The Relentless Rafael Nadal - The Spaniard's top 5-set matches

3. Australian Open final 2009 vs Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal of Spain holds his trophy after the men’s tennis final on day 14 of the Australian Open in Melbourne on early February 2, 2009. Rafael Nadal won a classic Australian Open final against Roger Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-2

Finally we come to the Nadal-Federer rivalry that has dominated headlines in world tennis for many years now. Nadal and Federer’s first encounter of 2009 resulted in a five-set epic—lasting 4 hours and 23 minutes—with Nadal prevailing, 7–5, 3–6, 7–6 (3), 3–6, 6–2 for his sixth Grand Slam title and his first on hard courts. This match was significant for Nadal as it extended his winning circumference from clay and grass to hard-courts as well. Federer, who was pursuing a record-tying 14th Grand Slam title, was unable to hold back tears during the trophy presentation.