Rafael Nadal was defeated by Roger Federer 4-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, 3-6 to be the runner up at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
As always Rafa was humble and gracious in defeat, with sincere words for his opponent, and thankful towards his supporters:
Good evening everybody. Congrats to Roger and his team. It’s amazing how well he’s playing after being away for so long. For sure, you have been working a lot to make that happen. I am very happy for you.
It was a good month for me, no?
Today was a great match, Roger deserved it a bit more. I am going to keep fighting throughout the whole season… to have a great season and come back here for so many years. (via Australian Open)
ALWAYS WITH RAFA!
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks onto the court ahead of the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Xisca Perello, the girlfriend of Spain’s Rafael Nadal, waits for the start of the men’s final against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Rafael Nadal of Spain walks onto the court ahead of the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain walks onto the court ahead of the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland at the coin toss ahead of their Men’s Final match on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland pose for a photo at the net ahead of their Men’s Final match on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal prepares to serve against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during their men’s singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / PAUL CROCK
Perspiration from Spain’s Rafael Nadal is seen during his men’s singles final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / PAUL CROCK
Perspiration from Spain’s Rafael Nadal is seen during his men’s singles final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / PAUL CROCK
Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men’s singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Switzerland’s Roger Federer during the men’s singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / GREG WOOD
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his Men’s singles final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Sweat drips off the nose of Rafael Nadal of Spain in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their Men’s Singles final match at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MADE NAGI
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Xisca Perello watches the Men’s Final match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal covers himself with a towel during his Men’s singles final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal ties his headband during a break in his men’s singles final against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal takes a drink during a break in his men’s singles final against Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his Men’s singles final match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Spain’s Rafael Nadal yells while playing Switzerland’s Roger Federer during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Rafael Nadal of Spain changes t-shirts between games in his Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after the Men’s Singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MARK R. CRISTINO
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Switzerland’s Roger Federer shakes hands after winning his Men’s singles final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal. REUTERS/David Gray
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Switzerland’s Roger Federer embraces after winning his Men’s singles final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland (facing) embraces runner-up Rafael Nadal of Spain following the men’s singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2017. / AFP / SAEED KHAN
Switzerland’s Roger Federer, right, is congratulated by Spain’s Rafael Nadal after Federer won the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – 29/1/17 Spain’s Rafael Nadal receives his runner up trophy from former Australian tennis player Rod Laver after losing to Switzerland’s Roger Federer in their Men’s singles final match. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain accepts the runners up plate from Rod Laver after the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain is congratulated by Rod Laver after the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal holds up runner-up trophy after losing to Switzerland’s Roger Federer in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the crowd afterthe Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain accepts the runners up plate after the Men’s Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks after losing to Switzerland’s Roger Federer in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Rod Laver watches on as Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks to the crowd after losing the men’s singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Crotone (Italy), 29/01/2017.- Crotone’s Barberis Andrea (L) and Empoli’s Croce Daniele (R) in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match FC Crotone vs Empoli FC at Ezio Scida stadium in Crotone, Italy, 29 January 2017. (Italia) EFE/EPA/ALBANO ANGILLETTA NAG114. Melbourne (Australia), 29/01/2017.- Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after the Men’s Singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MARK R. CRISTINO NAG114. Melbourne (Australia), 29/01/2017.- Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after the Men’s Singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MARK R. CRISTINO NAG114. Melbourne (Australia), 29/01/2017.- Roger Federer (R) of Switzerland celebrates after winning the Men’s Singles final match against Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MADE NAGI NAG114. Melbourne (Australia), 29/01/2017.- Roger Federer(R) of Switzerland celebrates with the trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final match against Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 January 2017. (España, Abierto, Tenis, Suiza) EFE/EPA/MADE NAGI
Rafael Nadal of Spain congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland on winning their Men’s Final as Roger Federer holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup match on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images AsiaPac)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain, Rod Laver and Roger Federer of Switzerland pose pose after the Men’s Final match against on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Roger Federer of Switzerland and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose after the Men’s Final match on day 14 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Jan. 28, 2017 – Source: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images AsiaPac)
All the best my champ rafaaaaa…
you no? Your win 15th grand slam title
and 10th French open title in 2017…..
all the best my champ………
Rafa in the Fifth set, the Federer crowd stood up,
so the sitting crowd including me couldn’t see, and I didn’t realise or see that Federer was down 3-1 and went for medical time out,but I agree with who said imagine if it had been the other way round and Rafa did that.
Rafa did his absolute best particularly after the 5 set vigourous game with Gregor, and only one day between that and final and Fed had two days, which makes a big difference.
I really feel that Federer is reverred at the Australian Open, and such a fuss is always made of him, yes he is a good player but pretty sooky when he loses as I saw him one AO when Rafa won and Fed cried, and Rafa spent his time comfortting him.
oh well different horses,
Love and Prayers,Rafa,
AlainXXsydneyXXaustraliaXX
Rafa, in a recent interview you alluded to your confidence level as being linked to your ranking. It is the first month of the new season and already you have advanced three points to No. 6. I am giddy thinking about how much more you will have advanced in 3-to-4 months from now. Climb up and your confidence should follow. So glad you decided to take a breather after your fantastic AO showing. Get ready for Rotterdam. Good luck fighter.
RAFA ROCKS
Congratulations to Roger Federer… he truly deserved this AO- he simply wanted it more.
As for Rafa… a valiant effort. I believe that this moment for him would be like the defeat of Djokovic by Rafa in USO 2010, which spurred Djoker on to his unbelievable form.
Keep going Rafa. Always with you, and all the best for the rest of the season. Making me cry on a Sunday:)
I dont who you are referring to when you say someone has an obsession with the world no 2, margo, but whoever it is, they have an absolute right to speak, without you censoring them and telling them to get over themselves. Perhaps it is you who should really get over yourself. Who do you think you are? Donald trump?
Two of the greatest players ever in the tennis world and so great to see them in a final once again someone. Had to win and congratulations to Roger for winning his 18th Slam but as a Rafa fan I so wants him to win but wasn’t to be on this occasion did look a bit tired but he has played an amazing AO to get to the final and I truly believe he will win many more tournaments this year and. We have the FO to look forward to So well done Rafa and though you may be disappointed at not winning you did your fans proud and we all very grateful you still playing tennis and hope many years to come and the new generation do not seem to be able to do what you and Roger have acheived So good luck for your next match
Someone has an obsession with the World #2. Get over it.
Down 3-1 in set 5 and using medical time out.
Wow… I thought you’re better than that arrogant.
For once I agree with you DMTNA ! Can you imagine if Rafa did that! Remember his back went out while playing Stan at the AO and he was booed…Can’t imagine if Rafa left the court for a medical time out while playing the precious RF! (especially while he was losing)
Rafa you are amazing .it Was so clouse much in the 5 .your fan estey with you. All the way.vamossssssssssssssssssss 🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️
So proud to be a Nadal fan. I missed that feeling, being on the edge and feeling that Rafa really can win. Go get La Decima at Roland Garros in June!
Roger Federer is amazing as well, lucky to have seen him play. To play that good at 35 is amazing. If Rafa was going to lose to someone I can accept Roger.
These two players are the two greatest of all time. In which order depends who you are rooting for or what statistics you want to look at.
Vamos RAFA
Yes Rafa you were great and gave us a lovely 2 weeks after a long long time. So grateful for that!!!
Right at the very start of the match you were different. Subdued and it seemed tired. Still you fought! What a great pity. 1 more GS in your pocket would have made it easier – maybe Roger deserves it but deserved it more.
Anyway glad to hear that you are positive. That’s the way!!! May this year be great for you! God bless you!
VAMOS!!!
Congrats to Roger 👏🏻
Sad you didn’t win Rafa – So very close 😕😥
But what an amazing comeback you have achieved. Keep on the hard work and good spirit up 🤗😘
Always with you sweet Rafa 💖 You are wonderful 😍 – A true champ and gentleman nomatter what – ❤U 😘
All the very best of luck on forwards 🍀💗
VAMOS❣️🎾💪🏼🥇🌟
As always Rafa you fought like the true champion and warrior you are. So gracious in defeat. I have no doubt you will make many other opportunities for another Grand Slam victory. Well done and congratulations on what you achieved at this Aus Open – a stellar effort! I have so much admiration for you Rafa and was behind you every moment.
Fantastic match Rafa you were awesome today and a major is on the cards this year vamos Rafa
It was a thrilling 5-setter. Congrats to Roger. However, I am so proud and happy for Rafa for reaching the final after long lay-over due to injury. He was an absolute joy to watch the past 2 weeks.
I was truly concerned about the 1 day recovery period after that grueling and demanding semi-finals against Grigor. Hopefully, both semi-finalists will be played on the same day next year so
both players can have a 2-day recovery period, not just one. That is the fair and right thing to do. With that being said I am confident Rafa will have a great 2017 and enjoy deep runs in his upcoming tournaments.
Agreed, Rafa Rocks!
Sad for Rafa, of course, but Roger wanted it a bit more. I still there were a lot of positives for Rafa. He was back in a final and it reminded him how it feels. I am more optimistic for his season. If Roger can win a GS at 35, then Rafa can win more at 30. He definitely looks hungry for more.
So sad…Rafa really had so much to win for…he would have surpassed Pete Sampras..He would have been closer to being the GOAT ( which I believe he is minus a few Slams) Rafa has two gold medals and more Davis Cups than Roger plus he has a wining record against Roger. I didn’t like the medical time out when Roger was losing and feel if Rafa did that against the beloved, precious Fed he would have been scrutinized! I’m have very pleased with the way Rafa is playing he seems to be back to his vintage self! I like his serve the only thing is that he stands so far back…He was standing well past the Melbourne sign…when he plays the baseline he has more control and wins more points. I was really sad when he lost but very happy that he is back where he should be!
RAFA I FEEL YOUR PAIN
BUT ALSO FEEL SO MUCH LOVE FF
FOR YOU. WE CANT ASK ANYTHING ELSE FROM YOU. U PLAYED YOUT OUT. WE R JUST SO THANKFUL TO SEE U IN A FINAL AGAIN.
IF U NEVER WIN A TITLE AGAIN U WILL ALWAYS BE MY MOST FAVORITE PLAYER ON AND OFF THE
COURT. IF I HAD ONE WISH THAT WOULD BE SEE U PLAY IN PERSON
ALL THE VERY BEST TO U
ALWAYS 💛💛💛❤️❤️
You’re sounding positive Rafa, and to hear you say you’re be coming back for many years is music to my ears. I didn’t hear it but the commentator’s said Roger had made a comment about if I am back next year , they said it’s like he had unfinished business and wondering if maybe he will go out while on top. I am happy for Roger but to me I think it would have meant much more to Rafa. Yes Roger has 18 grandslams but if Novak gets back in form he’s only 29 and if he still playing at 35 , I think he will go way past 18.
Nadal was reinventing his game throughout the tournament. Fought till the end. Good sign is that there is lot more to come in the future because Rafa is Evolving.
Tears in my eyes. So sad for Rafa. He gave all what he had but he was tired in the end. Take rest and than come back for #15 at the French Open. Always with you <3
What a pity, Rafa had his chances, but honestly, even at 2-0 and 3-1 in the 5th, i did not see it happen. He looked tired and less sharp than on Friday, a pity, it was a nice run.
All I can say is thank you Rafa for your hard work and fighting spirit!
You are wonderful and you played amazing!. Here is to a great rest of the season!
Vamos! 🙂💕🎾⭐️
Rafa, you are amazing just to have reached the final. So happy for you. I will wait, as you suggested, to see how you are doing by April. If this AO is any indication, you have more masters and slams to win.
Wishing you the best for 2017.
RAFA ROCKS