MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Rafael Nadal held off Roger Federer in another momentum-swinging, five-set final to win the Australian Open on Sunday, keeping the Grand Slam singles record safe for now.
After coming through the longest match in the tournament's history to reach the championship match, Nadal needed 4 hours, 23 minutes Sunday to win 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2.
Federer, who was trying to equal Pete Sampras' 14 major titles, has lost to Nadal the last three times they've met in Grand Slam finals.
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I woke up at 4AM to catch the game in my time zone. I had to hold my eyes open, seriously, to keep awake in the final set, but it was completely worth it. Then I went back to bed.
Federer looked incredebly crushed, but I do hope he comes back and plays well throughout the rest of the season. I'll admit it, I'm a Nadal fun, but it wouldn't be as fun without Federer because he's darn good too.
