I couldn't take it anymore, so when it was 4-4 in 5th and Nadal down 15-30 against Verdasco, I thought of worst and cut the Live score window. Even though I was not watching it live I could feel it just the way score lines moved. I thought it would be repeat of last year’s result for Nadal, but in the end he overcame a defiant Verdasco in 5.
Once I reached home, I started with the highlights. What a match, the ball swings, baseline placements, rallies, winners and the awesome effort. I could just say 'WOW'. Then I watched the repeat telecast from the 3rd. It was still awesome, the only difference being that I knew the outcome this time. It was one of the best matches I have ever seen in any sports. And after the match I saw an exhausted Nadal falling on the court (before crossing the net and hugging Verdasco), just as he did after last year's Wimbledon final. The full house crowd rose and gave them standing ovation for their extra ordinary effort. The match deserved a mention amongst the best (not just the longest) matches in history of Grand slams. Pity, it was not a final.
Speaking of final, now Nadal reached the final after grueling 5-1/4 hours marathon to meet Federer, with whom he produced arguably the best grand slam match ever in last Wimbledon, and if I may say, also the worst one (one-sided) at last year's French open where Nadal just allowed Federer to take 4 games.
But now what? Will Nadal win the final? Even though I want him to, chances of him winning against Federer are remote. He may stretch it to 4-5 sets but after such an heroic effort today, winning the final is a remote possibility. Everything is against Nadal in the final, a better rested Federer, an exhausted Nadal and hard court record (3-2). Still deep inside I want Nadal to prevail and win against Federer to win his first hard court grand slam.
What I want – Nadal in 5
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