#5 Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal
Tournament – Australian Open 2012Score – 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7 7-5Winner – Novak Djokovic'sTime – 5 hours 53 minutes
This longest Grand Slam final of the open era can also be regarded as the best Grand Slam final of the open era. It is still the longest match played at the Australian Open, with respect to the number of hours it lasted.
The final set, which lasted for 74 minutes, is still considered to be one of the best fifth sets in tennis. It showcased a tremendous comeback from the Serbian. At 4-2, he was down and out, but he found a way to break back. A 25 shot rally was the highlight of this set, which was also the longest of the match.
Riveting forehands coupled with delicious serving. Incredible returns were paired with breathtaking backhands. Both players were minting gold in almost every shot they played. Novak, who was serving behind, had the pressure of fighting not only Nadal but 80% of the audience in the Rod Laver arena.
The commentator even said, “Nadal is the most loved player of all time. Federer, most admired but Nadal, most loved.”
The Serbian however, found a way to overpower it all when he broke Nadal on the second of his two break points at 5-5. When he finally got his one and only match point, he looked up at the sky and said “one more.” The skies answered and Djokovic slammed a forehand winner to clinch his 3rd Australian Open title.
Nadal said that it was the toughest loss of his career and yet, the best match he ever played. Djokovic remembered how he ate one slab of chocolate after 18 months to celebrate this special win.
His shirt-tearing at the end of the match remains as one of the most popular celebrations in tennis and is remembered fondly by tennis enthusiasts around the world.
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