One of the bestest Sporting Moment

Australian Open 2009, Final Moments

By Caroline Cheese (BBC Sports Website)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/7863434.stm

(Just wanted to preserve the very best sporting moment and a very best commentary, I hope not so many copyright issues here)

Read from bottom to top.


1338: That's it then. Thanks for your company during another mind-blowing encounter between Roger 'n Rafa. They really don't do bad matches do they? Federer's already one of the greatest in history, Rafa's got to be there or thereabouts now after winning his first hard-court major. And, dare I say it, the Grand Slam is on...

1336: Rafa's turn to speak: "Roger, I'm sorry for today. I know exactly how you feel. 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. Thank you very much."

1333: That won't help Federer. Rafa Nadal takes the trophy from Rod Laver and lifts it high into the air. He immediately goes to Federer and gives him a hug and the world number two comes to the mike again. "I don't want to have the last word - this guy deserves it," saiy Fed, pointing to Rafa. "Rafa, congrats - you deserve it. All the best for the season."

1330: Roger Federer gets a massive roar from the crowd as he steps up to receive the runners-up plate. "I've felt better," says Fed. "Thanks for the support. You guys were unbelievable." But here come the tears. "Maybe I'll try later. God, it's killing me." The crowd give him another huge cheer, but the poor fella can't continue. He's sobbing as he steps away from the mike. Nadal joins in the applause for the beaten finalist.

1327: "We all want him to go on and win that 14th later in the year..." says Geoff. Not half as much as Fed I would imagine. The Swiss manages half a smile. Or was it a twitch?

1324: The man from the tournament sponsors rather kills the electric atmosphere with a fantastically dry speech... Here's Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard to jolly things along.

1321: Plenty of congratulations for Rafa Nadal, but no one dares go near Federer as he digests what has just happened. Eventually, Rod Laver approaches - and Fed manages a weak smile.

1318: If you thought the Wimbledon final might have hurt, that has got to be an absolute killer for Federer. Nadal seemed to be running on empty in that third set, but put in a superhuman effort to get back into it. Federer is sitting in his chair, exhausted, disbelieving. The 14th Grand Slam title will have to wait - but 'til when?

1315: Nadal falls to the ground in a star shape - just like that Wimbledon final - before jogging to the net to shake hands with a crestfallen Federer. Four hours and 23 minutes, a classic encounter.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 2-6 Nadal
Another double-fault from a crumbling Federer makes it 0-30 and Nadal is gifted two points for the title when Fed errs on a forehand. Nadal swings a routine return long and then a tense, tense rally ends with the Spaniard putting a tentative slice into the trams. A sensational backhand winner sets up another title point before Federer belts one final forehand over the line.