Australian Open Final 2009 - Final Highlights

Australian Open Final 2009 - Final Highlights

Watch highlights from the highly anticipated 2009 Australian Open men's final as the world's best tennis players - Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - battle in a five-set championship match.

Australian Open Final 2009 - Sunday Shot of the

Australian Open Final 2009 - Sunday Shot of the Day

Watch the shot of the day from Sunday's Australian Open men's final.

Viña del Mar Movistar Open Main Draw

Viña del Mar Movistar Open Main Draw

(1) Fernando González ( CHI ) bye
Q/LL vs. Q/LL
Marcos Daniel ( BRA ) vs. Potito Starace ( ITA )
Nicolás Devilder ( FRA ) vs. (5) Juan Mónaco ( ARG )

(3) Albert Montañés ( ESP ) bye
Q/LL vs. Nicolás Lapentti ( ECU )
Daniel Gimeno Traver ( ESP ) vs. Alberto Martín ( ESP )
Paul Capdeville ( CHI ) vs. (6) Eduardo Schwank ( ARG )

(7) Agustín Calleri ( ARG ) vs. Nicolás Massú ( CHI )
Fabio Fognini ( ITA ) vs. Q/LL
Thomaz Bellucci ( BRA ) vs. Q/LL
(4) José Acasuso ( ARG ) bye

(8) Oscar Hernández ( ESP ) vs. Martín Vassallo Argüello ( ARG )
Pablo Andujar ( ESP ) vs. Juan Ignacio Chela ( ARG )
Diego Junqueira ( ARG ) vs. Brian Dabul ( ARG )
(2) Tommy Robredo ( ESP ) bye
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Viña del Mar Movistar Open Monday Order of Play

Viña del Mar Movistar Open Monday Order of Play

Court Central:14.00pm
Pablo Andujar ( ESP ) vs. Juan Ignacio Chela ( ARG )
Nicolás Devilder ( FRA ) vs. Juan Mónaco ( ARG )
19.00pm
Pablo Andujar/Daniel Gimeno Traver vs. Fernando González/Hans Podlipnik ( CHI )
22.00pm
Paul Capdeville ( CHI ) vs. Eduardo Schwank ( ARG )

Court 1: 12.00pm
Mariano Zabaleta ( ARG ) vs. Juan Pablo Brzezicki ( ARG )
14.00pm
Daniel Gimeno Traver ( ESP ) vs. Alberto Martín ( ESP )
Oscar Hernández ( ESP ) vs. Martín Vassallo Argüello ( ARG )
Agustín Calleri ( ARG )/Potito Starace ( ITA ) vs. Máximo González ( ARG )/Nicolás Lapentti ( ECU )

Court 2: 12.00pm
Máximo González ( ARG ) vs. Daniel Muñoz De La Nava ( ESP )
14.00pm
Marcos Daniel ( BRA ) vs. Potito Starace ( ITA )

Court 6: 12.00pm
Pablo Cuevas ( URU ) vs. David Marrero ( ESP )

Court 7: 12.00pm
Boris Pashanski ( SER ) vs. Sebastián Decoud ( ARG )

"Australian Open Final Interview: Rafael Nadal"

"Australian Open Final Interview: Rafael Nadal"

Q. Number six Grand Slam. How special is that one for you?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, very special, no, for me. Is a dream win here, one Grand Slam on hard court. I worked very hard the last ‑‑ well, all my life for improve the tennis outside courts, well, outside of clay.

Very happy, no? Very happy for the title. Today was really lot of emotions on court. I was there with the best player I ever saw, like is Roger.

My uncle always told me Rod Laver was the best because he win two times the Grand Slam, the whole Grand Slam, the four in a row, and for like six or seven years he didn't play. So for that reason he can be.

Everything was very special. Sorry was tough moment for Rog today. I know how tough must be there in important situation from him. But, you know, no, he's a great champion. He's the best. And he's, for sure, very important person for our sport, no?

So sorry for him, but at the same time congratulate him for everything.

Q. How much trouble were you in in the third set when you had the treatment? How did you feel then?

RAFAEL NADAL: I end the match against Verdasco with the leg ‑ right leg ‑ the quadriceps and hamstring very tight. In the third set started to pushing, no? No cramping, but was scarey, no?

Well, I just ask for the trainer. Thank you very much to Paul, the trainer. Well, I didn't want to take the three minutes because I thought if the match is longer, I gonna take the three minutes later. I just want to make sure have the time for later if I need. Just put some cream, try to relax a little bit. That's it.

Q. Did it go away completely?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, no. Was there, no? But, well, that doesn't affect.

Q. Is there an explanation for the second serve where you seemed to have a little trouble?

RAFAEL NADAL: Trouble? For what reason?

Q. It's softer maybe than usual.

RAFAEL NADAL: Softer?

Q. Some double‑faults.

RAFAEL NADAL: Double‑faults? How many?

Q. Four.

RAFAEL NADAL: Four in four hours and a half I think is not bad.

No, no. Well, I understand your point. Well, maybe I have to try to put the ball little bit to the side more than the speed, no? Because if Roger touch the ball with the forehand, the return with the second serve, he gonna kill me, no?

So I just tried to put the ball on the backhand so I have a little bit more control with less speed. But, anyway, I didn't have the control of that, for sure.

Q. How does this compare to the first Roland Garros and Wimbledon?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, is different, no? Maybe, well, is the first Grand Slam on hard, so that makes very special. But at the same time, I didn't have time yet for enjoy the title because I am too tired, no? I went to the locker room and I was dizzy.

So was very happy, but the same time tough, no?

Q. Everybody is talking about the record of Pete Sampras, Roger coming near to it. You have now won Grand Slams on all kinds of surfaces and you're 22 years old. How far can you go, compared to these guys and records?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I have six right now, no? Happy with my six. Well, for sure I gonna continuing my best try every day for improve my tennis and for try to continuing win matches and titles.

But I know is very difficult, everything, no? Every title, I know how tough is win every one. I don't know if I gonna win more, but for sure I gonna continuing try. But, you know, when I won my first one I didn't know if I gonna be win more.

You never know when that stop. So you have to be always with precaution and you have to be humble for continuing work like all my life, no?

Q. What do you think made the difference at the end of the match? Was it more a physical battle or a mental battle?

RAFAEL NADAL: I don't know, no. I think he had more mistakes than me in the fifth. I was more solid than Roger on the fifth. For that reason I won the match, no?

In the game when I had the first break, he has one mistake with the important ‑‑ important mistake with the backhand on the breakpoint. That was very important for me.

Q. You saved 13 breakpoints. I mentioned it to Federer. He said, I wish I was a lefty. Do you think it's an advantage to be a lefty? Also, have you ever wished to be right‑handed in some situations?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, I happy with myself, no (smiling)? Is okay.

Q. The first part?

RAFAEL NADAL: The first part? Well, depends against who you play. I think for play against Roger is a little bit easier if you are lefty, no, because if you are righty, is very tough to play against his forehand all the time. Well, against his backhand is very tough, too. But, well, al menos you have the forehand, no?

Q. After the victory of Wimbledon last year and after the victory of the hard court now, I guess you proved yourself as a true king from this moment. How do you think about that?

RAFAEL NADAL: Can you repeat the last thing only?

Q. You proved yourself as a true king.

RAFAEL NADAL: Oh, no, no. Well, the true, no. I don't know. I just win for sure an important title for my careera. But I no better five hours before than now, no? That's the true, no?

When you win an important match, but you have to know before the match who you are and after the match you have to know who you are, too. You are the same, no?

Q. What did Rod Laver say to you out on the court?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, he told me the first four sets was amazing rhythm. He just congratulated me. And, well, he told me was very good fight, especially after the semifinals. Was very tough confrontation. And, well, he congratulated me.

He said, well, 15,000 people here and nobody left after 10 minutes in the final. I asked him how many people was on court when he played here.

Q. Have you ever spoken to him before?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yeah, I think one or two times.

Q. Were you worried the toll of the game on Friday would have on you today, or did you believe you were fit?

RAFAEL NADAL: Yes, little bit, no. Little bit tired. I was little bit worried about the physical performance because I practiced and was tough to keep the concentration, no?

But I spoke with the coach, before all the match, with Toni. He told me, Anyway, you go there and fight all the time and believe on the victory all the time. I think that's what I did in the end. Was good.

Q. You played Roger so many times. What did he do well against you today and what did he do not as well?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, I think he played inside, especially in some moments with the backhand, trying to put the ball ‑‑ well, go inside the court with the backhand. So that's was tough for me, no?

Well, the worse thing, the fifth set, maybe he had more mistakes than usual.

Q. Did you worry at all about the new clothes? Did you worry about being able to win with the new clothes?

RAFAEL NADAL: I was completely worried about that (smiling). I thought I lost the power with the new (laughter). C'mon.

Q. Do you plan to offer him a revenge at the PlayStation?
RAFAEL NADAL: Not yet. I have to practice more.


Interview from Australian Open
Getty Images by AFP/Getty Images

"Australian Open Final Interview: Roger Federer- 2/1"

"Australian Open Final Interview: Roger Federer- 2/1"

Q. Could we have your thoughts on the match.

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I thought it was a good match. But, no, I mean, I think I had, I guess, many chances. You know, I mean, I was up a break in the first twice. Yeah, I mean, I had many chances. I missed them, you know, and they cost me dearly.

It was a tough match. I don't think I served particularly well, unfortunately. And I think that was the key to the match in the end.

Q. When you're not serving well, what kind of things are going through your mind to try to get back?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, just hang in there. I mean, I won a set against Rafa serving, what, 30% first serves. You know, I mean, it's makable. I got a great second serve. Very reliable normally. I hit some stupid double‑faults, but that's going to happen in a five‑set match usually.

But, no, I mean, I tried to kind of get the grip on my serve, but never really found the rhythm, which was a pity. You know, but it happens.

Q. Can you take us through your emotions.

ROGER FEDERER: I mean, I fought hard, you know. I mean, I think I played well. I'm happy with where my game's at. I wish my serve would have been better, but that's something that sometimes is a bit, you know, day‑form issue, you know.

I have a completely different type of serve than Rafa. You know, he makes sure he gets it in; I try to go and chase the lines. So obviously you're always going to miss a few.

But, look, I mean, I love this game. It means the world to me, so it hurts when you lose.

Q. A lot of us felt at the end of the fourth set that the momentum probably had swung back in your direction. How tough is Nadal in a fifth set?

ROGER FEDERER: Tough like many other guys. You know, in a fifth set, anything can happen. That's the problem. Not usually the better player always wins. Just a matter of momentum sometimes.

You know, maybe I should have never been there, you know, in the first place. But, I mean, I think he played well. You know, I definitely played a terrible fifth set, you know. I kind of handed it over to him.

I mean, no doubt he's one of the tougher guys out there for a fifth set ‑ no doubt.

Q. Is there a feeling inside you that this is one that got away from you?

ROGER FEDERER: Uhm, well, I mean, kind of, you know. I mean, this is, sure, one of the matches in my career where I feel like I could have or should have won, you know.

But you can't go through your whole life as a tennis player taking every victory, you know, that's out there. You've got to live with those, you know. But they hurt even more so like if you're that close, you know, like at Wimbledon or like here at the Australian Open.

So that's what's tough about it. But I have no regrets, you know. So it's all right.

Q. Did you think him playing 5 hours, 14 minutes late on Friday night, did you feel like his condition might go if you could stretch the match out long enough?

ROGER FEDERER: Not really. I knew it was not going to affect him a whole lot, so didn't have any role to play in it. I was ready for that.

Q. Did you feel he was getting stronger at the end?

ROGER FEDERER: Not really. I think I played a bad fifth set. But, no, I mean, he was playing solid. I think he tried to also kind of keep the points short, you know, through the fourth and fifth set, you know.

So, yeah.

Q. Did it hurt more because it could have been the 14th for you and you have to wait for another time?

ROGER FEDERER: Not really. I mean, honestly, no. I mean, it's more like, you know, in the first moment you're disappointed, you're shocked, you're sad, you know, then all of a sudden it overwhelms you. The problem is you can't go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You can't. You know, you're stuck out there. It's the worst feeling, you know.

So, I don't know, it's rough.

Q. You mentioned you had problems with the first serve. You had only 52% of first serves in. You also had 19 breakpoints. That was happening on Nadal's serve. So what was the problem then? Only him serving well or you having some problems returning or what?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I wish I was a lefty, too, playing him breakpoints on the ad side, not on the deuce side. Sure, a great advantage for him. It's not the first time (smiling).

Q. Do you believe you still can beat him?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, for sure. I didn't spend four and a half hours out there believing it [sic].


Interview from Australian Open
AP Photo by Rick Stevens

Nadal beats Federer to win Australian Open Title

Nadal beats Federer to win Australian Open Title

Rafa Nadal defeated Roger Federer 7-5 3-6 7-6 3-6 6-2 to win the Australian Open title for the first time.

Nadal became the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open.

The victory took his grand slam tally to six and left him needing only to win the U.S. Open to complete the full set.

Sunday’s final at Melbourne Park lived up to all expectations as the two best players of their generation slugged it out for almost 4-1/2 hours in a classic match packed with magical shotmaking and intense drama.

The momentum swung back and forth throughout before Nadal struck the killer blow when he broke in the fourth game of the deciding set when Federer slapped a backhand into the net then again in the eighth game to seal a famous victory.

Nadal started the match full of energy and was still running as strongly as ever at the end. He broke Federer in the opening game and despite twice losing his own serve, he wrapped up the first set in 58 minutes after the Swiss master overcooked two backhands.

Nadal was again the first to break in the second set when Federer mistimed a forehand over the baseline but the three-times Australian Open champion won the next four games to level the match.

The pair maintained their extraordinary standard of play in a third set that was even more enthralling than the first two.

There were no service breaks in the set but Nadal saved three break points in the ninth and 11th games while world number two Federer survived a set point to force the tiebreaker.

While Nadal lost the first point on his serve, he regained his composure to win four on the trot after they were level at 3-3 to grab a two sets to one lead.

The pair traded breaks early in the fourth set before Federer saved five break points in the fifth game then broke Nadal in the next to seize the initiative.

Federer safely held his two games to force the match into a deciding fifth, the first time an Australian Open final had gone the distance since Mats Wilander beat Pat Cash in 1988, the same year the tournament switched from Kooyong to the current site at Melbourne Park.


Information from yahoo
Reuters Pictures

Indian pair Mirza and Bhupathi win mixed doubles

Indian pair Mirza and Bhupathi win mixed doubles

Sania Mirza teamed up with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi to win the Australian Open mixed doubles after they beat Nathalie Dechy and Andy Ram 6-3 6-1.

“It’s always a dream to win a grand slam. That’s what we all play for. It’s just great. It makes it more special because it’s with someone that I know for so long and so well. It’s been a great two weeks. Let’s hope a lot more people play and tennis grows. It’s been growing. It might take it to another levelMirza said.

“I think millions and millions of people watched this match today. Any time Sania plays at home, there’s a lot of people watching.I know for a fact the whole country’s excited now. It’s her first slam. She’s been in the news for the last four years.” said Bhupathi.

Bhupathi has now won four doubles titles, including three with compatriot Leander Paes, and seven mixed doubles titles, all with different partners.

Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 5th set

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 5th set

1336: Rafa's turn to speak: "Roger, I'm sorry for today. I know exactly how you feel. Just remember you're a great champion and you're one of the best in history and for sure you're going to match Sampras. To receive this trophy from Rod Laver is a dream for me. Thank you very much."

1333: That won't help Federer. Rafa Nadal takes the trophy from Rod Laver and lifts it high into the air. He immediately goes to Federer and gives him a hug and the world number two comes to the mike again. "I don't want to have the last word - this guy deserves it," saiy Fed, pointing to Rafa. "Rafa, congrats - you deserve it. All the best for the season."

1330: Roger Federer gets a massive roar from the crowd as he steps up to receive the runners-up plate. "I've felt better," says Fed. "Thanks for the support. You guys were unbelievable." But here come the tears. "Maybe I'll try later. God, it's killing me." The crowd give him another huge cheer, but the poor fella can't continue. He's sobbing as he steps away from the mike. Nadal joins in the applause for the beaten finalist.

1327: "We all want him to go on and win that 14th later in the year..." says Geoff. Not half as much as Fed I would imagine. The Swiss manages half a smile. Or was it a twitch?

1324: The man from the tournament sponsors rather kills the electric atmosphere with a fantastically dry speech... Here's Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard to jolly things along.

1321: Plenty of congratulations for Rafa Nadal, but no one dares go near Federer as he digests what has just happened. Eventually, Rod Laver approaches - and Fed manages a weak smile.

1318: If you thought the Wimbledon final might have hurt, that has got to be an absolute killer for Federer. Nadal seemed to be running on empty in that third set, but put in a superhuman effort to get back into it. Federer is sitting in his chair, exhausted, disbelieving. The 14th Grand Slam title will have to wait - but 'til when?

1315: Nadal falls to the ground in a star shape - just like that Wimbledon final - before jogging to the net to shake hands with a crestfallen Federer. Four hours and 23 minutes, a classic encounter.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 2-6 Nadal
Another double-fault from a crumbling Federer makes it 0-30 and Nadal is gifted two points for the title when Fed errs on a forehand. Nadal swings a routine return long and then a tense, tense rally ends with the Spaniard putting a tentative slice into the trams. A sensational backhand winner sets up another title point before Federer belts one final forehand over the line.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 2-5 Nadal
Federer can't buy a backhand and Nadal races out into a 40-0 lead. Another backhand over the baseline and Nadal is a game away... What do we think? Another twist? Surely...

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 2-4 Nadal
Massive roar greets Federer as he comes out to serve. Crucial game, and he's off to a good start, two double-quick winners and then a return over the baseline from Nadal. Hold to love.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 1-4 Nadal
Who's stolen Federer? He's all over the place. The feet aren't dancing and the errors are coming thick and fast. It's midnight in Melbourne and Nadal is closing in on his first hard-court Grand Slam title. Or is he? Nadal moves effortlessly into a 40-0 lead but a rasping forehand into the corner gets Fed back to 40-30. Return into the net though and Nadal jogs back to the chair.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 1-3 Nadal
Crowd still seem to be with Federer. The world number two rips a dazzling backhand crosscourt to open the game, but a double-fault gives Nadal a chance at 30-30 and then a backhand error gives the world number one the first break point of the set. Big loopy forehands from Nadal and Federer obliges by plonking another backhand into the net. Nervy stuff from Fed.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 1-2 Nadal
Federer again looks exhausted as his backhand barely makes it halfway up the net. Rafa holds to love.

1251: "Yeah yeah yeah."
Pat Cash on BBC 5 Live sports extra

1251: "It's 21 years since the last five-set final here, when Mats Wilander beat Pat Cash."
Jonathan Overend on BBC 5 Live sports extra

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 1-1 Nadal
Federer beginning to struggle physically now, the world number two floating a slice backhand over the baseline to give Nadal a 15-30 lead. Federer serve-volleys to take the next point before serving out to 30.

1247: "Perfect Sunday combo - an epic tennis final, a kipper on toast and a mango Bellini."
Anon via text on 81111
I feel sick just reading that

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 0-1 Nadal
Federer's loving this HawkEye fella now, challenging on the very first point - but Nadal's first serve brushes the line. The world number one holds to 15. We are four minutes short of the four-hour mark.

1243: "It's not even funny how good these two are. Just ridiculously scary. I can't pick a winner."
Rob, Preston, via text on 81111


Information from BBC
AP Photo by Andrew Brownbill

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 4th set

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 4th set

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 Nadal
Federer chops a backhand slice into the net and that's 15-15. His second serve is called out on the next point - and it looks like a desperate challenge from the world number two, but it's just on the line. Instead of 15-30, it's 30-15. Betcha like HawkEye now eh Rog? He serves out the set and it's a fifth set here we come.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 5-3 Nadal
At this point, I was meant to be beginning Premier League commentary. I don't know why I ever thought this wouldn't be an epic. Nadal give up on the set? Who said that? He holds to 15.
Live text - Premier League

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 5-2 Nadal
Looks like Nadal might have given up on this set, words I never, ever thought I'd write. Several tired returns there and all of a sudden, we're a game away from a fifth.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 4-2 Nadal
SOMEONE IN MY OFFICE IS WATCHING CRICKET! There's no helping some people. The poor, deluded fool is missing probably the greatest Australian Open final in history. If he continues, I'm going to name him and then you can email him yourself. Anyway, Nadal in a bit of trouble as he puts a bit too much work on his forehand and it flies wide. Another break point for Federer - and a monumental forehand forces Nadal to go long. The Swiss waits on the baseline pumping his fist as the ball goes past him.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 3-2 Nadal
Stop the ride I want to get off. Another epic. Two break points for Nadal. His return is called long, then corrected by the umpire, then challenged by Federer - and it is out. A seething Federer makes his feelings known to the ump. Fed then fizzes a backhand down the line. Nadal saves a game point after another gruelling rally, and then Fed wastes one with a double fault. A huge Nadal forehand forces the error and it's break point again. Federer plays the sort of drop shot even Andy Murray would be ashamed of - but Nadal puts his reply wide. He can't believe it. There follows another scarcely believable rally, Nadal ending it with a stunning forehand down the line. Ace from Fed but then he has to face a fifth break point, saving it with a forehand winner. After seven deuces, Federer somehow survives, but he's losing his famous cool.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 2-2 Nadal
You can't keep him down for long. Federer's big forehand forces an error and then his return rattles the net and drops just over. Nadal roars right back though, making it 30-30 with a beautiful pass down the line. A hold to 30.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 2-1 Nadal
Another loud "come on" from Federer as he places the volley into the open court to make it 30-30 - but he's celebrating too early. Two sensational forehands from Nadal earn him the break right back. Federer is furious - thwacking a ball into the advertising boards.

1206: "I forgot to set my alarm when I got in at 2am and when I woke up at half eleven I was worried it might be nearly over. Silly me."
Alex via text on 81111

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 2-0 Nadal
Federer flips a backhand past Nadal at the net and then the Spaniard nets so two more break points for Federer. The world number two sweeps a forehand winner down the line past a flat-footed Nadal and he finally converts to take his break point conversion rate to 28%, five from 18.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 1-0 Nadal
Nadal takes his foot off the gas. Poor. Noooo, I'm kidding. Federer holds to love.

1157: "I can't believe what I'm seeing. Extraordinary comeback. He was down and out but he hung in there. Nadal is running on pure adrenalin at the moment."
Pat Cash on BBC 5 Live sports extra



Information from BBC

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 3rd set

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 3rd set

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-7 (3-7) Nadal
Nadal hooks a forehand wide and that's an immediate mini-break, but then Fed shanks a forehand and it's as you were. Brave drive volley from Fed puts him ahead. Federer gets a backhand all wrong and it flies well wide, then sees a return go long. Supreme volley from Federer means they swap sides all square - but Fed gifts Nadal the advantage with a wild forehand. Nadal sends the forehand behind Federer - and then the world number one meets a brilliant Federer pass with a flying backhand volley. Stunning. Three set points for Nadal - and Federer double-faults. I cannot believe it. Actual screams of anguish from the crowd.

Federer 5-7 6-3 6-6 Nadal
A magical half-volley drop-shot takes Federer to 30-0, before Rafa rips a return winner and then correctly challenges a call off a Federer reflex volley to make it 30-30. Fed nets and that's set point for Rafa. Are you kidding me? Federer finds a big first serve which Nadal can only put in the trams. Three deuces and on the last Federer comes up with a mind-boggling backhand before eventually holding with an ace. Hold your breath, tie-break time.

1142: No treatment for Nadal at that changeover.

1141: "Is Rafa's and Federer's one of the greatest sporting rivalries ever? Recently every match they play seems to be an absolute epic and full of unbelievable tennis."
NeutralGlover on 606
Join the debate on 606

Federer 5-7 6-3 5-6 Nadal
Another epic, epic game and we're definitely reaching Wimbledon 2008 levels. Fed swipes a backhand return at Nadal's feet before blasting a forehand out wide, an exhausted Nadal bending and netting his response. Two break points. Nadal again lifts himself to save both, Federer hammering a forehand long on the second. He challenges, but it's a desperate call. Miles out. Nadal's turn to challenge on the next point, but again it's out. Federer has a third break point, and Nadal produces a sizzling forehand winner. I'm running out of words to describe this effort from Nadal. Quite unbelievable. Nadal barely has the energy to celebrate.

Federer 5-7 6-3 5-5 Nadal
Nadal wins the first point but then sees his return miss the line by a matter of millimetres, then at 30-15 he slaps a pass into the net. That was a chance. Federer holds to 15.

1128: More treatment for Nadal at the changeover, a nibble on a banana... If Nadal wins this, it will be one of the greatest performances I have ever seen.

Federer 5-7 6-3 4-5 Nadal
Nadal thwacks a backhand miles out to give Fed the early lead, the kind of error you just don't expect from the world number one. He swings a forehand into the trams after another gruelling exchange and Fed has three break points - game over surely. Er, no. Nadal saves the first two with what John Lloyd correctly describes as "immense points". Rafa then catches Fed unawares with a serve to his forehand. Unbelievable. Rafa gets himself to game point but it's another energy-sapping rally, Federer out of it but then back in it, before Nadal puts a tired backhand into the net. What does he do next? Rattles down an ace of course. The man is not human.

Federer 5-7 6-3 4-4 Nadal
Nadal is definitely playing some tired-looking shots at the moment, a backhand slice over the baseline giving Federer a 40-15 lead. The second seed pummels a forehand onto the baseline for a comfortable hold. Big game coming up - but aren't they all?

1116: The trainer is out for Nadal. He's getting a massage to his right thigh. This is not encouraging for Rafa fans.

Federer 5-7 6-3 3-4 Nadal
Nadal opens the game with his fourth double fault. Is tiredness creeping in? A big first serve follows but then he puts a forehand pass over the baseline. Federer has a chance at 15-30 when the second serve sits up but he nets the return and then makes two backhand errors on the trot. Bit of a let-off for Nadal.

Federer 5-7 6-3 3-3 Nadal
Nadal pops a tablet at the changeover. A paracetemol, reckons Pat Cash on BBC 5 Live sports extra. Doesn't seem to be much wrong with the world number one. Federer nets a backhand and gives Nadal the first break point of the set. Again the first serve deserts the second seed but he dispatches a forehand winner as Nada's return lands too short. A gruelling baseline rally at deuce and the tension rises before Nadal fires long. Federer screams his delight at that.

Federer 5-7 6-3 2-3 Nadal
A rare unforced error from Nadal as he overcooks a forehand. He follows it with the shot of the match so far. Federer looks poised to win the point when he directs his forehand volley into the corner but Nadal sprints across the baseline and plays the forehand pass back behind him. Uncle Toni is on his feet to applaud that one - as is the rest of the crowd. At game point, Fed again scrambles back an unbelievable defensive lob but Nadal survives.

Federer 5-7 6-3 2-2 Nadal
What the blazes? Federer leaps around at the back to return two smashes and he's suddenly back in the point but Nadal keeps his cool and drop shots. Fed gets to 30-15 but an awful volley allows Nadal to draw level. Deadly ace from Fed before he drop shots, cutting off the resulting volley. New balls - and a new bat for Fed.

1056: "Following the match via mobile in church. Come on Fed!"
Anon via text on 81111
As long as you're not the vicar...

Federer 5-7 6-3 1-2 Nadal
Nadal unleashes on a backhand, leaving Federer is swishing at air. He follows it with a double fault to make it 30-15 and then after a rat-a-tat exchange at the net, Nadal volleys wide. That was like a throwback to the 1970s. Aaah, lovely. Back to the baseline as Federer's slice has Nadal in a muddle and that makes it deuce. Couple of deuces, couple of sensational rallies, but Nadal comes through.

Federer 5-7 6-3 1-1 Nadal
Federer's first serve percentage in that last set was 37%. He nails two in a row before easing into a 40-0 lead but Nadal hauls himself back into the game at 40-30. The top seed lures Fed in with a drop shot but the lob is too short and the second seed puts away the smash.

Federer 5-7 6-3 0-1 Nadal
Federer saves one game point with a gigantic forehand which even the Mallorcan muscles can't deal with. Otherwise, it's an impressive game from the top seed.

1041: The camera follows Rafa Nadal running back from his toilet break, urging himself to get back on track. Not much sign of tiredness there.

1040: "When the going got tough in that set, the unforced errors crept into Nadal's game. Is that because he's a little bit tired? He has to be."
Andrew Castle on BBC2


Information from BBC

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 2nd set

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 2nd set

Federer 5-7 6-3 Nadal
Fed coolly half-volleys a forehand off the baseline and into the open court to make it 30-15 before a Nadal error brings up two set points. The Spaniard's return loops over the baseline and Federer punches the air. One set all, and we go again.

Federer 5-7 5-3 Nadal
Federer catches Nadal running in the other direction with a backhand down the line and follows it with a cunning sliced backhand that the Spaniard can't do anything with. That's 15-30, and Federer whips away another forehand winner to bring up two break points. Nadal produces a daring second serve onto the centre line before hammering a forehand crosscourt, and on the second, delivers a big serve out wide to draw the error. Federer comes right back, jumping on a short ball, but Nadal saves a third break point with an ace down the 'T'. Incredible serving under pressure from the world number one. Federer earns a fourth chance with some pinpoint hitting from the back, but Nadal again survives with a deft drop shot. Couple more deuces, before Federer unleashes a huge backhand to rock Nadal. Fifth break point - and finally Nadal succumbs. Federer will serve for the set. Call the doctor. I'm not sure my nerves can handle it.

Federer 5-7 4-3 Nadal
Federer muttering to himself about his first serve - which is down to a quite rubbish 32% in this set. His forehand is looking pretty good though and he holds to 30.

Federer 5-7 3-3 Nadal
Nadal delivers his first double of the day to give Federer some hope at 15-30. A swinging serve out wide makes it 30-30 but then Nadal flops a tame forehand into the net. Strange. Federer, without doing an awful lot, breaks back when Nadal goes long. The now familiar cry of "come on" from the world number two.

Federer 5-7 2-3 Nadal
Nadal powers a sizzling backhand down the line, with an extra-loud grunt for effect. He then produces another brutal backhand - this time crosscourt - to make it 15-30. Gasps of awe from the BBC commentary box after that one. Federer gets his feet all wrong and dumps a forehand low into the net to gift Nadal a break point. The Spaniard nails a return onto the line and Federer is now in all sorts of bother.

Federer 5-7 2-2 Nadal
Fed gives Nadal a taste of his own medicine, wresting control of a point which wasn't his to win and sending a majestic forehand into the corner. Another forehand winner gets him to break point - but Nadal coolly hammers an ace down the middle, on Fed's forehand side, to get out of trouble.

Federer 5-7 2-1 Nadal
Federer appears to have rediscovered his first serve - and it's proving quite handy. A magical half-volley takes him to 40-0 and an ace seals the game to love.

Federer 5-7 1-1 Nadal
Nadal, for only about the second time today, serves to Federer's forehand and sees the ball come flying back past him. That sees him pegged back to 40-30 but he smacks a stunning backhand crosscourt to level up.

0957: "The only hope for Fed to equal Sampras's 14 Slams is to be in the finals without Nadal..."
idunnotennis on 606

John Lloyd
0956: "That was huge for Federer. He got battered around by Nadal at the end of that first set, and he needed a good start."
John Lloyd on BBC2

Federer 5-7 1-0 Nadal
Fed's first-set stats read: 16 unforced errors, 54% first serve. Not good. Shaky start in this set too, trailing 0-30 before a forehand winner and an ace get him back on track. He plucks a drive volley out of the air to move to game point, before an ace - confirmed by HawkEye - closes it out. That should make him feel a bit better.


Information from BBC

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 1st set

Federer vs Nadal - Australian Open Men's Final - 1st set

Check out what happened during the first set of the Australian Open Men's Final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal...

Federer 5-7 Nadal
Federer off the boil big time as he nets a backhand and then blasts a forehand long. Nadal off to the easiest of starts and he quickly earns two set points when Fed goes long again. He takes the second after an astonishing rally, again turning defence into attack. 57 minutes gone and it's advantage Rafa.

Federer 5-6 Nadal
Federer plants a volley into the trams but on the next point, he dives almost Becker-style to pluck a Nadal pass out of the air and into the open court. A Nadal drop-shot makes it 15-30 and Federer then puts a routine forehand wide. Nadal produces a forehand pass off the baseline and he will serve for the set. Poor game from Fed, whose first serve abandons him at precisely the wrong moment.

Federer 5-5 Nadal
Nadal powers a forehand down the line, but Federer shows off his own brilliance in defence by flicking a backhand crosscourt. That gets him the first point but Nadal reels off the next three to make it 40-15. A backhand return forces Nadal to net, but the Spaniard clinches the game at the second attempt.

Federer 5-4 Nadal
Nadal wraps his racquet round one of those angled forehands, which lands plumb on the line, but Federer quickly closes out the game.

0932: "I didn't fancy Nadal before the start and I still stick to my RF in four prediction but he's got to get his first serve going again. 58% will not help him against Nadal..."
Chip it like Vela on 606
Join the debate on 606

Federer 4-4 Nadal
Nadal in a teeny bit of trouble at 30-30, but two returns into the net from Federer allow him to hold.

0928: "That double-fault has to come down to the pressure Nadal created in the previous two points."
John Lloyd on BBC2

Federer 4-3 Nadal
Federer looks to have played the perfect, low backhand volley but Nadal somehow manages to chip it back for a winner. He has complete control of the next point too but an inspired Nadal flips a forehand winner cross-court - and Federer double-faults on the break point. Hmmm.

0925: "Isn't it refreshing to watch two players in a Grand Slam final that are both able to compete at the highest level? Not quite the shambles of yesterday... Federer in four!"
Fungus the Bogeyman on 606
Join the debate on 606

Federer 4-2 Nadal
Nadal's turn to raise an arm in the international sign for "HawkEye please". But the Spaniard's forehand misses by a millimetre and that's 30-30. A forehand down the line takes Fed to break point and he dances round a short second serve and powers away the return winner.

John Lloyd
0919: "It looks like Federer has decided to take the ball early on the backhand side and not let it rise around his shoulders. He's handled it pretty well so far."
John Lloyd on BBC2

Federer 3-2 Nadal
At 30-30, Nadal tears across the baseline and flings a desperate forehand down the line. No call - so Fed challenges and HawkEye comes to his rescue. A backhand into the net lets Nadal back in at deuce, but that's as close as he gets.

0914: "My girlfriend got up at 3:30am in Boston to watch this. I just can't compete with Rafa's Mallorcan muscles."
Rich via text on 81111

A celeb has been spotted at Melbourne Park
Federer 2-2 Nadal
Celebrities in the crowd include Chris Judd, ex-husband of J-Lo and recent winner of the US version of I'm a Celebrity... Good enough for a champagne graphic? You betcha. Back to the tennis and Nadal seems to be targeting the Federer backhand. Can't imagine why. An easy hold for the top seed.

Federer 2-1 Nadal
This is beginning to warm up nicely now. Nadal begins with a booming backhand winner, before Federer hits right back with a beautiful forehand. The world number two holds to 15.

Federer 1-1 Nadal
Welcome to the final Mr Federer. The world number two hammers a forehand crosscourt to work a 15-30 lead, having apparently shaken off those early nerves. Nadal's forehand thwacks the net and balloons over the baseline and Fed has an immediate break-back point, but his backhand return flops into the net. Three deuces follow before Federer earns a second chance with a glorious forehand into the corner but he again errs on the backhand. Nadal belts a forehand long to give Federer a third bite of the cherry - and this time, he rifles a forehand behind Nadal to break straight back. A 10-minute game.

Federer 0-1 Nadal
Bit nervous are we Rog? A wild double-fault is followed by a mis-hit off the backhand and Nadal has two break points. Another shank gives Nadal the early advantage. Awful opening game from Federer and Nadal's plan works to perfection.

0851: Federer to get us going then...

0850: Prediction time from the BBC TV crew. Andrew Castle goes for Rog, John Lloyd goes for Rafa (despite what he just said). Chris Bailey picks Rog, John Inverdale sits firmly on the fence.


Information from BBC

Watch Tennis Live Australian Open Men's Final Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal Online Free Video Streaming

"Watch Tennis Live Australian Open Men's Final Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal Online Free Video Streaming"

Sunday 2/1
Australian Open Men's Final Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal

03:30am ET to 08:00am ET
Link

"Australian Open Final Interview: Mahesh Bhupathi & Sania Mirza- 2/1"

"Australian Open Final Interview: Mahesh Bhupathi & Sania Mirza- 2/1"

Q. Your first Grand Slam title, Sania. How are you feeling?

SANIA MIRZA: Great. I mean, you know, it's always a dream to win a Grand Slam. That's what we all play for I think when we're younger.

It's just great. It makes it more special because it's with someone that I know for so long and so well.

Yeah, it's great. It's great to win it.

Q. What was it like serving for the championship? What was going through your mind?

SANIA MIRZA: Nothing, actually. I was trying to block that score out. I wasn't really looking at the scoreboard and thinking, Oh, it's 5‑1, I'm serving for the championship. I was just trying to serve it out like it was any other game.

Q. What was your feeling when you were holding the cup out on center court?

SANIA MIRZA: I think it's a feeling that you can't really describe. You're obviously very happy. It's a dream come true.

Q. Mahesh, have you personally played a better game of doubles than you did today?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Yeah, I felt I've been playing pretty well the last couple of days. Had a good hit this morning. So obviously it's a huge bonus if you can play high quality in a Grand Slam final because that takes a lot of pressure off.

I think both of us played a very high‑quality match today.

Q. A very good tournament for Indian tennis.

SANIA MIRZA: Yeah, it is. I mean, even in the juniors, we had a Grand Slam champion as well. So, yeah, it's been a great two weeks.

Q. How much impact might this have back in India?

SANIA MIRZA: Let's hope a lot. You know, it's great. I don't remember the last time when we had so many ‑‑ I mean, he played the finals, we won today, Yuki won. It's been a great two weeks.

Let's hope a lot more people play, and tennis grows. It's been growing. It might take it to another level.

Q. The first all‑Indian pair to win a mixed doubles at a Grand Slam.

SANIA MIRZA: It's great. What can you say? We've been playing for I think four or five slams now. We came very close last year, as well.

Yeah, we did one better this time. We hope to continue.

Q. Mahesh, what are your goals for this year? Are you going to continue playing together? Any particular tournaments in mind?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Well, you know, for us, it's always four slams where we have the opportunity to play mixed.

Ideally I'd like to continue playing with her, now that we're doing so well (laughter).

Q. In your businessman's hat would you consider a mixed doubles tournament in India?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Yeah, we might consider an exhibition. I don't know, you know, maybe once the economy turns around across the world, we'll look at it. Obviously I think millions and millions of people watched this match today. Any time Sania plays at home, there's a lot of people watching, so...

Q. You mentioned in your presentation speech, you thanked your box about an emotional rollercoaster this week.

MAHESH BHUPATHI: The weekend. I mentioned it because we lost a tough one last night. Obviously we were a bit down. But tried to stay as positive as possible in the final today. Getting through was big.

Q. How do you bounce back from that and play the tennis you played today?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: I don't know. I mean, like I said, you know, both my coach, trainer and obviously Sania, they were trying to keep me as positive as possible.

But going home without a title after making two finals just crossed my mind a few too many times today in the match (laughter). But it didn't happen. Happy about that.

Q. Was it a different final than the last one when you played against Bjorkman and Rafter?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Well, the atmosphere in '99 was sensational, playing Pat here in the final with the full house. It was amazing. It was a five‑set match.

Yesterday, again, we dominated the first two sets. We had our chances. We didn't take them. When you don't against the Bryans, that's tough.

Q. What will the reception be like when you get home?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Well, hopefully not too big. I'm not a big fan of receptions. I'd like to sneak out the back door at the airport tomorrow.

I know for a fact the whole country's excited now. It's her first slam. She's been in the news for the last four years. I think a lot of good players in the past have won a slam in either doubles or mixed and then gone on to do better things, like Lleyton Hewitt. Even Venus and Serena, they won their first slams in mixed. They were confident to move up in singles.

Q. Will you go home before your next tournament?

MAHESH BHUPATHI: Yeah, we're heading home.

SANIA MIRZA: Heading home.

Q. How would you compare your form when you first got here to today?

SANIA MIRZA: I think today, especially today, I think we both played really well. Honestly, I was a little surprised because it was my first final of a Grand Slam, nerves and everything. But I think we stepped it up after the first few games, and then suddenly we were on a roll.

The last few days I've been feeling like I've been hitting the ball really well. Yeah, it helps when your partner helps you out so much, when you make a couple of returns and he's flying on the net.

Q. Physically, things are still going really well? The wrist is good?

SANIA MIRZA: The wrist has held up. That's the biggest positive, is that I played men's players for the last two weeks, and it's held up.


Interview from Australian Open
Reuters Pictures

Viña del Mar Movistar Open Doubles Draw

Viña del Mar Movistar Open Doubles Draw

(1) Frantisek Cermak ( RCH )/Michal Mertinak ( SVK ) vs. Nicolás Devilder ( FRA )/Oliver Marach ( AUT )
Agustín Calleri ( ARG )/Potito Starace ( ITA ) vs. Máximo González ( ARG )/Nicolás Lapentti ( ECU )
(4) Alberto Martín/Tommy Robredo ( ESP ) vs. Johan Brunstrom ( SUE )/Jean Julien Rojer ( AHO )
Pablo Andujar/Daniel Gimeno Traver ( ESP ) vs. Fernando González/Hans Podlipnik Castillo ( CHI )

Diego Junqueira/Eduardo Schwank ( ARG ) vs. Paul Capdeville/Adrián García ( CHI )
Thomas Bellucci ( BRA )/Martín Vassallo Argüello ( ARG ) vs. (3) Pablo Cuevas ( URU )/Brian Dabul ( ARG )
Oscar Hernández/Albert Montañés ( ESP ) vs. Juan Pablo Guzmán ( ARG )/Daniel Muñoz De La Nava ( ESP )
José Acasuso/Sebastián Prieto ( ARG ) vs. (2) Lucas Arnold Ker/Juan Mónaco ( ARG )

Bryan brothers win Open doubles title

Bryan brothers win Open doubles title

Bob and Mike Bryan won their seventh Grand Slam doubles title Saturday when they bounced back to crush Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 in the Australian Open final.

The Bryans looked headed for defeat when Bhupathi and Knowles raced through the first set.

But after the Bryans won the hard-fought second, it was plain sailing in the third.

"We were a little lucky to win today, but we really love coming here to play. It's a really special event," said Mike Bryan.

It was the second seeds' third Australian Open title with the win taking them back to number one in the world.

Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Main Draw

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Main Draw

Igor Andreev (RUS,1) vs Qualifier
Qualifier vs Ernests Gulbis (LAT)
Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) vs Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
Qualifier vs Mario Ancic (CRO,7)

Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA,4) vs Roko Karanusic (CRO)
Nikola Mektic (CRO,WC) vs Jan Hernych (CZE)
Lovro Zovko (CRO,WC) vs Victor Hanescu (ROU)
Mischa Zverev (GER) vs Andreas Seppi (ITA,6)

Simone Bolelli (ITA,8) vs Viktor Troicki (SRB)
Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) vs Christophe Rochus (BEL)
Qualifier vs Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR)
Philipp Petzschner (GER) vs Ivo Karlovic (CRO,3)

Jurgen Melzer (AUT,5) vs Evgeny Korolev (RUS)
Guillermo Canas (ARG) vs Antonio Veic (CRO,WC)
Marc Gicquel (FRA) vs Florent Serra (FRA)
Arnaud Clement (FRA) vs Marin Cilic (CRO,2)

"Australian Open Final Interview: Bob & Mike Bryan- 1/31"

"Australian Open Final Interview: Bob & Mike Bryan- 1/31"

Q. Why are you building a gym at home?

BOB BRYAN: Rehab for my shoulder.

MIKE BRYAN: Yeah. We had an extra garage. We had the music room in the other garage. Every time we went across the street to the club, we got hassled by members. We'd always sit in there and talk to the members.

BOB BRYAN: Not hassled.

MIKE BRYAN: Just talked. Didn't get as much work as we wanted done.

Q. When did you build it?

BOB BRYAN: The day after Shanghai.

MIKE BRYAN: I did most of it.

BOB BRYAN: You cleaned.

MIKE BRYAN: I cleaned out the garage, dusted it all, put down the carpet and mirror, got the equipment. Yeah, we spend a couple hours every day in there. Don't have a heater. It's pretty freezing in there.

Q. There was a time a year ago or so that people started to doubt you could win slams routinely.

BOB BRYAN: It's not routine. It's never routine. Like I said before the final to Mike, let's go play like it's our last slam final. You never know when you're going to be in another one.

We really cherish each one. There's so many good teams out there. You have to stay healthy. Like we saw last year, I didn't even know if I was going to have my serve back.

We're really excited to be healthy and be on top again. I think we'll take over the No. 1 ranking again, which is where we feel the best. We feel at home at No. 1. It's a little bit different to being in the off‑season as the No. 2 team. It made us want to work harder.

Seven weeks off really refreshed us mentally. I felt like we came into last season a little irritable. Long Davis Cup match, a lot of stress and pressure. Didn't get much time off. Had like five days off after the exhibition season. We came in here kind of baked. The whole season was like swimming uphill.

This year we feel like we have a clean slate. We're healthy mentally is the big thing.

Q. You've been so committed to Davis Cup, but it does take its toll.

BOB BRYAN: The final was awesome, the best moment we've ever had in tennis. But definitely stressful. I mean, we go out there, we don't get much sleep for the whole week leading up. You're out there training. Keep training hard. We didn't go to Shanghai. But we kept training, training, training, all the way to early December. Right after that, just straight to exhibitions.

This year we just put the racquets down for a month. We didn't pick up a racquet for a month. Just worked out in the gym. Only did two exhibitions. Didn't go to Hawaii like we usually do. Just stayed at home. Didn't get off the couch. Watched movies all day and left on January 8th. We built the gym at the house so we didn't have to leave. We just got in a routine, just cleared the mind, feel refreshed for the first time in a long time.

Q. Is your shoulder a hundred percent?

BOB BRYAN: Yeah. I mean, it's pretty close to a hundred percent. It still feels a little weird.

MIKE BRYAN: Feels a lot better.

BOB BRYAN: Yeah, it feels a ton better. That tear is healed. I'm still working on it every day to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Q. Looking at tonight's match, after a very poor first set, how did you turn it around?

MIKE BRYAN: We got broken first game of the match. You feel a little frantic. It felt like things were going wrong. They played great tennis to beat us 6‑2 in the first.

It came down to one or two points. Bob hit that kind of a lucky shot where he wasn't looking. It was on a big point at 15‑30. That's kind of a miracle shot. Then that kind of put the burn in the back of their mind, I think. Then it just opened up. We relaxed.

We call it getting the pickle out of the jar. You're working so hard, it kind of just breaks free. We loosened up and let our shots go. That's one of the best sets we've played in a long time, the third.

It was a good match. It was high quality. Mark and Mahesh rose to the occasion and played some good tennis. Feel bad for them that they were so close. I feel it was a little luck, but it went our way. We started playing pretty good at the end.

Q. Did the match come quicker than you thought, because of the women's single?

MIKE BRYAN: That was a blowout. We've seen it a few times before. Played behind the women. A lot of time they're quick, yeah. I think we played after Henin and she pulled out. That was a quick one.

BOB BRYAN: Henin/Mauresmo. Then Serena and Sharapova.

MIKE BRYAN: Then the French Open, there was a French Open final where Henin beat someone just really bad.

BOB BRYAN: Clijsters.

MIKE BRYAN: We're surprised, but we're always ready. Yeah, we have a routine down where we shower, we're ready for anything.

Q. You've been around for a long time, had a lot of success, traveled. What kind of reaction do you find yourself getting coming back to these places? How is it different from the earlier years?

BOB BRYAN: I feel like our fan base is growing. We get a pretty warm reception down here. It feels good coming down here. It feels like a lot of people know us. When we're walking around, there's a lot of tennis fans out there. We're signing some autographs in the casino or whatever. It makes you feel good because tennis fans know who we are, but most people don't.

Yeah, we walk around Camarillo, our hometown, fine, not have to sign autographs, anything. Just nice to be recognized once or twice a day. Makes you feel good. I don't know.

Q. Go back to the casino part.

MIKE BRYAN: We stay at the Crown every year. It's a blast. Bob does a little bit of gambling. Not much.

BOB BRYAN: Just peanuts.

Q. You're not like Sampras.

BOB BRYAN: We don't gamble to make money. We're not trying to make money.

MIKE BRYAN: We don't go to The Mahogany Room. There's a Mahogany Room where the high‑limit guys go. Andy is up there going big swings. I played with my girlfriend. Cent slots.

BOB BRYAN: Two cent slots.

MIKE BRYAN: Trying to earn dinner, you know.

Q. Can you talk about the Olympic match might affect you in Davis Cup? And how do you not give Roger Federer too much respect?

MIKE BRYAN: When we were playing them, you watch them on TV so much, you're a little bit in awe and you're expecting them to hit the big shot, ace you on a big shot, just because we're huge fans of the guy. I'm always rooting for him. Can't believe some of the stuff he does.

We felt like we had to overplay in that match. We were a little bit nervous and sluggish. It felt like he was kind of just freezing us a few times. It doesn't happen very often where you kind of play a legend. It happened when I played Andre at the US Open in singles. I had posters in my room.

We're going to try to treat him like a normal human being. It's kind of nice being the underdog. Everyone said we were the heavy favorites playing those guys over at the Olympics. We probably were because they hadn't played much together. But this time the pressure's kind of released; they're the Olympic medalists.

Yeah, I mean, it's a really important match to us, for the U.S. I see that as kind of the swing point, 'cause I think Stan is going to have trouble breaking Andy and James on that quick court, but Roger's probably going to be Roger in singles.

Q. It's pretty hard for one guy to win three points.

BOB BRYAN: It is.

MIKE BRYAN: It is.

BOB BRYAN: It will be nice to keep those guys out there on the Saturday. I think Andy and James will enjoy watching Roger and Stan put in the work on the Saturday. They'll just be kicking back at the hotel or watching one set and getting that huge rest.

Like we see out here, it's hard to bounce back. The body needs time to recover and regenerate. If you're on the court pounding away, even if it's a doubles match, it's still mentally taxing and physically taxing.

Q. Do you think Rafa is going to have a hard time tomorrow?

BOB BRYAN: If anyone can pull it off, it's Rafa. If it was me, I'd be in a body bag right now.

Q. You're going into Miami as the defending champions. Can you talk about that, your feelings about that tournament.

MIKE BRYAN: We always try to peak for Miami. We consider that the next biggest tournament behind the slams. When everyone asks us what our favorite tournament is, we say this one and Miami.

We love staying right there on South Beach. It's just a great atmosphere. Fans come out. It feels like a prime time tournament. So we always try to play our best tennis there.

Yeah, it's great we're defending champions. We've always wanted to be on that player board. We finally got it the last couple years. Then they took it out of the locker room. Hopefully they put it back.

But, yeah, definitely that's one of our favorite tournaments. We love coming to Miami.

Q. Did you say you were going out with Serena?

MIKE BRYAN: Yeah.

BOB BRYAN: We went two years ago. We've been seeing each other at the courts these two weeks. We just said, Let's do a repeat of two years ago. She won the singles, we won the doubles, then we all went out in the club until the wee morning of Sunday.

Q. Is that club still here?

BOB BRYAN: Same club. Right across the street from the hotel.

MIKE BRYAN: All I know is Serena usually picks up the bill.

Q. She didn't beat you guys when you were 10?

BOB BRYAN: No.

MIKE BRYAN: We knew her. They grew up in Southern California. They came up to our club.

No, we were always just way older. I know she said she beat Andy.

Q. Could you talk about the challenges of the new drug testing regime.

BOB BRYAN: Yeah, it's pretty strict. We got tested a few times when we were home. The tough thing is you got to be worried to go to breakfast at 8 in the morning. You got to wait it out and stay until 9. If you're clear, you can go eat breakfast. You always got to kind of be on‑call. I guess it's the responsibility of a professional athlete.

It's a little bit brutal. They can't call you. I guess that's the rule now. We have one or two missed tests, so we got to be really aware of what we're doing and make sure.

MIKE BRYAN: Yeah, you got to communicate with whoever it is, the ITF, where you're going to be at all times. They even want to know when you're flying in, the day you arrive, if you're going to be at the hotel for an hour.

We missed a couple. Just weren't thinking. Just down in L.A. One time I got a flat tire. But, yeah, you just got to be ready for anything.

Q. They just knock on the door?

MIKE BRYAN: Yeah, they just knock on the door.

BOB BRYAN: Knock on the door. If you're not there... They used to call you, and you have one hour. That's usually enough time to get to the house. But now they don't call you.

Mike missed a test. He was just at breakfast. Just had an extra long breakfast.

MIKE BRYAN: Every time we're home, they're usually there, one of the days. I think we got tested 15 to 20 times last year. It's either USADA or the ITF. Yeah, you just got to be home.

Q. Can you not miss another test?

MIKE BRYAN: I think I have ‑‑ April ‑‑

BOB BRYAN: Until April he's got to be clean.

MIKE BRYAN: But I'm sure I can appeal because this body doesn't look like a 'roided‑out body.

Q. Rafa described it in Spanish as intolerable harassment, and Roger says it's a necessary evil. Where do you come down on that?

BOB BRYAN: I don't know. I think once someone gets banned for missing a few tests, then you hear the stories and they're kind of ridiculous stories, then I think we'll probably have a problem with it. If it's one of our friends that goes out, if Mike gets banned...

MIKE BRYAN: I think it has to be done, though. It's fair across the board. You don't want doping in tennis. The fans definitely don't want anyone playing that's ‑‑

BOB BRYAN: ‑‑ cheating.

MIKE BRYAN: It's good. I think we just got to get used to the strictness.

BOB BRYAN: The strictness.

Q. Was it really a flat tire?

MIKE BRYAN: I missed a couple. One of them, I think I got a flat tire. I was trying to make my way back up from L.A. One I decided to take my girlfriend to San Francisco for a day. I wasn't thinking. I didn't call my agent or the ITF.

Q. Nestor and Zimonjic got beaten in the second round. Were you surprised?

BOB BRYAN: Yeah. They've been a tough team for the last year. They're probably our biggest rivals right now in the sport. We played them six times in six finals in 12 months, so yeah. We weren't disappointed to see them lose. Obviously it opens the draw up a little bit.

We played Knowles and Bhupathi today, who we respect. I wasn't nervous before this final because I knew we had to play our best tennis. You can't just go out there and play safe against a team like that.

Yeah, I mean, I wish Daniel and Nenad the best. They're both at home with their families, their new babies, and they're having fun off the court.

Q. Do you feel targeted by the drug testing or is it everyone?

BOB BRYAN: It's everyone.

MIKE BRYAN: They're not coming after any one individual player. I'm pretty sure it's fair across the board.

Q. Where would you rate the Polish players, Matkowski and Kubot?

MIKE BRYAN: I consider them a top five team. They're getting better every year. They're really powerful, a dangerous team. Big shots.

BOB BRYAN: Kubot and Marach, we respect them, too. They had us on the ropes at the French Open a couple years ago. We scraped out of that one. Yeah, they're dangerous, as well.



Interview from Australian Open
AP Photo by Dita Alangkara

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Monday Order of Play

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Monday Order of Play

Center Court 10:30 AM
Dmitry TURSUNOV (RUS) vs George BASTL (SUI)
Guillermo CANAS (ARG) vs Antonio VEIC (CRO)
Not Before 2:00 PM
Simone BOLELLI (ITA)/Andreas SEPPI (ITA) vs Nikola MEKTIC (CRO)/Ivan ZOVKO (CRO)
Not Before 5:00 PM
Arnaud CLEMENT (FRA) vs Marin CILIC (CRO)
Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO) vs Christophe ROCHUS (BEL)
Julian KNOWLE (AUT)/Jurgen MELZER (AUT) vs Simon ASPELIN (SWE)/Pavel VIZNER (CZE)

Court 1

Alexander PEYA (AUT) vs Dominik HRBATY (SVK)
Jesse HUTA GALUNG (NED) vs Lukas LACKO (SVK)
Ivan DODIG (CRO) vs Martin FISCHER (AUT)
Not Before 6:00 PM
Teimuraz GABASHVILI (RUS) vs Mikhail YOUZHNY (RUS)
Marc GICQUEL (FRA) vs Florent SERRA (FRA)

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Doubles Draw

PBZ Zagreb Indoors Doubles Draw

[1] DAMM, Martin/LINDSTEDT, Robert (CZE/SWE) vs. CANAS, Guillermo/TURSUNOV, Dmitry (ARG/RUS)
BOLELLI, Simone/SEPPI, Andreas (ITA) vs. [WC] MEKTIC, Nikola/ZOVKO, Ivan(CRO)
[3] MURRAY, Jamie/VEMIC, Dusan (GBR/SRB) vs. PETZSCHNER, Philipp/PEYA, Alexander (GER/AUT)
ANDREEV, Igor/TROICKI, Viktor (RUS/SRB) vs. HANLEY, Paul/KERR, Jordan (AUS)

[WC]SKUGOR, Franko/TOPIC, Josko (CRO) vs. GICQUEL, Marc/MATHIEU, Paul-Henri (FRA)
CILIC, Marin/ZOVKO, Lovro (CRO) vs. [4] KAS, Christopher/WASSEN, Rogier (GER/NED)
YOUZHNY, Mikhail/ZVEREV, Mischa (RUS/GER) vs. PARROTT, Travis/POLASEK, Filip (USA/SVK)
KNOWLE, Julian/MELZER, Jurgen (AUT) vs. [2] ASPELIN, Simon/VIZNER, Pavel (SWE/CZE)