Cabeza del Demonio
Professional
"We expected the routine. We got the extraordinary."
Chris Fowler's post-match comment perfectly summed up one of the greatest and most unexpected matches of all time. The Serb superstar was chasing a 3rd consecutive AO title and a spot in the history books, and he looked every bit the favorite through his first 3 rounds.
But Wawrinka made sure he would have to earn it the hard way. Out of nowhere, he came out guns blazing, producing his best tennis yet to put Djokovic on the back foot and race to a 6-1 5-2 lead. The stunned Melbourne crowd looked on in disbelief as their champion stumbled around helplessly, trying to stop the barrage of brilliance coming from the other side of the net.
But the champion dug deep, defending against Wawrinka's haymakers like his life depended on it, reeling off 5 games in a row to level the match. Djokovic was back.
The quality did not let up one bit, both players playing at their very highest level and giving the crowd a treat. The commentators and analysts kept waiting for Stan to fade away, but he matched the Djoker step for step, earning a break in the final set and putting Djokovic's quest for sporting immortality in serious danger.
As the match entered its 6th hour, not a single spectator had left - they were seeing something like a movie play out before them in real time. Game after game, both players held onto their serves, putting all their vast reserves of talent, passion, and grit on full display. The match hit its climax in the last game, with both players producing scintillating winners out of nowhere, bringing the crowd to their feet every point. The match seemed all but lost for the young champion as he struggled physically trying to retrieve the haymakers thrown at him, but Nole showed the world one more time why he was the world's best player, scrambling for one last epic backhand pass to come out victorious, 1-6 7-5 6-4 6-7(5) 12-10.
Djokovic ripped his shirt off in triumph, bringing back memories of his iconic win against Nadal here. Once more he had to dig deep physically and mentally, playing at the peak of his game for 5 hours to slay the monster of an opponent in Wawrinka, who had brought all his world-destroying passion and power to the court. "The champion lives on to fight another day."
Djokovic went on to win the tournament, featuring some masterclass performances and reaffirming his place at the top of the world. But he wouldn't be so lucky the next time around - Wawrinka snapped several of Djokovic's record-setting streaks with an upset win one year later.
This match couldn't have been written better if it were a movie. No matter how many times you see it, you're always in for a thrill. Sit back, grab the popcorn, and enjoy!
Chris Fowler's post-match comment perfectly summed up one of the greatest and most unexpected matches of all time. The Serb superstar was chasing a 3rd consecutive AO title and a spot in the history books, and he looked every bit the favorite through his first 3 rounds.
But Wawrinka made sure he would have to earn it the hard way. Out of nowhere, he came out guns blazing, producing his best tennis yet to put Djokovic on the back foot and race to a 6-1 5-2 lead. The stunned Melbourne crowd looked on in disbelief as their champion stumbled around helplessly, trying to stop the barrage of brilliance coming from the other side of the net.
But the champion dug deep, defending against Wawrinka's haymakers like his life depended on it, reeling off 5 games in a row to level the match. Djokovic was back.
The quality did not let up one bit, both players playing at their very highest level and giving the crowd a treat. The commentators and analysts kept waiting for Stan to fade away, but he matched the Djoker step for step, earning a break in the final set and putting Djokovic's quest for sporting immortality in serious danger.
As the match entered its 6th hour, not a single spectator had left - they were seeing something like a movie play out before them in real time. Game after game, both players held onto their serves, putting all their vast reserves of talent, passion, and grit on full display. The match hit its climax in the last game, with both players producing scintillating winners out of nowhere, bringing the crowd to their feet every point. The match seemed all but lost for the young champion as he struggled physically trying to retrieve the haymakers thrown at him, but Nole showed the world one more time why he was the world's best player, scrambling for one last epic backhand pass to come out victorious, 1-6 7-5 6-4 6-7(5) 12-10.
Djokovic ripped his shirt off in triumph, bringing back memories of his iconic win against Nadal here. Once more he had to dig deep physically and mentally, playing at the peak of his game for 5 hours to slay the monster of an opponent in Wawrinka, who had brought all his world-destroying passion and power to the court. "The champion lives on to fight another day."
Djokovic went on to win the tournament, featuring some masterclass performances and reaffirming his place at the top of the world. But he wouldn't be so lucky the next time around - Wawrinka snapped several of Djokovic's record-setting streaks with an upset win one year later.
This match couldn't have been written better if it were a movie. No matter how many times you see it, you're always in for a thrill. Sit back, grab the popcorn, and enjoy!
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