It's quite easy to like the World No. 1 tennis player, Rafael Nadal. Apart from being the most outstanding tennis player of his generation, the Spaniard also retains his humble and down-to-earth personality. When asked by interviewer, Jim Courier, after the match on how he feels to be in the same league as Pete Sampras should he win his 14th grand slam on Sunday, Nadal was quick to praise Stan Wawrinka whom he will face in the final, complimenting the Swiss by saying, "He will be a very tough opponent." Nadal also played down the effect of his blistered hand which makes his win over Roger Federer more amazing. Such a nice guy.
The truth is Rafael Nadal is odd on to win Sunday's final and despite Wawrinka's stunning win over Djokovic in the quarter-final, I do feel that beating both the World No. 1 & No. 2 in the same tournament will be too much to ask from for the No.8 seed, Swiss. Plus, judging from the way Nadal played against Federer in the semis, it is pretty evident that he is back to his very best and it will be very difficult for any player to beat him.
There will be plenty of incentives awaiting Rafa in the final. If he beats Stan Wawrinka, he is not only equalling Sampras's 14 grand slam win, he will also become the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice in the Open era. Plus, he will also get closer to Federer's record of 17 grand slam titles.
Knowing Nadal, he will be focussed on Sunday's game. I don't think he will underestimate Wawrinka and play to the very best he can. My only wish is that the Swiss will not be overwhelmed by the occassion and give Nadal a run for his money. I'm looking forward to a great tennis match between the two.
Result for today's semi-final: Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3
Pic credit: www.thetennisspace.com
- Brader Sports
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[…] No. 1 dunia dan pemenang grand slam tenis sebanyak 13 kali, Rafael Nadal mara ke perlawanan akhir Terbuka Australia 2014 setelah menundukkan seteru lamanya, Roger Federer di pusingan separuh akhir […]