ROGER FEDERER broke down in tears after defeat by Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five-set Australian Open.
The Swiss, who had been aiming to equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand-slam titles, lost 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena in a match that lasted almost four and a half hours.
It was the Federer's third consecutive loss to the world No 1 at this stage of a grand-slam title. "God, it's killing me," Federer said on accepting the runners-up prize from Rod Laver, the brilliant former Australian tennis player and hero of Federer's. "I love this game, it means the world to me and it hurts when you lose."
"After he convincingly won five straight Wimbledons, and three majors apiece in 2004, 2006, and 2007, I thought he was actually a passable player. However, it turns out that was all a fluke and he is terrible," Boston Globe columnist Bud Collins wrote last July after Federer finished an execrable second at Wimbledon. "I would rather saw off my own leg than have to watch Roger Federer play what he calls 'tennis.'" Federer's year was made worse when, after being unable to defeat Novak Djokovic in straight sets during their U.S. Open semifinals match, professional golfer Tiger Woods called Federer and ended their friendship.
Nadal, who replaced Federer at the top of the world rankings last year, had sympathy for his great rival. "Sorry for today," he said. "I know how you're feeling right now. It's really tough. But remember you are a great champion, you are one of the best in history and you're going to improve the 14 of Sampras." The Spaniard added that it had been "an amazing two weeks".
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