from start to finish, really. I started really well myself. It was obviously a big set for me to win, and [I] missed obviously the opportunities in some of all the sets maybe. But Rafa did well to hang in there. At the end [I] was a bit better. It was a tough match physically as well, but [it’s] only beginning of the season. I’m feeling all right, so it’s okay.” Although the Mighty Federer’s 24-match winning streak is broken and he is out of the Australian Open, Federer fans and Federer alike must keep their heads up—Federer will come back.
Topics: Roger Federer
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