Australian Open 2019: Few memorable moments in the past decade 

#4 Australian Open 2009: Rafael Nadal wins his first Australian Open title

Rafael Nadal became the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open title in 2009

In 2009, Rafael Nadal became the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open title. The man with the ferocious backhand came into the tournament riding on the high of having won the 2008 French Open, the epic 2008 Wimbledon, an Olympic gold medal and of course dethroning Roger from the top perch, he owned the position of being World Number 1.

This was Nadal's first and only Australian Open victory and the match, as was with every Federer-Nadal classic turned out to be quite hard-fought and grueling, to say the least. At the end of a tough five-setter, Nadal emerged on the winning side leaving Federer sobbing in tears uncontrollably at the loss.

During the presentation ceremony when Federer found himself at a loss of words, Nadal went over and gave him a comforting side-hug and later reminded him how great a champion he really is and how he shouldn't let this loss affect him. This kind of admirable camaraderie between two such Champions is indeed why this sport is so wonderful. The chance to see two players applauding the other and meaning it is so rare and the duo of Federer and Nadal really exemplify this kind of a bonding that is very hard to find in a professional and competitive world.

Likewise, the 2019 Australian Open will turn out to be just as eventful and memorable as the best of the sports gear up to lock horns with each other and begin the Grand Slam quest for the year once again! Meanwhile, the fingers are crossed on seeing another Nadal-Federer showdown for sure.