Preview: The dream finale - Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal
The dream was to have a dream finale. One that everyone wanted. Apparently fate looked down and decided to smile because everyone’s wish just came true. Rafael Nadal is going to rock n’ roll with Roger Federer in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals in
the O2 Arena, which ironically is the home to the legends of the music industry of the world.
This grand ending to the year 2010 was made possible by some of the classiest tennis seen in this tournament by the two hungry rivals. Roger Federer romped up his four wins of the tournament without dropping a set while Rafael Nadal screamed loud, while
his racquet screamed even louder to ensure he does not miss out an opportunity of a lifetime; the chance to win his first World Tour Finals title. On the other hand, Roger Federer is chasing a record equalling fifth World Tour Finals title which would just
cement his place in history even further.
This final will be the 22nd meeting between the fabled rivals, and their first in London since Nadal scarred Federer with his thunderous win in the Wimbledon final in 2008. But Federer isn’t letting the thought of that match into his head as he
says he is “excited” to be playing Nadal in the final. Personally, everyone knows he’s rearing to tear Nadal limb from limb for ruining his majestic, graceful, pre-retirement years.
Such is the awe-inspiring track record of the two players combined, that they have won 21 of the 23 last Grand Slams amongst themselves. With the 29 year old Federer having won a world record 16 titles, and the 24 year old Spaniard closing in fast on his
ninth title, it looks as if the World Tour Finals' final will be an electrifying mix of some hardcore tennis coupled with the vestiges of a duel.
Nadal has had a fantastic year so far, having won three Grand Slams this year which gave him a career Grand Slam, and has left him just one short of a Career Golden Slam, if he can win next year’s Australian Open. He has won all four of his matches in the
current season ending ATP World Tour Finals despite fending off some stiff opposition from Andy Murray in the semi-finals, who put up a strong fight which saw the match drag on for a little more than three hours. Victory at the World Tour Finals would give
Nadal the only coveted trophy missing from his trophies cabinet.
Federer, on the other hand, has had a lacklustre year, when compared to his own lofty standards. He won the Australian Open earlier in the year and since then has seen himself being dominated by all and sundry. But true class never dies and so Federer has
proved in this season ending event as he outclassed all his opponents in gratifying manner by not dropping even a single set so far. His last hoorah before the final came in the shape of inflicting a crushing defeat on Novak Djokovic who could only look on
in open amazement as he tried to match the class of the Swiss maestro, but fell way too short to lose 6 – 1, 6 – 4.
The continually increasing interest of the World Tour Finals means that it has taken on the identity and popularity of a mini-Grand Slam. With the world’s top eight players battling it out in front of 17,500 fans in an electrical environment, there is no
doubt that this sterling event is becoming to tennis what T20 World Cup is to cricket. With a dream finale waiting in the docks, the anticipation has catapulted to record levels. It’s finally going to happen, as the two titans of tennis gear up to enthral
audiences around the globe today. Fate it seems, is still smiling.
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