Breaking News: Mats Wilander hopes for Nadal-Federer showdown
Swedish former World Number 1 tennis pro-turned-commentator has expressed a keen interest in a Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal final at the 2011 Australian Open. Wilander, who won three Aussie titles during his reign, says, “I hope for a Federer-Nadal final.
In fact, I hope that I get to watch them play in major finals as long as Federer has got the spirit that he has at the moment. Because Rafa’s spirit is not going anywhere. But I’m afraid that Roger’s spirit won’t last forever.”
The final of the Australian Open is scheduled to take place on Sunday. If Rafael Nadal wins the title, he will become the first man since tennis legend Rod Laver to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously. This feat was last accomplished in the year
1969. Mats Wilander is not alone in his desire for a Rafa-Maestro final; the entire tennis world is keen to see the two compete, especially at a venue as fitting as the Australian Open title match. If such a final were to take place, it would be highly reminiscent
of the five-set match won by Nadal two years ago for his maiden Aussie title (a defeat which reduced Roger Federer to tears).
Wilander also acknowledged the imminent difficulties which Roger Federer is bound to face during a face-off against Nadal; he says, “he’s almost 30..he’s figured out that he wasn’t going to beat Nadal defending.” Wilander commended Federer for his versatility,
and added that Nadal is the only reason Federer has been forced to alter his game to a more aggressive form.
Wilander also said, “I don’t care if they play the final here, but I’d like to see them play a big final while the rivalry is still alive. It has to happen soon.”
Despite the hopes of Mats Wilander and countless other fans, the fact remains that it may not be so easy for the two top players to meet each other in the title match. Major obstacles in the way of such a final are British Number 1 Andy Murray and Serbia’s
top player Novak Djokovic; both players are currently uniquely equipped to win a Grand Slam, and have learnt what it takes to defeat both Rafa and the Swiss Maestro near the end of a Grand Slam. The end of this week, and the conclusion of this year’s Australian
Open will consequently be a long-awaited, dramatic event.
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