Rafael Nadal‘s 2009 season was a memorable one for the Spaniard. It commenced with a quarter-finals loss to Gael Monfils in the 250 series Qatar Open. He proceeded to the Australian Open, where he earned the no.1 seed after dethroning Roger Federer the previous year. Novak Djokovic was the reigning Australian Open champion, having defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008.
The robust Spaniard secured victory in his first five matches without conceding a set. His semifinal win against compatriot Fernando Verdasco currently holds the record for the fifth longest Australian Open match at 5 hours and 14 minutes. This triumph paved the way for a championship showdown with 28-year-old Swiss star Roger Federer.
This was their first meeting ever in a hard court grand slam tournament and their 19th overall. The match carried a patriotic angle, as no Spaniard had ever claimed an Australian Open title. Thus, Nadal embarked on an epic journey to upset three-time Australian Open champion Federer in a memorable match.
Rafael Nadal looks back at marathon 2009 Australian Open win
Spending over five hours on the court during the semifinals left Rafael Nadal physically drained. Nonetheless, the Spaniard persevered, battling fiercely against a determined Federer.
Reminiscing on the match, Nadal still recalls the strain of enduring more than 9 hours of competitive tennis in the tournament’s final stages. “Ahead of the final, I was exhausted, low on energy, and had flat reactions. Toni [Nadal] provided crucial insights, and I needed to start strong, which I did. Despite fatigue, I somehow won the match, feeling overwhelmed for several days,” Rafael Nadal recounted.
The title win was monumental for the then 22-year-old Nadal as he became only the fourth tennis player – after Jimmy Connors, Mats Wilander and Andre Agassi – to win grand slam titles on three different surfaces. This win also made Nadal the first male tennis player to hold three Grand Slam singles titles on three different surfaces at the same time.
In an interview with Eurosport, the 21-time Grand Slam champion regarded 2009 as a very special year for him because of his first victory in Australia. “2009 was my most special year because that was when I won the first title [at the Australian Open]. It was a very emotional match as playing against [Roger] Federer is always special,” Nadal said. “What happened during the ceremony was a moment to remember.”
Who won the title of 2009 Australian Open?
The first two sets were fought evenly, with the deciding factor being who broke whom. Nadal broke Federer in the first set at 6-5 to clinch it and Federer returned the favour in the second at 5-3.
The third set was decided on a cliffhanger tiebreak where Federer double faulted on set point to hand Nadal the advantage. The Swiss Maestro didn’t flutter though as he saved five break points at 2-2 before forcing a decider fifth set.
The fifth and deciding set showcased Nadal’s mental fortitude as he wore down a tired Federer. At 2-1, Nadal broke Federer to gain the upper hand and never looked back. He went to seal the title despite squandering two championship points. In the final point, Federer pushed Nadal to his limits, but Nadal responded with deft returns. Finally, Federer slammed a forehand long and in typical Nadal fashion, he dropped to the floor in celebration and relief. The celebration has taken on a legendary status, with many players emulating Nadal’s style.
Speaking after the match, Rafael Nadal was in awe of Federer. “You are a great champion. Congratulations on your career and it is always a pleasure playing you.” He thanked his coach Toni Nadal, who has had a big influence on his life, and appreciated the two-week journey of the 2009 Australian Open.
A disheartened Federer was moved to tears, and the match marked the commencement of the journey for the two tennis superstars, who would later achieve greater titles in their careers.
Nadal has had a quit 2023 season, with injuries forcing him off the court. Federer has praised the Spaniard, despite his struggles and was optimstic of his return to the game. The pair have developed a close friendship over the years, having played together in the Laver Cup.
Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic have had some memorable battles over the years. The ‘Big 3’ have dominated the game for many years. What do you think of Nadal’s win over Federer? Who is the GOAT of tennis in your opinion? Let us know in the comments section below.
