SemifinalsR. Nadal d. A. Murray 7-6(5) 3-6 7-6(6)
R. Federer d. N. Djokovic 6-1 6-4
OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. And with that, I probably just summarized the majority of reactions from tennis fans around the world as the two best players in tennis for the past six years or so and one of the best rivalries, not just in tennis but in all of sports, will contest the final title of the year. But before we get there, what happened during the semi-finals?
Murray stayed closed to no. 1 Nadal all match barely losing the first set and dominating in in the second set. Even in the final set, he kept up with Nadal and won the first three points in the final tiebreaker. Unfortunately, Nadal just had that extra championship gear that gutted him the win and his first ever final at this year-end event.
Federer had a far easier time dispatching Djokovic as Federer played a flawless first set. Djokovic's return game improved in the second set and actually ran to a 3-0 lead until Federer went in his own run to tie the second at 3-3. Djokovic held his serve the next game, but Federer rattled off three more games after that to set up a tantalizing match-up with Nadal.
Finals PreviewR. Nadal [1] v. R. Federer [2]
As I said above: OMG OMG OMG OMG. Actual words can't really convey the epicness of this match-up at this point of the tennis season, at this point of both of their careers. The stats for each man themselves is staggering. Nevermind that both man have been undefeated this tournament, but between the two of them they've won a whopping 25 major titles including one from every Grand Slam tournament. They're both even Olympic gold medalist!
This will be the 22nd meeting between these two legends of the sport with Nadal having a dominating H2H record of 14-7 against Federer. Upon closer look though, they're 4-4 in hardcourts and Federer leads Nadal 2-0 in indoor hardcourts. Federer has also won this event four times and based on form this past week, the advantage should go to Federer. But with Nadal-Federer, it's NEVER that black and white.
No matter what happens tomorrow, no doubt it's going to be epic, historic, and magical. Those words may be overselling the moment a bit, but these two men have earned all the hype.
Fun Facts: Federer is looking to claim his fifth title of the year with all of his titles coming from different levels (Grand Slam, World Tour Final, Masters 1000, 500, and 250). Nadal is looking to claim his first year-end title to go along with his tour-leading 8 titles, which includes three major titles (French, Wimbledon, US).
Murray stayed closed to no. 1 Nadal all match barely losing the first set and dominating in in the second set. Even in the final set, he kept up with Nadal and won the first three points in the final tiebreaker. Unfortunately, Nadal just had that extra championship gear that gutted him the win and his first ever final at this year-end event.
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