Marathon man Nadal reduces Federer to tears of frustration

RAFAEL Nadal held off Roger Federer in another momentum-swinging five-set final to win the Australian Open, keeping the Grand Slam singles record safe for now.

After coming through the longest match in the tournament's history – five hours and 14 minutes to dispatch compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the semi-final on Friday – top-ranked Nadal needed four hours, 23 minutes to win his first major hardcourt title 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 3-6, 6-2.

It was a tough one for Federer to take. The Swiss, who enjoyed an extra day's rest after a comfortable straight sets win over Andy Roddick in his semi-final on Thursday, was trying to equal Pete Sampras' record 14 major titles. Instead he now faces up to the tough reality that he has lost to Nadal the last three times they've met in Grand Slam finals. Following defeats at Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year the Swiss master has succumbed to his nemesis on all three surfaces. It removes all doubt that Nadal is the undisputed world's best and must raise doubts in Federer's mind if he'll ever get the better of the indefatigable Spaniard.

The 27-year-old former No 1 couldn't hold back tears at the presentation. "Maybe I'll try later. God, it's killing me," said a sobbing Federer. It came as no surprise, however, that the great champion retained his trademark grace and sportsmanship. Within minutes he warmly congratulate Nadal, saying: "You deserved it. You played a fantastic final."

Nadal collected the trophy and put his arm around Federer. "Roger, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now," Nadal said. "Remember, you're a great champion, you're one of the best in history."

He accepted the cup from Rod Laver, who was in Australia to mark the start of the 40th anniversary of the last Grand Slam season. "To receive this trophy from Rod Laver is a dream for me," Nadal said. Now it's the 22-year-old Nadal who seems more likely to be the first since Laver to complete a Slam with wins in one year in all four majors.

Nadal, who has four consecutive titles on clay at Roland Garros and beat Federer on grass in a five-set epic at Wimbledon last year, became the first Spaniard to win the Australian title. He has now won five of the seven Grand Slam finals he's played against Federer and is 13-6 overall against the Swiss star.

Nadal ended Federer's 237-week streak at No 1 last August, after winning the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. Federer, who turned around his last season with a US Open final win over Andy Murray, saved two championship points from 15-40 in the eighth game of the fifth set but sent a forehand long on the third.

Nadal performed the now familiar flop onto his back, then got up and raced to shake hands. The players put an arm around the other's shoulder at the net as they walked off the court. Drenched in sweat, Nadal raised his fist, applauded the crowd's standing ovation, then went over to shake hands with his coach and other supporters.

Although Federer actually won one more points – 174-173 – his serve let him down all too frequently. He connected on only 51 percent of his first serves, and it seemed all of his six double-faults came at critical times. And as the pressure ratcheted up in the fifth set, it was Federer who wilted, not Nadal.

The Swiss had six winners and 14 unforced errors in the set, while Nadal had just two unforced errors and dropped only three points in four service games.

With more Swiss flags than Spanish national colours, the crowd was buzzing even during warm-ups. Despite flashes of brilliance, what they got wasn't always great tennis early, but there was no shortage of drama. Both players started tight, committing uncharacteristic errors. Knowing that weak shots would be punished, they were pushing the limits.

They exchanged service breaks in the first two games. Normally calm on court, Federer pumped his fist after breaking for a 4-2 lead only to double-fault when facing break point in the next game.

Nadal got the key break with Federer serving at 5-5. The crowd was stunned when he smacked a forehand wide on an easy short ball to make it 15-40, and Nadal followed with a forehand passing shot winner, then held for the set. Federer came out firing at the start of the second set and rattled off the first game, sealing it with an ace. He tried to attack the net more in the early stages but it failed at the start of Nadal's service game when he found the net with his backhand but he dabbed another over on the way to a 2-1 lead.

The Swiss failed to capitalise on a break point opportunity though, and he was made to pay dearly in the next game when two blistering backhand winners from the Spaniard and a totally mis-timed forehand handed Nadal the break.

But once again, Federer was back on level terms immediately and in the eighth game, after spurning several chances, he took a 5-3 lead. Another long return by Nadal in the next game handed Federer the second set 6-3.

Then the level intensified. One fan shouted: "Make him work, Roger," referring to questions whether Nadal's marathon over Verdasco on Friday might leave him tired. But he showed few signs of fatigue. Amid a series of rallies lasting more than 20 shots, Nadal saved six break points in his last two service games in the third set, and Federer fended off a set point while serving at 5-6.

A lunging backhand volley winner gave Nadal a 6-3 lead in the tie-breaker, earning him chants of "Rafa!" and Federer double-faulted. Federer saved five break points while serving at 2-2 in the fourth set, then broke Nadal in the next game for a 4-2 edge. He closed with a service winner to even it at two sets apiece.

Nadal broke Federer for a 3-1 lead and the clock ticked past midnight in the next game, taking the Australian Open into a third week. It was the first Australian Open final to go to five sets since Mats Wilander beat Pat Cash in 1988, the first at Melbourne Park.