Federer's Sweet Sixteen
Roger Federer defeated Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11) in the Men's Singles Final of the 2010 Australian Open to claim his fourth Australian Open title and sixteenth Grand Slam singles title. It was Federer’s first Grand Slam title as a father and the second time that Federer
has beaten Murray in a Grand Slam final (the other was the 2008 U.S. Open). Federer still trails Murray 5-6 in their overall head-to-head matches, but has won the last three matches they’ve played.
They say that a player is “as good as his best tennis…” and clearly Roger Federer played some of his best tennis during the 2010 Australian Open and especially in the final. Andy Murray also played some of his best tennis during the 2010 Australian Open, especially against Rafael Nadal in the quarters and Marin Cilic in the semis, but Murray did not serve well enough or play aggressively enough in the final. Federer was clearly dictating play the majority of the match and not making enough unforced errors to help Murray win. In past matches against Federer, Murray’s retrieving and change of pace has seemed to frustrate Federer. However, in the final Federer dominated from the first game with his attacking play and did not have any extended sloppy patches as he’s had the past couple years when he’s lost matches.
There are some who mumble that Federer has “won too much”, that there “should be an age rule” forcing Federer to retire, but that’s missing what’s so impressive about Federer’s success and why we should hope it continues. Few players can handle both the physical and mental rigors of the pro tennis Tour for so many consecutive years as Federer has done. There are never any guarantees that Roger’s success will continue, but he has set an example in terms of dedication, physical conditioning and mental fortitude that should be an inspiring example for hopefully others to follow. Federer has cast a long shadow, but someday his sun will set too…
They say that a player is “as good as his best tennis…” and clearly Roger Federer played some of his best tennis during the 2010 Australian Open and especially in the final. Andy Murray also played some of his best tennis during the 2010 Australian Open, especially against Rafael Nadal in the quarters and Marin Cilic in the semis, but Murray did not serve well enough or play aggressively enough in the final. Federer was clearly dictating play the majority of the match and not making enough unforced errors to help Murray win. In past matches against Federer, Murray’s retrieving and change of pace has seemed to frustrate Federer. However, in the final Federer dominated from the first game with his attacking play and did not have any extended sloppy patches as he’s had the past couple years when he’s lost matches.
There are some who mumble that Federer has “won too much”, that there “should be an age rule” forcing Federer to retire, but that’s missing what’s so impressive about Federer’s success and why we should hope it continues. Few players can handle both the physical and mental rigors of the pro tennis Tour for so many consecutive years as Federer has done. There are never any guarantees that Roger’s success will continue, but he has set an example in terms of dedication, physical conditioning and mental fortitude that should be an inspiring example for hopefully others to follow. Federer has cast a long shadow, but someday his sun will set too…
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