Between them, Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, John Newcombe and Tony Roche won 27 grand slam titles.
"If I had to pick someone, I'd pick Federer. Certainly after that big match, long match Nadal had," Laver said at special lunch at Melbourne Park on Saturday to mark the 40th anniversary of his 1969 grand slam sweep.
Rosewall said he was picking Nadal at the start of the tournament to land his maiden hardcourt slam but has since changed his mind.
"Having watched Roger play in the last two matches, I think his game has really lifted a lot," Rosewall said.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="425" caption="Like this?"]
[/caption]But Roger himself doesn't agree.
The Nadal-Verdasco epic, lasting five hours and 14 minutes, was the longest in tournament history.
But Federer insisted it would have no real adverse affect on the super-fit Nadal, who had not dropped a set in his previous five matches.
“Rafa has had very easy matches going into this semi-final,'' the Swiss maestro said.
“OK, he has a day less.
“But you've got to be fit and recover from this kind of a match and I think he will, even though he took a while.
“His matches usually take longer than other matches because he takes his time out on the court.
“I don't think he will be really affected on Sunday.''
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="433" caption="Or this?"]
[/caption]Rafa, understandably, is lying low and making small of his chances.
'It is amazing to play another final of a Grand Slam,' said Nadal, 21-4 in Melbourne to the 47-6 of the Swiss, from whom he seized the number one ranking last August.
'It's special to play against Federer in any match, but the first one for me in Australia is even more so,' he added. 'For sure, Roger will be in much better performance physically than me for the final, but at the same time, I'll try to be recover and play my best.'
Even bookmakers have a say.
Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com are among the best Tennis analysts in the world. Thus, it is only fit that the Australian Open 2009 Finals Prediction Sports Odds are provided by one of the elite providers in the business. Here’s what the experts say: Roger Federer [-165] will beat Rafael Nadal [+135] in the Australian Open 2009 Finals Predictions.
If the Sports Odds are indeed correct, Roger Federer would tie the legendary Pete Sampras for the most career Grand Slam wins in the history of the sport at 14. Nadal, who has become the only real threat to Federer over the years will attempt to keep second-ranked Roger Federer from tying Pete Sampras' record on Sunday. Who will win the first set? According to the experts, Roger Federer [-155] has better odds than Rafael Nadal [+125].
But of course, the most important opinion is... from all of you RAFANATICS!
Penny for your thoughts.
P.S. I like the 2nd pic better!!
ReplyDelete“His matches usually take longer than other matches because he takes his time out on the court." Ohhh Fed...too bad every commentator I've heard is saying how Rafa is player faster these days. I love that he slips that in there tho. Yeah, that's why it took 5 hours. Pfffff!
ReplyDeleteAnyways...Babz, can I keep my penny for good luck?? ;) My gut says Fed will take the trophy, but my heart wants Rafa to find a way. So I'll say only this: VAMOS RAFA!! VAMOS!!
*showers you with pennies*
ReplyDeleteKeep it. Please. I so want Rafa to win, although it will take sweat blood and tears. Imagine if he does tho.What a history making final. What a player. What a man.
I was so totally tempted to post the pic where Rodge was on his bench and covering his face, but I'm trying to be fair to him.
*catches pennies; adds to growing pile of good luck charms placed next to tv*
ReplyDeleteOMG you're a little evil HAHAHAHA. I so want Rafa to win too!! Well the good news is if ANYONE has some extra blood, sweat & tears, it's our man. I have no doubt that mentally he will fight all the way. It's a matter of how much his body will let him do. I personally volunteer to massage him continuously until Sunday night ;)
It actually doesn't matter at this point who wins. I'm just happy that Rafa made it to the final.
ReplyDeletejohanne - i'm an evil weevil, whatever that means.
ReplyDeletebennettsocal - i'm happy too, but while he's already there, might as well try, no? up and coming young players have such talents it's scary - next year might be another player's year. he's usually out of gas by the uso, so if he wants to win a hard court GS trophy, now's the best time.
to be honest, i'm the one in dilemma this AO. when he was against gilles i was like come on now you're better than him, you have to win. when he's against tabasco i'm like if you lose it'll be quite an embarassment. now he's against roger, i just want him to win just for the sake of it.
but no matter what, to be through to the final is a great accomplishment already. i hope it will at least get to 4 set.
In all honesty, I rhink it will depend on which Rafa steps out onto court tonight. If it's nervous, defensive Rafa he'll get run ragged... But if its sexy aggressive Rafa he'll take the title. Sadly, given the way he started against Nando, I think he's nervous enough to be reverting to type and playing defensively. Hopefully, Nando and uncle Toni have spent the last day whispering in his ear about how fantastic he is, and how Feds is doomed... ;D
ReplyDeleteIt also depends on which Roger steps in: 1st two sets of Berdych Roger or Del Po Roger? Rafa needs to get ahead early, that will muck with Roger's brain and cause his wilanders to shrink as they often do against Rafa. ;)
ReplyDeleteAll I gotta say is: I WANT THE SECOND PICTURE. VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete