Australian Open Final 2009—Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal

Nadal defeats Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2.

In a calender year which spans through 11 months and six continents, choosing one stand out match from the 68 tournaments played is a daunting task to say the least.

Backtracking through my recent memories of on-court action, I find myself drawing a certain interest, or bond if you will to this years Australian Open final.

Not only did the encounter feature two of the sport's most prolific players of the decade: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but the dynamics of the contest would also be heightened by the first major hard court final in the pair's outstanding rivalry.

Federer, who a had breezed past Andy Roddick in semifinals, remained the favorite against his Spanish opponent, based simply on his hard court prowess and having two days off between the semifinals and finals.

Nadal on the other hand, had battled through a monumental effort by compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the semifinals; a match which lasted five hours and 15 minutes. The sublime shot-making affair had left Nadal with little-to-no-time for recovery; making the finals all that more interesting.

Watching the early stages final, I couldn't help but be drawn into the immediate high quality of play. Federer's blazing forehand cross-court was dialed into perfection, while Nadal's grunts and backhand passing shots matched the scorching Melbourne heat.

Remaining on par throughout the opening set, Nadal would once again illuminate his fighting spirit by bouncing back from being down a break at 4-2, capturing a subsequent break of serve at 6-5.

Leading one-set-to-love, the Spaniard's triumph of the first set became a pivotal component in his quest of obtaining his first hard court Slam.

Not to be outdone, Federer stepped up his effortless arsenal of shots, producing the variety and precision needed to square the match at a set a piece.

Heading into the third and fourth sets, the drama and the standard of play continued to mount. I remained in awe when observing the two combatants; I even encountered a moment of fear when I ran out of superlatives to describe a sling shot forehand produced by Nadal during a deuce point at 2-2 in the forth set.

The captivating point contained so much athleticism from Nadal that even the ball boy who passed along the Spaniard's towel displayed an anxious and envious grin of excitement.

Although the fifth and deciding set turned into somewhat of a bust, the overall level of the play during the five hour classic showcased the utmost best from the two champions.

Perhaps, though, the standout moment of day's events occurred after the final ball was struck. With their shoelaces undone, and their jackets zipped up to full effect, Nadal and Federer took to the center stage to accept their rewards of the fortnight.

Federer's agony of not capturing the title (he was in search of his record tying 14th Grand Slam title at the time), overwhelmed the Swiss to a degree of an emotional meltdown.

Conducting himself with nothing short of class and dignity, Nadal accepted his trophy, and immediately proceeded to console his formidable opponent.

To me this gesture of solitude by Nadal exemplified the great comradely that is alive and present in tennis today. It showed that even under the greatest battles and adversaries the sport had to offer, the notion of empathy and respect was ever present.

Allowing Federer to finish his runner-up speech, Nadal personified both his values and aptitude towards the moment.

Without question, my favorite match of 2009, and of all time for that matter.