Count me as one of those who gave Rafa no chance in the Aussie Open finals. Roger was coming in well rested while Nadal was just two days off a 5+ hour semifinal win in grueling 100 degree temperatures. Then factor in Roger's dominance on the hard courts and it just seemed like it was his time to return to the top of the Tennis world.
This was not the case and anybody who slept in and missed this match missed one of the greatest ever played. Not quite 5 hours (this one lasted only 4 hours and 23 mins) Rafa outlasted the former number 1 winning the Australian Open title 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2. Do yourself a favor and try to watch the replay at 3:30 on ESPN 2.
This rivalry is quickly proving to be one of the best in sports history. It has already surpassed Agassi/Sampras and is quietly taking its place next to the Sox/Yanks, UNC/Duke and Michigan/OSU. Best of all, it is making tennis relevant again. Anytime you can put these two on the same court you know the battle will be intense. You know you won't be watching a straight set anything and you better clear you schedule for a few hours.
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