“Playing against him is always special,” Rafael Nadal recalls his 2009 Australian Open Final against Roger Federer

“Playing against him is always special,” Rafael Nadal recalls his 2009 Australian Open Final against Roger Federer

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the 2009 Australian Open

Rafael Nadal recalled his rivalry with Roger Federer in a recent interview with Eurosport. The Spaniard also said the 2009 Australian Open Final against Federer was a very special and emotional moment for him.

The 2009 Australian Open Finals is still considered one of the best finals ever. Then 22-year-old Rafael Nadal was facing off against then 13-time-Grand Slam Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro was on the verge of history as he was just a win away from equalling Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 14 Majors. But it was Nadal who emerged victorious in a five-set thriller after a grueling four hours and 23 minutes of play.

Rafael Nadal said 2009 was special to him because it’s the year he won his first title at the Australian Open. It was Federer’s loss to Nadal was his third straight defeat in Grand Slam finals. An emotional Federer was couldn’t hold back his tears during the presentation ceremony after receiving the runner-up plate. What came next was a heartwarming moment as Nadal kept his celebration aside to console Federer. Nadal said that it was a moment to remember for him.

“2009 was my most special year because that was when I won the first title [at the Australian Open]. It was a very emotional match as playing against [Roger] Federer is always special. What happened during the ceremony was a moment to remember,” he said.

Nadal further added it was a tough final because of the hot conditions. He came into the finals following a grueling 5 hour battle with his compatriot Fernando Verdasco on the semis. But the Spaniard set to win his first hardcourt major in such conditions and against tough players made the win more special for him.

“It was a complicated year because of the excessive heat and the end of the tournament was tough. But I also knew that the situation was not ideal. I was shattered from the semifinals but when I arrived on the court I felt better. It was my first Grand Slam on hardcourt and that made it even more special,” the Mallorcan said.

“Fans wanted a final between Roger and me” Rafael Nadal on the 2017 Australian Open Final

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

The former World No.1 also reminisced about the 2017 Australian Open. Both Federer and Nadal were sidelined due to injuries the previous year. Federer didn’t play a match for more than six months due to a knee injury and seeded 17th in the Opening Slam but stunned Nadal to lift his first Grand Slam title in 5 years. This was the Spaniard first loss to Federer in Grand Slams since Wimbledon in nearly a decade. But Nadal said the final was a treat for the fans to witness them play on-court again.

“Those were two very beautiful weeks [at the 2017 Australian Open]. As the days passed, the fans wanted a final between Roger and I. Both when he played and I played, I noticed the desire of the fans for that match to arrive,” he added.

Also Read: “Showed His Essence!” Garbine Muguruza HAILS Rafael Nadal’s Legendary Victory at the Australian Open