Rafael Nadal will meet Roger Federer in the final of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday.
Date: January 29, 2017
Match time: 7.30 PM local time (Melbourne) / 3.30 AM EST – New York, Montreal / 8.30 AM GMT – United Kingdom / 9.30 AM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy. To convert to your local time, use this website.
Rafa on playing Roger:
Is special play with Roger again in a final of a Grand Slam. I cannot lie. Is great. Is exciting for me and for both of us that we still there and we still fighting for important events. So that’s important for us, I think. That’s very special.
(The rivalry with Roger) was amazing for me, for me and I think for tennis, too. Is the combination of two different styles that makes the matches really special. Both of us, I think, having a lot of good success with these two different styles. I feel that this rivalry go not only in the tennis world. People from outside of our world talk about this, and that’s good for our sport. Is good that we are back there.
- Rafa is bidding to win his 2nd Australian Open title and become the first man in the Open Era – and only the 3rd man in history – to win each of the 4 Grand Slam titles twice. Roy Emerson and Rod Laver are the only players to have won each Grand Slam on two or more occasions.
- Rafa is projected to rise to No. 6 when the new ATP Rankings are released on Monday 30 January. If our champ wins the title, he will rise to No. 4.
- Rafa is looking to win his 15th Grand Slam title and close the gap on Federer in the list of all-time Grand Slam title holders. He is currently joint-2nd with Pete Sampras on the list behind Federer (17).
- Rafa is aiming to win his first hard court tournament in over 3 years. He has not won a hard court tournament since defeating Monfils to win the title at 2014 Doha. His total of 16 hard court titles is the 4th highest among active players (behind Federer, Djokovic and Murray). (Source: ITF)
Fedal will meet for the first time in a Grand Slam final since the 2011 French Open, and for the first time in a hard-court Grand Slam final since the 2009 Australian Open.
Rafa leads the overall head to head 23-11 and has won nine of the pair’s 11 grand slam matches. Here are all the matches Rafa and Roger have played against each other:
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
I’m surprised that Rafa’s mum and sister haven’t made an appearance , unless I just haven’t spotted them. COME ON RAFA x
For those of you who have small children or grandchildren (on a well known site) I have just come across a hardback book for children 7+ . It looks lovely and it’s due to be released on the 11th April. The book is called Rafa Nadal: What Really Matters Is Being Happy Along The Way, Not Waiting Until You Reach The Finish Line.It starts with Once upon a time, there was a little boy who loved tennis and soccer.It looks a gorgeous little book , I have pe-ordered it , for a relation but who knows I might end up keeping it myself .
Sounds like a good read. That’s what I was saying the other day about Rafa; the sheer joy of being able to compete, the love of the game, the actual process that goes on before the victory, the journey if you will, the “batailles extraordinaires.”
RAFA ROCKS
Best wishes, Rafa. I know Roger will throw everything he’s got at you from his wonderful arsenal. I remember in his interview with Jim Courier, he told him as much plus he doesn’t care if he can’t walk for 6 months after the match or something like that. He said he is going to leave everything he’s got out there and I know you will as well. Magic!
I know how much this final means to both of you. I look forward to this epic battle between 2 living legends. The contrast of styles, jockeying for court position, attacking and re-directing the ball and all the other weapons you both possess will be so much fun to watch.
Again, I look so forward to watching you compete on this very special day! Vamos!
I already set my alarm for 3:00 am.
John McEnroe summed up the men’s and womens final as back to the future , you’re right John and long may it continue .
Vamos Rafa esre el mejor se que ganaras tu 15 GS, Vamos Vamos Rafa
Your win is important rafa to spread the values you imbibe in life ,go get it
All the best champ. I know you are going to do it. You have the heart of a champion and will show the world once again why everyone calls the greatest fighter of the game . Go n bite the trophy
Rafa had to convince Carlos to join the team. I don’t doubt that Rafa reviewed with Carlos all the things he was doing to stay healthy and fit. Nutritional considerations had to be in that equation.
I expect Rafa to bite his 15th-slam winner’s trophy. Having said that, I don’t want to read that Rafa won because Roger played while injured, or that Roger won because Rafa was tired. These are two mature multi-grand-slam champions who know what is at stake. Rafa said the best player will win.
Bring it home, Rafa.
RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS
A truly unbelievable match against Dimitrov. You looked amazingly fresh in the last game, you both did! Some of the finest tennis I have ever seen. I know you will recover for the final, which should also be a great match which you deserve to win.
All the best of luck, you already have the best of skills!
Rafa needs to come out swinging, forehand and backhand blazing, and hammer Federer into submission.
Vamov Rafa… get it done! And no drama this time okay- you almost gave someone a heart attack yesterday!
Good luck and Vamos Rafa! You can do it, go for #15.
I think this final is a gift from the tennis gods, and I am ecstatic that a Fedal match will take place tomorrow. What more could a Rafa fan hope for.
My heart and soul are set on Rafa walking away with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS RAFA ROCKS
Rafa congratulations !!!! Win or lose in the final you will ALWAYS be a winner to me. You have such a beautiful spirit and are a wonderful example of how to behave as a sportsperson and also as a humanbeing. You are real and humble and make every moment count. You have so much courage and are not afraid to show us all what’s in your heart. I felt elated for you when I watched you win your semi final against Dimitrov, who was a very worthy opponent.
I love you Rafa along with your trillion other fans. Wishing you so much luck in the final xox
15th major? Rafantastic. To join Emerson and Laver as the only players who have won each major at least twice? Amazing.
Just Magnificent is the only word i have to say about Rafa last night
Jason ,my mistake I can see why your friend was banned only that person was actually you and you have come back under the name Jason. You really do have a problem if you need to go to that much trouble. Fan of Rafa hmm.. I’m sure he’d be a real fan of your colourful language NOT.
I just love John McEnroe’s commentary, and surprised he said that Rafa and Roger were the greatest players of all time and didn’t mention Novak. Oh dear John that’s you crossed off Novak’s list for next super coach.
Sounds like a game plan to me.
Dimitrov could not match Rafa’s ability to turn defense into offense; few can. Dimitrov’s one-handed backhand was particularly exposed by Nadal’s attacks and counted for a majority of his forced and unforced errors. [nytimes.com]
RAFA ROCKS
Can’t wait 😍🍀🤗💖😘😃🏆
VAMOS!! 🎾💪🏼
YEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 : ) 🙂 🙂 Congratulations on your beautiful match and powerful victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 ci…..ci…..ci…..ci…..ci…..ci….& ci….: ) AND……..WITH SO MANY ACES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) ; ) : ) : ) Sharp and striking speedy ACES!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) GREAT MATCH !!!!!!! : ) VAMOS & ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VERY excited for you!!!!!!! : ) Lets be clear that throughout the match YOU were the better, and the stronger player!!!!! : ) When you look back at the match you will see how most of his wins came as result of your handing and setting up the ball for him…… where as your wins came about due to YOUR SETTING YOUR OWN WINS and mixing YOUR BEAUTIFUL SERVE GAMES!!!!!!!!!! : ) It was so great when you had to, you DELIVERED CLASSY NADAL WINS FULL OF PASSION AND DETERMINATION!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Both in holding serve and striking RETURNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) : ) : ) Very happy for you!!!! : ci…ci. SENIOR!!!!!!! : ) Besides, I think D is not as HALF AS GOOD AS Sascha ZVEREV!!!!!! : ) Your match with Sascha was so exciting, back and forth between two great talented players!!!!!!!! : ) D needed to loose as has an attitude of a swollen turkey with not much substance. Hopefully, over time he will stop bragging about his own ability and give respect to other powerful opponents. His coach constantly used his watch to give him singles….but when the camera caught him, he pretended he was looking to see how long you take to serve…..it is all on tape clearly to view on the REPLAY. But back to important point sweetheart, YOU PLAYED WITH ALL YOU HAVE & PUT YOUR HEART ON THE LINE!!!!!!!! : ) SO happy for you that you KNEW you could pull off a WIN!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) & that was indeed a feisty victory…….AND the crowd adores you so much!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) They were behind you and it was unbelievable to see them cheer and stand up and wishing for you to walk away with the win in hand. They wanted a 4th and 5th set but they were behind you all the way!!!!!!!! : ) This is a sweet victory dear Rafa and much deserved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) CONGRATULATIONS & VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) I loved how you were playing with energy and purpose and despite everything that was going on you came back, you came back strong and YOU PREVAILED HEROICALLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Many times I could sense how your SEASONED EXPERIENCE & POWERFUL TENNIS was by far stronger, more skillful and all along you were CLEAR about seeing this match through with a victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 !!!! : ) VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) So exciting to see you all the way to the AO FINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) A point at a time…..a match at a time……this is a magnificent dream joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) :: ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Play your fantastic game and keep going with your feisty, determined passion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) You have what it takes to make it a great powerful match for you!!!!!!!!!!! : ) !!!!!!!! : ) Have a beautiful evening sweetheart celebrating and rejoicing with your family and THE TEAM and take a moment to give yourself a huge, massive hug for all your brilliant Tennis and bright efforts!!!!!! : ) KUDOS SWEETHEART & lots of love & happiness!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Swiss indoors is not a Grand Slam.
Who said it was?
Rafa, enjoy yourself on court. I hope you will have recovered from your five-setter.
I never lost faith in you and I have been rewarded with your beautiful display of what a champion looks like.
Good luck in your final.
Swiss indoors?
First time ever on a Friday night that I would be wishing Sunday to come round quick . The atmosphere in that stadium when Rafa and Roger enters will be electric . The Australian crowd are brilliant in supporting the players ,very special indeed. Shirley I hope you are enjoying every moment of this tournament . Have just watched the hilights ,even more special the second time around especially when you know the outcome. . The game could have gone either way ,but when push comes to shove Rafa just edges ahead.I just loved the interaction at the net between Rafa and Grigor when the match finished it was genuinely heartwarming.Grigor you will one to watch from now on , your 25 now (Rafa had 6 GS at this age) time to step . Rafa I know you had a grueling match of nearly 5 hours today, and last year I did wonder if you would ever be in this position again ( shame on me ) but I truly believe you can win this😀 Good luck
Another Nadal fan who knows a lot, except anything about Nadal’s career. Rafa turned 25 in June 2011. He had won 10 majors by then. RG 05, 06, 07, 08, 10, 11. AO 09. Wimbld 08, 10. US 10. Yeah, Jason is a bastard. Except that he is a real Nadal fans who knows his sh#t and therefore is able to do some analysing that goes beyond “rafa rocks”.