crosscourt.com.au
March 29, 2024

MIAMI: In a stunning match under the lights tennis saw the emergence of a star. Rafael Nadal has arrived. In a breathtaking display of all court tennis that included blistering returns combined with deft touch, the 17 year old Spaniard did not just defeat but stunned world number one Roger Federer in 69 minutes 6-3, 6-3.

This was indeed a very special effort and quite possibly a defining moment for the youngster who was obviously overjoyed with what he had done.

"I am very happy because I played one of the best matches in my life," said Nadal through a translator. "Obviously, he didn't play his best tennis and that's the reason why I could win. I mean, if he had played his best tennis, I would have had no chance.

"But that's what happens in tennis. If a player like me plays at a very, very good level and a top player like Roger doesn't play his best tennis, I can win.

"But sure, I'm really, really happy."

Federer certainly praised the teenager but said it is always difficult to play someone for the first time. He made it clear that Nadal was the better player and he produced a very aggressive game which did not allow Federer to play the way he wanted to.

"He doesn't hit the ball flat and hard, it's more with a lot of spin which makes the ball bounce high and that's the struggle I had today," said Federer. I tried to get out of it but couldn't. I thought in the beginning I maybe wasn't going for my shots enough here in the end I thought I was hitting the ball better. He hit some really incredible shots. That's what youngsters do."