When Roger Federer cried...

"The stage is set .I hope we can live up to them (expectations) like we did in Wimbledon. " This is what Roger Federer had to say before the match that the whole world was waiting for! Expectations were high and how! He was gunning for his 14th Grand Slam title and then there was the epic semi final that set the bar really high.

Though Federer leveled the match at two sets all, he was not exactly in his best form. The guy did not serve well, struggled with his backhand and made too many errors! Nadal seemed to have endured the strain of the semi final and succeeded in breaking the calm of the otherwise unruffled Federer. It was as if the man on the mission resigned in the final set and just let the match slip away from his hands! I was ecstatic when Nadal scored his championship point. Wish the match had the same result but was a little more gripping towards the end!

But the drama that unfolded during the presentation is something I can't forget. I have seen Federer displaying his emotions after an emphatic win. But today, he cried like he had lost something really dear to him. I can only guess that he wanted to equal Sampras's really badly and was also probably mortified for not trying too hard!

Nadal once again proved that he is unstoppable. He even apologized to Federer for taking it away from him and reminded him that he is a great champion. Spoken like a true champion . I hope that the Federer-Nadal rivalry retains some juice in it because they seem to bring out the best in each other!

What a match!!

Five hours and fourteen minutes. That's how long it took Nadal to defeat his fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the Australian Open Semi Final. Five sets of uninterrupted entertainment. It was one match that had my loyalties swaying by the set. At the end of the first set that Fernando won, all I wanted was for Nadal to win the match and take on Federer in the finals. But as the match progressed, I could not but help admire the strapping Fernando who saved break points, hit winners across the court and gave that wonderful resigned smile each time his challenge went against his favor by a minuscule margin.

The match that stood at 6-7,6-4,7-6,6-7 at the end of the fourth set still had so much to offer. Though both the lefties were tired and sweat drenched by then, they continued their attempt at securing a berth at the finals with equal gusto. Verdasco was putting enough pressure on Nadal and it was obvious on his face as he scrambled all over chasing the ball and matching his opponent with his best. Ultimately, when Nadal who got the better of his opponent in the nail biting encounter,I did heave a sigh of relief. Nadal, who did not get it all easily, threw himself on the ground to celebrate the end of one of the best matches ever!

I can't wait for the final showdown on Sunday. The World no.1 and 2 come face to face again. All I can pray for is a repeat of their previous Grand slam encounter ;). FedEx must have gotten enough rest and also watched the match today.Am just hoping that a day is sufficient for Nadal to recover and pull out all stops to get the title. Before I forget, Verdasco has a big fan in me now. Hope he continues his form. Once again, whatta match it was today!!!

p.s. It seems like the day of records. Can't tell you how delighted I am that SA have finally managed to dethrone the Aussies as the no.1 ODI team. It is more of contentment over the fact that the Aussie reign has ended than being genuinely happy for the Proteas. ;)