First blood to Nadal

Feb 1 2009

Rafael Nadal drew first blood in his Australian Open men's final clash with arch rival Roger Federer, taking the first set 7-5 as he seeks his first grand slam in Melbourne.

Playing in his first final at Rod Laver Arena, the world number one was backing up after a record-breaking five hours 14 minute semi-final against his friend and Davis Cup team-mate Fernando Verdasco.

But he showed few signs of fatigue as he chased down every point and forced Federer into errors.

Federer, seeking a fourth Australian Open crown, got off to the worst possible start, dropping his serve in the opening game as a double fault, two wayward backhands and a loose forehand shot handed Nadal an early break.

But the second seed responded immediately, a combination of some blistering cross court winners, a lucky net cord and couple of winning backhands helping to eventually convert three break point chances.

With the set back on serve, Federer had to come from behind to claim the next game, firing his first ace along the way. Nadal then benefited from some more backhand errors by Federer to ensure it remained all square.

The second seed, chasing a record-equalling 14th grand slam title, held his next service game for a 3-2 lead then broke the Spaniard in the next game.

He got the break point with a perfect forehand into the corner then sealed it with another that was struck from well wide of the tramlines.

But again Federer failed to capitalise, allowing Nadal to break back immediately, although the top seed produced two stunning winners - a volley off his toes which just crept over the net and a backhand pass from deep behind the baseline - before a Federer double fault got him back to 4-3.

An easy service game got Nadal level again and it remained with serve until the 11th game when the Spanish man got the break after a neat drop shot and a cracking forehand pass put him 6-5 up with his serve to come.