Melbourne: Rafael Nadal’s hopes of a 15th grand slam title were crushed by an inspired Roger Federer in the Australian Open final on Sunday but the rejuvenated Spaniard was already rubbing his hands together with the prospect of a “special” season on clay. Although defeated for the championship, the 30-year-old left-hander won a huge measure of self-belief, having reached his first grand slam final since his 2014 French Open victory. But he admitted that he was feeling the pinch when taken into the fifth set by Federer, who won his 18th grand slam title. He saved nine break points in the fifth set and a match point, forcing Federer to rip the match from his hands with aggression and brilliant shot-making. That’s the most important thing for me, and that gives me confidence to keep playing, and that’s what I am going to try.” Reuters

Source: Mint January 29, 2017 15:32 UTC