Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal - Australian Open 2017 Final | AO Classics

If ever there was a dream Australian Open Finals match-up, the 2017 Men's Championship decider was surely it. Few could believe the ageing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had each won six matches to arrive at the big dance, especially after injury-interrupted seasons in 2016. Nadal had survived five setters against Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov to reach the final, while Federer had to see off Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka to earn his spot. It was the Spaniard who led the head-to-head 23-11, but Federer had the better record on hard courts with four AO crowns already under his belt. We join the action with Nadal having opened up a three-love lead in the second set. Nadal starting to hit his straps. He was making that shot in the first set, wasn't he? Those little differences come from that side. Got to keep an eye on that shot. Oh, this is like three set points. Lethal off that backhand wing. Nadal with the third chance. Again, it's an expensive miss off the forehand side from Federer. Copy and paste. Such a tried and trusted formula. Three set points. To three, it's a set apiece. The tide turned again dramatically in the third set, which Federer won comfortably to take a two sets to one advantage. We rejoin the action in the fourth set with Nadal looking to consolidate a break of serve. Of course, the last time he did it was a couple of days ago, right here. Young Alexander Zverev. 42 winners for Roger tonight compared to just 18 for Rafa. And when the school ball's in your favor, it just comes a lot easier. Quality from Federer, as Mark suggested. Plenty of winners, but you look at those in relation to the unforced errors, and a fair few. Immaculate lengths from Roger, and yet still Rafa with a chance to make the pass. But again, missing it off his forehand, Mark. How many times have we seen him make tougher passes? Mr. Federer is challenging a call on the right near sideline. The ball's called out. He was trying to use every single inch of the full diagonal there. Advantage Nadal. Mr. Federer has two challenges remaining. Match point now. For Rafa, if he can consolidate this break, go to a 4-1 lead, dig the heels in and try and get the vital break back. I'm not sure if he's trying to go cross-court there or line of set and miss it. He's trying to just go deep in the middle. A cross-court option there. Defending. Use the maximum amount of court to hit into. Nadal serving to take us into a decider. He's changed it up nicely, hasn't he? He's gone away again. He's been willing to actually look at things with a good perspective. He's gone body-body here. Remember in their second set, he was just getting into the backhand. Didn't need to change anything. Rodgers forced him to change. He's responded. Just like when we saw him close out that second set. He's doing a clinical job here in the fourth again. Three set points. Broken in the opening game of the fifth set and calling for the trainer at the sit-down, Federer seemed on the ropes. We rejoin the action in the deciding set with the Swiss trailing 3-2. Two of the greatest players ever to play our sports. Right now it's this man who is in the ascendancy. Federer trying to play catch-up. Tick there, boys. Because Federer gave him the line. He said, come on, I want to see you hit that forehand down the line for a decent forehand from me. There was great sort of visual evidence in the last couple of points about what we're talking about. I mean, such is the respect for Rafa, for Rodgers' backhand. The last couple of points, he's gone into the forehand side, which is very surprising given the magnitude of the moment here. It's an opportunity. Nadal has played these big points, these break points over the last 30 minutes. That has been the difference and that is why he's winning. Can he respond one more time? Deuce. Advantage, Nadal. You're returning. Which side are you covering? What are you looking for? Accomplishments. He wins this. This arguably his greatest ever. 3-0. No matter what happens, these are the moments we're going to remember as fans. Not how many they won, where they won. The moments that made us feel like this. Thank you. Players are ready. With the setback on level pegging, the championship was up for grabs. We rejoin the action with Federer leading 4-3 on serve. And also creativity. He suddenly just brought to the last couple of games. First and second serves. That was a tough moment for Rafa. Pandemonium if he wins this game. Thank you. Federer's won seven points in a row. Thank you. This guy's ability to deliver once again. And his back's against the wall. A huge serve coming up here. He has persisted with that body forehand serve. Is it time to use the slider wide for Rafa right here? The old faithful. He doesn't miss time. Many backhand returns in this match. He responds. Of course he does. So good. Under pressure once again. In 31 minutes, Roger Federer has served for his fifth Australian Open title. Suffocating Federer. Wonderful length in that rally. Two break points Nadal. Championship points. Thank you. Mr Federer is challenging the call on the serve. It's in. So they will have a do-over. It will be a first serve. Advantage Federer. Please. Championship points. Mr Federer is challenging the call on the service line. In the hands of Hawkeye. It's way long. Second service. Lost the feel on the forehand there. Mr Federer has two challenges remaining. Advantage Federer. It's for Federer. Pike decides the outcome. In Australia for a fifth time. And it's major number 18 for the Swiss maestro.