When you think of a Master Class in tennis, two names automatically pop up – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The two greats met for a 33rd time today with Rafa leading the Head2Head 22-10.

The first set went according to serve, with Federer deadly at the net.  Nadal took control and started to dictate the game by keeping Federer at the back of the court.  There were some outstanding serves, forehand, backhand, volleys and crosscourt shots on display by both players, which had the crowds sitting on the edge of their seats and then out of their seats!  During the tiebreak, Nadal got the break but Federer broke back.  Nadal hung on to his lead to take the set.

Nadal had to receive treatment for a blister on his hand in the second set, but as per usual, that did not stop him from playing like a machine.  He started turning the pressure on more and continued to keep Federer at bay, which became very frustrating for the former champion who complained to the chair umpire about Nadal’s grunting – very unlike Federer.  During his previous matches, Nadal had been warned about the time taken between serves, but that didn’t seem to bother him as he continued to push the envelope.  Nadal went on to win the set.

In the third set, there was a glimpse of hope for Federer and his fans when he managed to break the Nadal serve, but it was too late as the No. 1 player broke back and produced some of the most unbelievable shots in tennis which leaves one wondering how on earth he manages to get to the ball.  The final score was 76 63 63.

Unlike Federer, Nadal does not play a graceful game of tennis, but he certainly gets the results that he wants.

He will now meet Stanislas Wawrinka in Sunday’s final.

Image courtesy of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.