The Fabulous Four Narrowed Down To Two – Who Will Be The Last Man Standing?

By Jayita Belcourt

Leading up to the Australian Open, there was no question who was the talk of the town in men’s tennis. The top four players, Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and Murray had all been in great form. Every paper, news article or news piece had their names inscribed across it.

And without a doubt, the top four did not fail to impress at this year’s Australian Open.

Djokovic went through his first 5 matches literally unscathed, losing only one set to Australia’s own Lleyton Hewiitt. Nadal had some feisty matches in his first few rounds, but always looked in control and certain to advance. Murray, under the guidance of his new coach Ivan Lendl, had been playing some impressive tennis and was finally looking like he was etching closer to complete mastery over his game with his trademark trickster shots and dynamic tempos. And of course, Federer. Graciously handing out some tennis lessons on the way (notably to Australia’s Bernard Tomic in the 4th round) also looked in top form. I don’t think there was ever a doubt in anyone’s mind who would be in the semis.

No other players seemed to have the form, class, mindset or physicality that was so entrenched in the top four. What makes the top four so special, so distinguished from the rest ?

“I think it’s just the experience that you get playing on the tour that you can use in the certain moments when you feel you are under pressure and just being able to overcome that pressure with that mental strength, you know, your skills and physical ability as well”… “Obviously that confidence and maybe mental advantage and experience that we have in the major events, playing on this high level, helps us to be where we are”, says Djokovic.

Even the media was not particularly interested to interview the other players after their fourth round match wins. ATP rank #5 Ferrer, who had just whipped France’s Gasquet, had only a handful of journalists attend his post match press conference. No one was really interested to hear his story. Just another “wanna-be”, good but not quite good enough. Djokovic, put Ferrer back in his place in the quarterfinals, sending him home with a impressive win 6-4, 7-6, 6-1.

The semi’s were going to be a massive show-down. And without a doubt, they were.

Nadal vs Federer and Djokovic vs Murray. Both could have been finals. Both matches, an epic display of courage, hope and relentless determination. Spectators left the ground in awe at what they had witnessed. The top four were simply mesmerising to watch.

After an impressive lead 5-2 in the fifth set, Djokovic struggled against ATP #4 seed Andy Murray. The match looked like it was done and dusted, but the tide began to change as Murray etched his way back into the match and levelled the score line at 5-5 in the fifth set. Battling with his breath and onset of fatigue, Djokovic managed to keep powering away. With some huge forehand shots and relentless defence play, Djokovic stole the final set to secure his place in the finals with a win 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5.

“For these kind of matches, you really practice all your life to be able to be a winner out of five sets”, said Djokovic.

The match with Nadal vs Federer was equally as impressive, both displaying why they too, had been reigning number ones for so long. Nadal’s forehand was simply ferocious, whipping the ball at such acute angles leaving Federer frazzled and in doubt of his once unshakable “confidence” to win. Nadal edged the match away 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4. “Rafa did well to hang in there. At the end was a bit better.” .. “I always think he plays a bit better against me than against other players, but that’s good for him.” ..“He’s also got a winning record against me which maybe gives him extra confidence”, said Roger.

So who is it going to be. Who will be the last man standing? Djokovic or Nadal ?

Djokovic won 10 titles in 2011, six of them were against Nadal in finals. This will play in the mind of Nadal, he knows the mental toughness and strength that Djokovic hold. Sunday’s match is also a rematch of the 2011 US Open final in which Djokovic won.

“I gonna try my best to try to play a fantastic final, and hopefully I will have my chance”…. “The player who will play better tomorrow gonna be the winner”, Nadal said.

Nadal is however, going to be fresher and fitter on the day having had an extra day to recover from his victory over Roger.
“There is no secret it is going to be physical again. I will do my best to recover… I think that’s going to be crucial, you know, for me to recover and to be able to perform my best, because Rafa is fit. He’s been playing well. He had an extra day. He definitely wants to win this title”.. “He’s one of the best players to ever play this game. He’s never giving up. He has a fighting spirit. He has very few weaknesses”, Djokovic said.

Either way, it’s going to be an epic battle. I’m tipping Nadal, he is going to be fresher and stronger. He is also going to be hungry to win his 11th Grand Slam title here in Australia.

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