The Roger and Rafa Show

There isn’t anything in any sport better right now than the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. This morning they produced another five set epic that was a fitting conclusion to the best Australian Open in years. And, for the fifth match in a row it was the Spaniard who emerged victorious. Not for the first, nor one suspects the last, time Nadal defeated Federer physically and mentally. This was a match Federer will feel he should have won: he had a legion of chances to break and win the third set but each time either his own timidity or, more often, Nadal’s seemingly inexhaustible supply of fortitude prevented the Swiss from making the vital breakthrough.

All of which leaves us in  quandary: if Federer is the greatest player since Laver, how come he’s only won six of his 19 meetings with Nadal? Even away from the clay the record has been narrowed to 5-4 in Federer’s advantage.