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