Federer re-wrote the manual on shots that are possible on
the tennis court. Nadal was on the receiving end yesterday of a half-volleyed
winner from the baseline.
The conventional wisdom was that Federer not supposed to be
able to win 5-setters against the younger guys, let alone the three he won in
Melbourne to pick up the title.
Improvements in sports science have allowed players to extend
their careers, & winning titles in their 30’s may become more common, as
Wawrinka did at the US & French Opens. However Federer’s Aussie Open win at
35 is clearly an exceptional feat.
He was supposed to have of a chance of winning another Slam
only at Wimbledon, as he’s still considered one of the best movers on a grass court
and has a formidable career win percentage on the green stuff. He had already
disproved this theory by reaching the 2015 US Open final.
The conventional wisdom was that you don’t win a tournament,
let alone a Slam, after a six month lay-off. Roger had other ideas.
Serena Williams continues to extend her own formidable haul
of majors and GOAT status. It was a disappointment she didn’t face tougher
competition. Some possible rivals are out of the picture, with Azarenka on maternity
leave & Kvitova’s hand injury. Other rivals in Melbourne underperformed- Kerber
& Muguruza, or were injured (Halep).
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