The first Grand Slam of 2017 is one that will live long in the memory of all tennis fans. Not only did we witness ‘the final for the ages’ between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the encounter also gave us enough reason to believe that the remainder of this year may witness the revival of one of the greatest sporting rivalries that has existed.
Here are 5 reasons why reasons why the ‘Fedal’ rivalry could be taken to even greater heights this year:
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#1 Return from their respective injuries
The 2017 Australian Open marked the return of both Federer and Nadal to Grand Slam tennis. While Federer missed 2 out of the 4 slams last year, first with a back injury and then with a knee injury that required surgery; Nadal was forced to cut short his 2016 season as a result of persistent injury concerns with his wrist.
As much as their legions of fans missed their presence on court, concerns over their future, particularly given their age, were inevitable. However, a lengthy absence has undoubtedly given the pair sufficient time to comeback in the best possible physical shape. In fact, for all you know, their absence might just prolong their respective career for the next few years, as suggested by Federer.
Finally, if the Australian Open final was anything to go by, then this is certainly going to be the case.
#2 Change in their playing style
One of the biggest reasons behind both Federer and Nadal’s success at the Australian Open were the alterations that both of them have made to their respective games. Although the ‘Fedal’ rivalry is arguably the greatest of the modern era, the fact that the Swiss master and the Spanish ace are in the last legs of their careers.
More importantly, both Federer and Nadal would have to make alterations to their game to keep them competitive against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and the rest. However, credit to both of them; this is exactly what they have done. While Federer has reworked his service game and added shots like the ‘SABR’ to his repertoire; Nadal isn’t afraid to mix his baseline power game, with a move to the net, every once in a while.
The basic logic behind both these alterations, however, is fairly simple: Both Federer and Nadal can take control of a rally and finish off the point at the earliest, instead of engaging in seemingly endless rallies with some of the younger legs in the game.
#3 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s recent form
The world order of tennis has undoubtedly changed in the absence of Federer and Nadal. However, things haven’t really gone to plan for the two players who were widely being tipped to take over, i.e. Djokovic and Murray.
Though Djokovic started 2016 in typical fashion by claiming the Australian Open and the French Open titles, the Serbian has looked less than his invincible self since Wimbledon last year. This point was further emphasised when Denis Istomin outlasted Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open.
Murray, on the other hand, did exceptionally well to claim Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal last year and also claim the world no. 1 ranking in the process; but he too was in for a rude shock at the first slam of 2017.
In a way, Federer and Nadal’s return to the top level could not be better timed for the game of tennis itself.
There are essentially only two ways things can pan out from here on: either both Murray and Djokovic will be back to their best sooner rather than later and set up a showdown between the original ‘big four’, or, Federer and Nadal will roll back the years and renew their hostilities once again.
#4 Nadal’s return to fitness
As much as the ‘Fedal’ final was one for the ages, the truth is that not too many expected to see it happening at the first Slam of the year.
As far as Nadal is concerned, despite his heartbreaking loss in the final, he has more than a few positives to take home. Firstly, the fact that Nadal’s fitness held up in Melbourne is perhaps the biggest positive that he’ll take with him. Neither his previously troublesome knee, nor his wrist seemed to bother him, as much, en route to the final.
But perhaps, most importantly, the fact that the tennis year now heads into the clay court season should be the biggest motivator for Nadal. On the back of the confidence gained from his Australian Open run and given his unmatchable record on clay, Nadal is set to be a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of the tennis season, particularly for the upcoming clay court season.
#5 Federer’s superb start to the year
As in the case with Nadal, there weren’t too many who would have bet on Federer reaching the final of the Australian Open, let alone winning the title. However, capturing his 18th Slam on his return from an injury that threatened to end his career, speaks volumes of the character of the man.
Not only does Federer’s latest triumph reaffirm his status as the greatest of all time, it also sets the tone for possibly yet another year of success. By his own admission, the Australian Open title gives Federer more of a chance of winning another slam this calendar year, particularly Wimbledon. And given his record at SW19, it would be hard to rule out that possibility, though the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Murray will most definitely have other ideas.
All said and done, the Australian Open has certainly set the stage for another unforgettable year of tennis ahead.
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