Master Sails Through The Last Hurdle

Some play tennis with sheer determination, some for enjoyment, some
for enthusiasm, but the outstanding ones play with their heart. Yes, I
am talking about one such legend who has mastered the perfection
itself, Roger Federer. Last year had been very special for Roger,
becoming father, back into the winning streak after few setbacks and
hiccups and of course standing tall at No 1 position.
There were so many expectations, speculations about who is going to be
the Australian open 2010 winner for last couple of days. Amidst all
the hype and comments about each other in press conferences the
previous day, Roger and Murray had met on the Rod Laver arena for the
final combat of the tournament.
Just considering the past records, on one side we have Roger, the No 1
of men tennis who has lot of experience, and won tons of matches. He
is at his peak of his form this tourney with just losing only one set
so far.  He has experience of being in appearing for most number of
major titles finals and winning against all players in the present
tennis world. To say in his words "I have experience in playing here
before. I will be come here with my best for the final".  On the other
side we have a very young man from Great Britain with lot of
expectations from his people and willing to break the 70 year old
jinx. He is very improved player than that of 2 years before.  He
knows his game, his mistakes, his positives and negatives, better now.
 He had played against Federer and has very good record of winning 6
times in their 10 encounters.
The play began at Rod Laver arena with cool evening breeze and the sun
setting slowly. Federer started the match, and was 1-0 in no time. He
rallied through easily and got his first point in the set very easily.
Murray serving for the first time was not confident in his serve, and
made double fault to give the lead to Roger. To the worst, federer
broke murray serve and went on to 2-0. Murray looking much tensed, but
kept his nerve very cool and recorded his first point by breaking
federer's serve immediately. Later on he did not make any mistakes,
and continued with the same positive mind set and equaled to Roger at
2-2. Man of great experience looked very cool serving in the 5th game.
 Even though he looked cool, he was making unnecessary errors and gave
away points to Andy very easily. He was little over confident about
the match initially but, later on came back to track and displayed his
perfection over the game. The first set went on with Federer making
lot of unforced errors and murray could not capitalize on them. Both
kept the crowd sit on the edge by playing the biggest rally of 27
shots in the first set itself. Federer won the first set with 6-3 on
the scoreboard.
The second set contained more action by Murray and spectacular shots
by Federer. Murray looked very confident after a small chat with his
coach during the break time. He came back with more shots and the ball
was moving very fast. Federer, the world's best base line player was
making mistakes from there itself. He was trying to place the ball
which no player would even dream. In the process, he was missing
chances and gave himself to the 22 year old from Britain. Murray
started to over-power Roger with his powerful forehand. He got points
very quickly and took the score board to 1-0. Roger was at his best
when it came to serve the next time. He started with an ace, the first
of the match and the scoreboard read 1-1, changing in just 59 seconds.
Murray too was at his element, trying to make Federer run across the
court, making him tired, and specially no errors. He struggled to put
the first serve every time. He did show his talent with his powerful
forehand, but Federer had the game in control every time Murray tried
to over-power him. There were few surprises to Federer when Murray
took his drops now and then, rallied very long and returned with speed
of 156kmph at times. Federer created angles in such a way that made
Andy run every corner of the court. Soon, he wrapped up the second set
in style with scoreboard reading 6-4, Federer with 2 sets up and Andy
still to open account.
The final and last set had all that required for perfect finish. It
had Federer showing his mastery over the game. He was placing the ball
correctly, reduced his errors, and more importantly stopped giving
opportunities to Andy. He was creating angles which made Andy tough to
return with his back hand. Andy was forced to make errors. Federer was
leading the score by one-point and he was finishing his serve in no
time, with his aces coming at will. Even though Murray was no match
for the No 1 in creating opportunities for himself, he played with
sheer determination and passion for the game and more importantly for
his country. Even though he gave fight and showed determination, the
man who held his nerve had the last laugh. Federer over-powered Andy
and the scoreboard read 7-6. Federer finished the prestigious tourney
in style with scoreboard reading 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6.
The audience at Rod Laver arena had full action from Andy and mastery
of Federer over the game. Every shot played by Federer gave happiness
to the viewers. He was at his element on the peaceful evening and
final day of the tourney. In the post match interview the runner-up of
Australian open 2010 turned emotional and said "May be I can cry like
Federer, but cannot play like him". I would not agree with his
statement. He is just 22 and has lot of energy left in him. He can go
a long way and may become next Federer.
In the end, I would like to say, that sheer determination, power and
tactics are required for any game. But, at the same time you need to
hold your nerve and keep yourself positive, which I felt was lacking
in Murray's game. Coming to Federer, I think he is trying to set a
benchmark for the coming generations. After, the first success as
father he would be showing off his trophy to his twin daughters
proudly now.