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Health & Fitness

Australian Open Thrills and Sets Record for Longest Championship Match

Djokovic and Nadal put on a show that was breathtaking. And for anyone who thinks tennis is for wimps, I think these two world-class athletes put this notion to rest once and for all.

I have been in the presence of greatness. I have seen history in the making. I have been awed and made virtually speechless by the accomplishment. To what am I referring? The Australian Open Men's Singles Championships between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. No, I wasn't actually IN Melbourne, Australia, to witness this spectacle. But that did not matter since I was enjoying it from the comfort of my couch, at 3 a.m. EST, and enjoying all of its magic.   

Djokovic and Nadal put on a show that, to any tennis fan, was breathtaking. And for anyone who thinks tennis is for wimps, I think these two world-class athletes put this notion to rest once and for all. The matchup was a classic—No. 1 in the world Djokovic against No. 2 in the world Nadal. Djokovic was the returning champion, and up to this point, had beaten Nadal in every one of their last six meetings. This title is the one that began Novak's meteoric rise to the top of men's tennis by winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open in 201—three of the four coveted Grand Slam tournaments in a tennis season.    

The stage was set after Novak beat Andy Murray, the world No. 4, in five tough sets. Rafa had beaten his archrival Roger Federer, the world No. 3, in four stimulating sets. All this took place within just a few days ago, and hours of both physical and mental fortitude sucked the life from all four of these competitors. But two needed to return and do battle in the final—and do battle they did!   

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The match was won by Djokovic by a final score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-5. Lasting 5 hours and 53 minutes, it has become the longest men's singles final since the battle between Mats Wilander and Ivan Lendl for the US Open title in 1988—that match lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes.    

Groundstrokes were routinely hit at 75 to 100 mph, and serves continued to be pounded like missiles to each other at speeds in the 120s. Let's not even discuss how many miles they ran, in short but explosive bursts, as they covered the court for 20- to 30-stroke rallies. This was a test of will as much as a test of skill. Neither would back down.   

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Let me say it once again as I have many times before to lovers of other sports: How can one who enjoys serious athletic competition not be enthralled by this sport? Novak Djokovic may be the 2012 Australian Open men's champion, but I personally feel like the winner. I have witnessed what I consider to be one of the greatest testaments to the quality, sportsmanship, and courage that tennis provides.    

Thank you very much, gentlemen. Take a well-deserved rest. I look forward to more in the upcoming season.

Ron Miller is a PTR certified tennis instructor who teaches group and private lessons for kids and adults through Gloucester Twp. Recreation in the SJ area. His website and podcast provide free instructional content for beginners to advanced players.

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