The last day of the Australian Open not only fell on Australia Day but also produced fireworks on and off the court during the Men’s Singles Final match between Rafael Nadal (1) and Stanislas Wawrinka (8).
In the first set, Wawrinka battled to get his first serve in whereas Nadal was easily winning his service game. Wawrinka however managed to put pressure on the Spaniard forcing him to make mistakes. Wawrinka’s persistence got him the break of serve and he was able to hold onto his service games to take the first set.
Enter the second set and with it the drama. Nadal pulled up after a shot holding his back. At 2-1 during the changeover, he called for the trainer and promptly left the court. Wawrinka was upset with the chair umpire, Carlos Ramos as he had not confirmed why Nadal had left the court and refused to take it up further – back injuries are usually treated on court. When Nadal returned it was to the sound of boos and whistles from the crowd. Wawrinka was charged up enough and breezed through the remainder of the set. Nadal was visibly upset by the injury and the crowd’s reaction.
By the third set the medication had kicked in and Nadal was playing better tennis. Wawrinka seemed to have lost focus and confidence and Nadal had now changed his tactic. Nadal continued to apply the pressure and Stan seemed to be undoing himself. Despite still clearly suffering, Nadal took the third set.
Wawrinka served first in the fourth set and signs of his first set form were returning. Nadal’s game was almost back to normal which suited the Swiss player more. Wawrinka broke Nadal’s serve but Nadal managed to break right back. Wawrinka managed to hold his nerve, broke Nadal again before serving out the match to the delight of the packed Rod Laver Arena.
The final score was 63 62 36 63.
Number 3 must’ve been a lucky number for both this year’s champions. It was third time lucky for Li Na who also moved up to No. 3. It was lucky number thirteen for Wawrinka who had played Nadal 12 times before today and had never won a match. He also moves up to No. 3.
Image courtesy of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.