Australian
Open 2017 Men’s Singles Final| Preview and Predictions
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will roll back the years at
Rod Laver Arena when these two icons face each other in the Australian OpenMen’s Singles Final for the second time. The Rod Laver Arena will buzz around
when these icons take up the court and play in the first final since Roland
Garros 2011.This will be the 35th meeting between the Rafael Nadal
and Roger Federer where Nadal leads Federer 23-11.Nadal also have an edge over
Federer in the 11 Grand Slam matches where he leads Federer 9-2.But like many
people statistics are just number. Whoever plays the best on the given will add
one more Grand Slam title in their cabinet.
The path of both Federer and Nadal in this year’s Australian
Open was difficult. Roger Federer came to the Australian Open seeded 17 and
after missing most of the 2016 due to knee surgery ,he was not considered as
favourite to reach the second week. He was given the tough draw where he was
drawn with Tomas Berdych, World No 5 Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka in the
Semis. But he rolled back the years ,with his majestic ground strokes and quick serves he defeated the tricky
opponents like Jurgen Melzer, Noah Rubin and dispatched Tomas Berdych in the
third round .He then held his nerve in a five set thriller against Kei
Nishikori and then overcame a slight hiccup in defeating compatriot Stan
Wawrinka in five sets after winning two set to love.
Just like Federer, Nadal also missed towards the end of 2016
due to wrist injury and also had tough year where he failed to reach the
Quarter Final of all four Grand Slams. With the disappointment of 2016 behind
him, he also suffered a defeat in three sets against World No 3 Milos Raonic at
Brisbane Open. Many tennis analyst also written him off as he got the tricky
draw and that almost came true when he was stretched to five sets against
German Alexander Zverev that lasted
almost 4 hours in the third round. He then overcame unpredictable Monfils in
fourth round before dispatching third seed Milos Raonic in straight sets where
he was close to his best. Like Federer ,Nadal also had a 5 sets thriller
against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in a match that lasted almost 5 hours. The match was of such
intensity where both the players didn’t give an inch and fought neck to neck.
Nadal not only dealt with powerful serves of Dimitrov but also powerful forehand and backhand winners.
About the final, Roger Federer might have an advantage of
extra day rest. But like in 2009 final ,it might not be an issue for Nadal.
Federer will need to serve well and will have to make sure that not engage in
long rallies. Nadal has always troubled Federer with his topspin into Federer Backhand in earlier matches and
will be aiming for that again.
Predictions-Rafael Nadal to win his 15th Grand
Slam in 4 sets .But we expect a day of
mesmerizing tennis between the two tennis greats
No comments:
Post a Comment