In an epic 5 setter Djokovic defeated Nadal in an epic battle of wills. After the 3rd set it looked like Novak was going to roll Nadal again in the 4th like he did last year at Wimbledon and the US Open. But Nadal showed an iron like will to win the 4th set, even after being down 0-40 on his serve at 4-3, and being down 5-3 in the tiebreaker. I've seen Nadal show a fierce will to win points, but this display was something more. Entering the 5th set he was the fresher and more attacking player. When he went up a break at 4-2, it seemed all but over. Unfortunately for him and for my followers he was broken back and lost the 5th set 5-7.
This was the longest open era slam final at 5hrs 53mins, people are already talking about how amazing this display for endurance is. While these two players are likely 2 of the greatest tennis players and all around athletes to ever walk the planet, I do have to comment on the fact that both of these players constantly flout the rules in terms of time between each point and soliciting challenge advice. If this had been Federer/Murray for instance any every rally had been exactly the same the match would've lasted 4hrs or so. These two constantly take over the allotted 25 seconds between each point. I don't mind so much after a really long point, but when it's the norm it's down right ridiculous. The second thing that disgusts me is how often they solicit challenge advice from their box. They don't even try to hide it and it's completely against the rules. The ATP needs to get more strict with both of these rules. On the time limit between points institute a clock. Give each player a few times to go over each set or something. It's ridiculous. The challenge should immediately not be allowed if there is a signal of any kind. This will stop this madness.
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