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Federer stands in Nadal's way in final
Source: Agencies |
November 29, 2010, Monday
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RAFAEL Nadal and Roger Federer set the stage for a grand finale to the men's season on Saturday when they demonstrated just what separates them from the bunch to seal a dream final at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
World No. 1 Nadal delved deep into his seemingly inexhaustible reserves of willpower to fight off an inspired Andy Murray in a three-hour duel before Federer obliterated Novak Djokovic with a dazzling display of artistry.
Nadal described his 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (6) victory over Murray as one of his "best matches ever" while Djokovic could only stand and admire Federer's shot-making in a 6-1, 6-4 masterclass at the O2 Arena.
Both men have reached the final undefeated and to add to the intrigue they will be facing each other in London for the first time since their unforgettable 2008 Wimbledon final when Nadal snatched Federer's crown.
There is also the small matter of the US$1.6 million jackpot up for grabs, although with 25 grand slam titles between them yesterday's final will transcend financial gain.
"Obviously I'm really looking forward to playing against Rafa tomorrow," Federer, who can emulate Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl by winning the year-end title for a fifth time, told reporters. "Who wouldn't? I'm no different."
Federer conjured 31 winners in a one-sided 80-minute contest against Djokovoic, who beat him at this year's US Open. "Every ball kind of listens to him," was Djokovic's eloquent description of 16-time grand slam champion Federer's sublime performance. "He's maybe playing the best tennis in 2010."
While Federer's display provided the gloss on a blockbuster day, the real drama was earlier as Nadal and Murray contested one of the most memorable matches of 2010.
A ferocious duel ebbed and flowed to keep a 17,500 sellout crowd on the edge of their seats from the first shot to the last, both of which were ended by brutal Nadal forehands.
World No. 1 Nadal delved deep into his seemingly inexhaustible reserves of willpower to fight off an inspired Andy Murray in a three-hour duel before Federer obliterated Novak Djokovic with a dazzling display of artistry.
Nadal described his 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (6) victory over Murray as one of his "best matches ever" while Djokovic could only stand and admire Federer's shot-making in a 6-1, 6-4 masterclass at the O2 Arena.
Both men have reached the final undefeated and to add to the intrigue they will be facing each other in London for the first time since their unforgettable 2008 Wimbledon final when Nadal snatched Federer's crown.
There is also the small matter of the US$1.6 million jackpot up for grabs, although with 25 grand slam titles between them yesterday's final will transcend financial gain.
"Obviously I'm really looking forward to playing against Rafa tomorrow," Federer, who can emulate Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl by winning the year-end title for a fifth time, told reporters. "Who wouldn't? I'm no different."
Federer conjured 31 winners in a one-sided 80-minute contest against Djokovoic, who beat him at this year's US Open. "Every ball kind of listens to him," was Djokovic's eloquent description of 16-time grand slam champion Federer's sublime performance. "He's maybe playing the best tennis in 2010."
While Federer's display provided the gloss on a blockbuster day, the real drama was earlier as Nadal and Murray contested one of the most memorable matches of 2010.
A ferocious duel ebbed and flowed to keep a 17,500 sellout crowd on the edge of their seats from the first shot to the last, both of which were ended by brutal Nadal forehands.
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