This is an article ‘Nadal vs. Djokovic: The greatest match ever?’ by Marc Pulisci
The men's final of the 2012 Australian Open was perhaps the first tennis match to ever capture an entire country's interest and adulation, much alone the whole planet. For sports historians, it was the longest Grand Slam final in history that pitted a spectacular face-off between Serbian Novak Djokovic and Spaniard Rafael Nadal. The entire match lasted an astounding five hours and 53 minutes. At the time, Nadal was ranked No. 2 in the ATP rankings, right behind Djokovic.
Throughout match night, the two court warriors traded vicious shots back and forth, reaching the peak of their duel during a strenuous 31-shot rally that left Djokovic down on his back and Nadal finding himself rushing to the sidelines to regain his composure.
The Serbian characterized the point as an “overwhelming thrill” after the match, claiming he considered getting some air and tried to recharge for the next point. But it was pretty clear to everyone that his mind was racing through so many options in an attempt to distinguish between the good and bad within his arsenal. Trying to give the following point priority, Djokovic acknowledged that he was up against one of the best mental players of all time and that he had to provide all or nothing to win the match.
Redefining the game
The epic match that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played revolutionized men's tennis. Tennis fans and pundits still analyze the match a decade later, noting a surprising weakness in Djokovic's armor that seemed obvious and how his shots could trigger a psychological weapon that could put away his opponents.
Then, there were also discussions on how Nadal's confidence in Grand Slam finals matches might be shattered from the loss or if he was up to raising the bar when it came down to competitiveness.
Despite the pair facing off in other epic matches throughout their storied career, men's tennis never seemed more competitive than what transpired at that 2012 Australian Open men's finals. The sport had entered a new age as the Djokovic vs. Nadal rivalry marked a higher level of on-court performance and game smarts.
Crisis on and off court
Many will remember how Djokovic was already put to the test only 16 minutes into the game. He lofted a wayward forehand just past Nadal's baseline at 2-2, and found himself on breakpoint. The Serb stripped off his white shirt, tossed it next to his chair, and begrudgingly made his way for the changeover. He then threw his racket to the floor, providing a sense of resistance as the crowd whispered amongst themselves. Whether to signify fresh composure or a mere coincidence, Djokovic returned to the court with a brand-new black shirt and renewed confidence.
By the end of the opening set, Nadal was sweating bullets with every vicious swing. His hair was in its trademark unkempt state but his form was flawless and aggressive as if he were out to prove that he deserved the number 1 spot. Each shot appeared to gain more power as he whipped his wrist repeatedly above his head to produce that incredible signature forehand spin.
However, only a select few knew that Nadal was facing a confidence issue at the time. Even though he was only 25 years old with an impressive 10 Grand Slam victories under his belt, he was faced with the possibility of never capturing another one.
Nadal had realized that the Serb had a backhand that countered with a deeper and more focused power than his forehand. Djokovic can use this advantage to beat his opponents, including Nadal, if he is patient enough. Clearly, the Spaniard was aware that he needed to place more mental confidence in himself and be well-prepared for any surprises from his opponent.
Down the stretch
At the four-hour mark, Djokovic appeared to have the upper hand. Following his dominance in the last two sets, the Serb was gaining more momentum in pressuring Nadal to assume the defensive with backhand slices. The switch in momentum allowed Djokovic to seize succeeding openings. Djokovic was in the zone and his concentration was unshakeable as he occasionally screamed at his clenched fist, apparently assuring himself that he could indeed match Nadal's ferocity.
At 4-3 and Nadal serving, Djokovic rushed deep to his backcourt, picked out a forehand winner guaranteed to go in, then cut it up the line before launching a devastating forehand behind the Spaniard's muddled feet. Djokovic then sent Nadal flying off the court with an in-and-out forehand. By then, he only needed one more point to serve out the game at 0-40.
However, Nadal was not out of the contest yet. With a duo of arguably the most brutal forehands of his career, Nadal returned and kept the ball in play while hitting a second blazing shot. Nadal displayed why he is one of the world’s best players of the sport by unleashing the most unlikely of shots in the historic match. By winning the following two points and eventually holding serve to tie the game at 4-4, Nadal caused mass hysteria throughout the Rod Laver Arena. Match officials then announced that play had to be halted due to rain, just when Nadal was well on his way to an incredible comeback.
Upon the players' return to the court, it was evident that Nadal had gained control of his game. His match plan remained consistent in how he hit harder, growing stronger and more precise even after the seventh game.
Nadal defeats Djokovic to take the lead 4-3.
At that point, Djokovic got stuck to one side of the court, and Nadal ran up to midcourt to complete a floater. Nadal somehow missed the court with his running backhand, which ominously signaled his downfall.
Djokovic suddenly found his second wind and rallied with more powerful, charged shots. Finally, at 1:37 in the morning, Djokovic emerged victorious against Nadal with a final score of 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5) 7-5.
The win added to Djokovic's record 28 ATP titles at the time, including four Grand Slams. He was on a roll and had just scored a tennis hat trick with three consecutive major titles.
It was also clear that his spectacular victory over Nadal in a contest that many consider to be the finest tennis match of all time also happened to be the most meaningful win of all for Djokovic himself.
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