In the best match these two all time greats have played at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-1. Roger Federer played the best he has ever played against Nadal at Paris, but Nadal proved again why he is the King Of Clay. This is Nadal's 10 major title and increases his head to head against Federer to 17-8. After the jump, we'll look at the match, set by set
Set 1- Federer started the match about as well as he could have, holding serve easily and breaking Nadal. His serve, which was so crucial to his win against Djokovic in the semis, held up for his first 4 service games. He had taken a 5-2 lead and had set point on Nadal's serve, but missed a drop shot by a millimeter. After that, Nadal came storming back and Federer stumbled, losing 5 games in a row to lose the set 7-5. During the 5-3 game, Federer had 30-30 but couldn't win those last two points. Nadal's play was very sub-par for him the first few games, but he picked it up when he had to, and fortunately for him, Federer's play dipped as his was increasing.
Set 2- The second set was a back and forth affair, and it started with Nadal breaking Federer in his first service game. It looked at this point that this match would be like so many of their encounters here, with Federer starting strong and then dropping off. However, aided by rain and determination, Federer came back in the set and eventually forced it into a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker went decidedly to Nadal, however, with Federer making costly unforced errors and Nadal playing his usually rock-solid game. Federer only won two points in the tiebreaker.
Set 3- This set looked to be a mere formality for Nadal. It started that way, with the Spaniard running out to a 4-2 lead. However, Federer dug deep and fought back, winning 3 games in a row and then, at 5-5, broke Nadal. He successfully served out the fourth set and it looked like he found his second wind.
Set 4- This set looked so promising for Federer, having 0-40 on Nadal's serve in the first game. However, it wasn't to be, as Nadal won 6 straight points to hold. A couple games later, Federer got broken, and from then on, it was clear he didn't have the comeback within him. Nadal ran away with it, winning 6-1 and clinching his 6th Roland Garros title.
Overall, Federer's backhand was much better than his previous efforts against Nadal, and it was one of the main reasons why this match was much closer. Nadal was at his best when he was stepping inside the baseline, taking balls early, and moving Federer around. When his level of play dipped, it was clear from the way his shots were landing shorter in the court and allowing Federer to create offense. Nadal's movement did seem a bit worse than in previous years, but he more than made up for it through is shot making. That was a major difference between the Nadal of 2005-2007 and the Nadal of today. His shot making, when he's on, is much better than back then, even if his movement is a bit less. It was a tremendous tournament for both men, with Federer showing that he is back (even if he never left) and he is still a force to be reckoned with on Wimbledon. His win over Djokovic was an instant classic, and it shows Federer's commitment to stay at the top of the game. Going forward, he again has to be one of the favorites at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. As for Nadal, this has to be satisfying for him, winning when not as his best.
The tennis world now turns to grass for a few weeks, and there is a lot of intrigue about whether or not Nadal can defend again on the lawns of the All-England Club. Our other writer will be back next week, and we will have posts up regarding the grass court warm-ups, but we look forward to writing about the Championships at Wimbledon in a couple weeks. Thank you for reading.
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