T365 Recall: 2009 Australian Open final featuring Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 Australian Open men’s singles final between two of the all-time greats, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Below Isaac Seelochan looks back on that epic encounter which featured plenty of twists and turns.
Just over six months after the 2008 Wimbledon final, a clash which John McEnroe described as “the greatest match of all time”, Nadal and Federer met again in the 2009 Australian Open final with history on the line.
Federer was trying to equal Pete Sampras’s record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles, whereas Nadal was looking to win his first Grand Slam title on a hardcourt and edge step closer to winning a Career Grand Slam.
The first set started with a number of errors from Federer, as his serve was broken in the opening game before the Swiss broke back with a series of stunning forehand winners. The Swiss then broke the Nadal serve again at 3-2, with an unstoppable forehand return.
The Spaniard broke back in the next game though, and would then break the Federer serve once more at 5-5, where he would hold to win the first set.
Having saved break points early in the third game of the second set, Nadal managed to break at 2-2 after a couple of Federer errors, but the breaks of serve continued as the Swiss broke again at 3-4 before levelling the match at one set all.
Federer, who looked to have finally gained some control, was playing an opponent who had a one day’s rest less than him and who had come through a five-set marathon against Fernando Verdasco in his semi-final just a few days earlier.
The fatigue from that last-four clash began to tell for Nadal as his energy levels looked to be rapidly decreasing. He surely had to win the third set if he was going to win his first Australian Open title.
Both players served much better throughout the third set although a wilting Nadal, who had to call for the trainer after the seventh game, was forced to save a number of breakpoints and Federer also had to save a set point at 6-5 with a strong serve.
The highlight of the third set tie-break was a stunning Nadal volley at 5-3, which gave him two set points. The set ended with a double fault from Federer to give Nadal the vital third set, having had to save five break points in the process.
Federer started the fourth set well, taking a 2-0 lead before Nadal managed to break straight back following a couple of vicious forehand winners which left Federer flailing.
Nadal then had break points at 2-2, but Federer clung on despite some inspired defending from the Spaniard.
After Nadal missed an opportunity to potentially get the decisive break, Federer broke immediately in the next game, where he would hold on to take the match into a decider.
Both players held serve comfortably at the start of the fifth set, until the fourth game where facing breakpoint at 2-1, Federer dumped a backhand into the net to hand Nadal a 3-1 lead.
From then on Nadal gained control and on his third championship point, with Federer serving at 5-2, a stray Swiss forehand gave Nadal his first hardcourt Grand Slam title.
Perhaps the most memorable moment was during the ceremony after the match, where Federer broke down in tears before being consoled by his great rival. It’s this picture which has symbolised the respect and friendship that the pair have shared with each other, even to the present day.
“I’ve felt better. Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me,” Federer said.
Nadal, though, issued comforting words to his rival.
“Roger, I know exactly how you feel,” he said.
“Just remember you’re a great champion and you’re one of the best in history and for sure you’re going to match Sampras. To receive this trophy from Rod Laver is a dream for me.”
Now 10 years on, both Nadal and Federer remain at the top of the men’s game. The draw for this year’s Australian Open means that there won’t be a repeat of the 2009 final, but that match still remains one of the highlights of a golden era of men’s tennis.
Follow Isaac Seelochan on Twitter.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
I think bananas are a pathetic fruit: Andy Murray’s brilliant career in quotes
-
Comment: Best of British Andy Murray deserves so much better than forced finish
-
Tennis betting preview: 5/1 Roger Federer to be the Wizard of Oz once more
-
-
‘I struggle to put shoes and socks on’: Andy Murray reveals true extent of injury
-
Latest
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz proofs French Open title credentials with dominant first-round victory
Carlos Alcaraz powers into the second round at Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Alexander Zverev keeps French Open match short and sweet, but hopes to go from stable to winning titles
“I’m always somebody that likes to win, rather than be stable,” says Zverev.
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie says Wimbledon will be ‘like an exhibition’ as he warns a few top players might not play
British No 1 has his say on consequences following decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon news: Former US Open champion says decision to strip major of ranking points ‘the correct one’
Sloane Stephens shares views on controversial move.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz news: Top players to suffer if they’re to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros
He’s been unstoppable this season.
-
French Open
Red-hot Ons Jabeur stunned in opener at Roland Garros by world No 52 Magda Linette
Ons Jabeur stunned in Roland Garros opener.
-
French Open
Birthday boy Novak Djokovic looking to reset in the summer of ’22
Novak Djokovic is 35 today. This summer might just see him return to the top of his game after losing himself at the turn of the year.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal plays down Roland Garros favourite tag as ‘there are players that are in better shape’
Rafael Nadal cautiously optimistic ahead of Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Emma Raducanu news: John McEnroe doubtful Brit can go far in French Open
She has had a lot of injuries so far this season.
-
Wimbledon
Sergiy Stakhovsky news: Ukrainian rips into ATP’s Wimbledon decision
He’s really not happy about the decision.