Novak Djokovic wins longest Slam final ever over Nadal
Columnist By David Lord, 30 Jan 2012 David Lord is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tennis
Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2012 Australian Open final (AAP Image/Barbara Walton)
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There shouldn’t be a loser when you watch an historic Australian Open final like last night when Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5 at Melbourne Park in the longest Slam final of all-time.
There aren’t enough strong superlatives to describe this classic of 5 hours 53 minutes, smashing the previous record of 4 hours 54 minutes set by Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl in the 1988 US Open final, won by Wilander 6-4 4-6 6-3 5-7 6-4.
It was also the longest match in Australian history, beating the 5 hours 14 minute epic when Nadal beat Fernando Verdasco 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-7 6-4 in a semi-final of the 2009 Australian Open.
And let’s not forget Djokovic went 4 hours 50 in his semi against Andy Murray, only two nights ago.
The Serb is a marvel, and the same can be said of Nadal – the two best players on the planet.
There were far too many highlights to report as these two warriors gave each other a mental and physical hammering.
Many of their long rallies and shot-making were breathtaking. Two in particular rated nearly 115 decibels in crowd reaction, so deafening was their appreciation.
The omens looked good for Nadal when he won the opener 7-5. His career record is staggering, winning 133 matches after winning the first set, and losing only one. Nadal broke twice, and lost his serve once.
In the second set Djokovic found his range to break Nadal twice, and lost his serve once, to take the set 6-4.
In the third set Djokovic was awesome, breaking Nadal twice with heavy serving, and crunching winners off both wings, to take the set 6-2.
The most defining moment of this memorable clash came at 4-3 in the fourth set with Djokovic in the lead. He had Nadal down 0-40 on serve, all he had to do as win that game and serve for the match.
But Nadal was not to be denied. Somehow he found that extra something to win five points in a row against the odds for 4-all.
Djokovic was left to dwell on his lost opportunity for 20 minutes while the was roof was closed as it started to rain. The timing was critical, and Nadal made the most of his good fortune by winning the fourth set tie-breaker.
Again the omens looked good for Nadal. He had lost only one five-setter in seven years, to Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final.
But for the second time in the night the omens failed to deliver for the Spaniard.
In the decider, games went with serve until Nadal broke to lead 4-2. To all intents and purposes that was game, set, and match.
Not so said Novak who broke back immediately, and again at 5-all, to serve out the match and overcome a break point on the way.
Unbelievable. I saw every point and still didn’t believe it. It was arguably the greatest game of tennis ever played, both players were mentally and physically spent.
And so was the packed house, even though they were calling for more of the same. But for Djokovic and Nadal there was nothing left to give.
The match stats:
Aces: Nadal 10-9.
Double faults: Nadal 4-2.
Unforced errors: Nadal 71-69.
Winners: Djokovic 57-44.
Break point conversions: Nadal 4 out of 6 for 67%, Djokovic 7 of 20 for 35%.
Total points won: Djokovic 193-176.
So for Novak Djokovic his third Slam singles crown in a row, his fourth in five. For Rafael Nadal his third successive Slam final loss, all to the Serb.
But worth repeating, it was such fantastic tennis, there didn’t deserve to be a loser.
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The Crowd Says (18) | Page 1 of Comments
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- Explore:
- Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tennis
January 30th 2012 @ 7:52am
jamesb said | January 30th 2012 @ 7:52am | Report comment
David
well done mate. The match finished at roughly 1:35am in the morning, and somehow you found time to write an article on the match and to have it published so early in the day.
The match was incredible. At the start, i was watching it as a neutral. I was basically barracking for the player as the match dictated. For instance after Nadal won the first set, I wanted Djokovic to win the second. Djokovic did that and won the 3rd and was playing outstanding tennis in the fourth and was all over Nadal.
Nadal was hanging on in the fourth. That game where he trailled 3-4, 0-40 was unbelieveable how he got out of it. After the game finished, there was a rain delay for 10 minutes, so that the roof would close
By this point the match was around the 4 hour mark. By this point I was going for Rafa.
And in the tie break, Nadal was behind 3-5, yet somehow won the fourth set, to make 2 sets all.
Nadal got an early break in the fifth and was up 4-2. But in one of his service games, he was 30-0 up, had a makeable shot with half a court open, and missed it. From their he lost his service game.
Djokivic got momentum back where for a peroid of 45 minutes, he looked like collapsing. But at 1:35 in the morning, “Nole” finally won the match and I somehow stayed up to watch the whole match. A couple of my neighbours were also watching it to the end as well, as I was hearing all the “oohs and”aahs coming from their direction.
Put simply, these guys are warriors. Them along with Federer, these are golden years of men tennis. We may never see the like of these three again.
And we may never see a grand slam final lasting more than 5 hours 53 minutes again.
Whats unblieveable is that it was only 7-5 in the fifth and only one set that went to a tie break and the match nearly went 6 hours.
I congratulate Rafa and Novak. Well done.
January 31st 2012 @ 7:56am
Kane said | January 31st 2012 @ 7:56am | Report comment
It went that long because Nadal tends to kill time whenever possible
January 30th 2012 @ 8:17am
JAJI said | January 30th 2012 @ 8:17am | Report comment
Firstly the fact the women’s final went for 2 minutes shorter in its entirety than the first set of the mens yet the prizemoney is the same is very interesting to say the least
The match was gripping, an epic for the ages
A couple of very key points in the match:
1) In the second set Nadal, who was one set up, was down 5-3 on the Djoker’s serve. He broke back and had momentum. If he had won that set I believe he would have won the match. He couldnt hold serve though and double faulted on set point handing the set over
2) The end of the fourth set tiebraker some of the most amazing scenes one could ever see in a game of tennis
3) That fourth set win gave Nadal all the momentum and the Djoker started to fall apart. Nadal is up 4-2 and its 30-15 in the last set and the Djoker does a drop shot that gives Nadal most of the court to hit in and he pushes it wide. That opened the door for the Serb who was down and out
4) Like the Murray game the Djoker gives the appearance he is injured and down and out and suddenly finds a fifth gear when given a sniff
Djoker may stop Nadal catching Federer’s record in grand slam wins….
January 30th 2012 @ 9:06am
Australian Rules said | January 30th 2012 @ 9:06am | Report comment
Unbelievable game.
In relation to your first comment, I conducted a debate a few years back on the issue of equal prizemoney in tennis, arguing that it shouldn’t be the same for men and women.
Predictably, I was labelled sexist and backward etc etc. But my argument was that if both win $1M, then it’s not “equal” because the women are earning the same as men but for less work. I don’t particularly care either way and am happy for it to be equal, but the 2 finals we’ve just seen make it, as you say, “very interesting to say the least”.
January 30th 2012 @ 10:03am
Jay said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:03am | Report comment
100% agree.
I accept there should be equal pay for equal work, but until women are required to play the best of 5 sets in grand slams, it shouldn’t apply.
January 30th 2012 @ 8:27am
Lou said | January 30th 2012 @ 8:27am | Report comment
What an epic match we witnessed today. Djokovic surely proved to the world that Djoker Slam is a possibility. Both these players battled it out like two warriors on a mission. No words can justify the level of tennis that was played today. They have taken tennis to a new level it seems. But overall an inspiring win for Nole today- but I am sure the fight that Nadal put up will def raise his confidence for the rest of the season! Just goes on to show how much you can gain with your will and determination : Novak Djokovic (The Steel Man) wins the Battle of Will against Rafael Nadal!
January 30th 2012 @ 9:00am
Bondy said | January 30th 2012 @ 9:00am | Report comment
I’m glad you enjoyed it Lordy, i crashed and burned at somewhere near the end of the fourth set around 1.00am and woke up in front of the tele at 5.30 am and found the result online at the S.M.H.
How a child aged between 5 – 17 could watch that match is beyond me or generally if you’re over 45 yrs you’ve virtually got no hope of being able to sit through that .I’ve watched mixed doubles from people i’ve never heard of and will probably never here from again at a compliant time zone though the feature event gets shoved on at 8.00pm and finishes somewhere near 2.00am .
The television industry is a joke they put a Final on when it’s not compliant for the home nation in a timezone sense .A complete waist of a Major Tournament .
January 30th 2012 @ 10:04am
Gucci said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:04am | Report comment
It’s rather harsh to criticise an 8pm start though. Besides, I think a lot of people would agree that would happily stay up till 5am to watch this sort of match!
Just amazing. I never really liked either of them before, but hands down they are the best and have won me over.
January 30th 2012 @ 10:06am
JAJI said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:06am | Report comment
100% correct Bondy – in the end there was no difference between this tournament and the other 3 slams TV wise – it was 1.00am and we were watching TV for the result. I am guessing they dont start the game at say 4.00pm to protect a) Channel Seven TV ratings b) European TV audience and c) hot weather
Luckily this timeslot was no problem for the writer – as I am a football fan (Soccer) have had 20 years to get well adjusted to watching TV sport at odd hours – trust me if I can get through a 3.00am game were the Socceroos are in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia under Pim Vebeek trying to grind out a 0-0 last nights marathon is very easy to handle
At least I now dont have to watch Channel Seven for the rest of the year – the ad’s are cringeworthy for their upcoming shows
January 30th 2012 @ 10:07am
sheek said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:07am | Report comment
Good Morning David!
Sometimes you are witness to something in sport that transcends sport. It becomes one of the hall marks of your life that you will reflect back upon time & again.
Like Australia II crossing the finishing line to win the 7th & final race of the America’s Cup in 1983; like the Socceroos beating Uruguay on penalty goals in 2005 to advance to FIFA world cup 2006; like the Wallabies winning the rugby world cup in 1991 with the sublime David Campese showing the way; like Ricky Stuart intercepting at the death & passing to skipper Meninga to score the winning try for the Kangaroos in 1990 to level the series; like Makybe Diva winning her 3rd Melbourne Cup in 2005; & others, much, much more.
Now add to that list Djokovich beating Nadal in a marathon Australian Open men’s final of intense physical quality & mental courage. Even better, & something important to us old guys, they are two exceptional human beings who were incredibly gracious to each other & everyone else concerned.
It’s a shame the official speakers had forgotten how long these guys had played for, & how exhausted they were, as they sought their own 10 minutes or so of fame!
This is why we love our sport. To see the best push each other beyond the boundaries of reasonable effort, & produce a game of exceptional quality. If only some of our brattish rugby union players were imbibed with the same spirit as Djokovic & Nadal!!!
I watched the game until 2am with my daughter, so it was a special opportunity for us to bond watching something extraordinary unfold together.
January 30th 2012 @ 10:18am
Matt F said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
Yeah it wasn’t a good look having the sponsors go on and on about how great they are whilst the players were hanging onto the net in order to stand up. Thankfully someone twigged and gave them some chairs and water.
It was the best match that I’ve ever seen. I didn’t see the Isner/Mahut at Wimbledon a few years ago match that went to 70-68 in the 5th, which obviously took endurance to new levels, but I’d imagine that this match was probably better quality due to the calibre of the two players on the court.
January 30th 2012 @ 10:25am
clipper said | January 30th 2012 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Gripping stuff. You’ve got to hand it to Nadal, he doesn’t falter when he gets break points against him. Djokovic was only able to get a few of the break points he had. This is what happens with Federer – he usually has quite a few break points against Nadal, but the conversion rate is poor and it seems to get to Federer mentally, unlike Djokovic who gets to Nadal. They’re pushing each other to even higher levels, and hopefully Murray will join them soon.
Bondy, I think you’re being a bit unfair re the TV times – this was a rare occasion, and the match went for close to 6 hours – usually it’s over by 3 hours, which is 10.30, when most people are still up.
Australian Rules, I have to agree with you on the equal prize money. It just seems crazy to still stick to best of three for the women, although five sets of Azarenka screeching may test the tolerance of most people.
January 30th 2012 @ 1:49pm
Bondy said | January 30th 2012 @ 1:49pm | Report comment
Clipper.
Fair play but I did my level best to try to stay awake through it ( and not through boredom ) I made it just to around the end of the fourth set and hit the wall and rewoke at 5.30 am.
My point should also have been did anybody in their right mind think this match was going to last three sets to either player, experienced campaigners under pressure , and what about the kids they couldn’t possibly have seen that to its conclusion .
Our kids our our future after all, not T.V. stations going gung ho for ratings .
January 30th 2012 @ 2:38pm
clipper said | January 30th 2012 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
Bondy, most kids will take any opportunity to stay up late, the big downside was that there was the new school term starting the next day. Red Bull or V should think of sponsoring the next one.
On another note, it was a bad day for the lines people, although a very difficult task. I wonder how long it will be before the Hawkeye technology becomes instantaneous, so that play instantly stops if a ball is out. Djokovic especially seemed to be on the receiving end of quite a few balls that were called out, that were in, and then the point had to be played again.
January 30th 2012 @ 1:10pm
Brett McKay said | January 30th 2012 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
Lordy, JamesB at the very top has echoed my first thoughts – my kudos to you for being one of 2.4M people to see this marathon out, but I doubt many of them then filed a column afterwards. I’m not expecting a reply, you deserve a long sleep in!!
January 30th 2012 @ 6:18pm
Johnno said | January 30th 2012 @ 6:18pm | Report comment
This was even better than the cashy-Wilander final in 88 at flinders park.
January 30th 2012 @ 9:24pm
stabpass said | January 30th 2012 @ 9:24pm | Report comment
Great game, absolute epic, and Nadals words afterwards were just great, great sportsman.
February 1st 2012 @ 9:03am
Milka Cupac said | February 1st 2012 @ 9:03am | Report comment
I am a long time Tennis fan ever since my son started playing at the age of 8 and he is now 30 and my all time favorite player is Bjorn Borg.
I have loved others and followed them on such as Becker, Edberg, Wilender, and one of the most memeroable matches I watched was the Wimbeldon Final between Pat Cash and Ivan Lendal where Cash was the Victor.
Now I find my self loving every minute of Djokovic and also being Serbian is a bonus as well because Serbia has been shown as a Babaric country by the media and Djokovic is representing all Serbs as we are and that is a sport loving Nation and loving people and accepting of all nationalaties unlike many other countries.
We are passionate and loud and make no apolagies for loving our sport but we all believe that Djokovic is not being represented and shown in this light by the media and many former players just because he is Serbian and this we all feel in many comments made by
Commentators and all we want is for everyone to acknowledge that Djokovic is a great player and regardless of Nationality should be treated as one of the greats of mordern Tennis and all we see is the only fair former player that is of Djokovic is Jim Courier and
more people should take lead from Courier because he has moved on from player to comentator very well where others are unprofessional in reporting thye same way they were are player like Hewitt he has not had a good word about Djokovic ever.