what a match!

Nadal actually jumped the fence at the end to congratulate his countryman and awesome opponent Verdasco at the end.

Awesome serve, all night long.

The moment of defeat and victory, between colleagues, countrymen, and mates. Incidentally, the umpire did not move from his chair for the whole 5 hour 14 minute game (plus breaks). Does he wear one of those space diapers??

Nike - why can't you make some undies for Rafa so they don't cralw up his clacker? Surely you have the technology!

Me and Rob in the heat, excited for our first trip to Rod Laver arena.

It was awesome - 5hours 14 minutes of pure slug fest and brilliant tennis. Nadal and Verdasco gave an outstanding performance.

It was amazing on three levels:

1. Two awesome athletes committed 100% to the moment and delivering their absolute best (when was the last time you felt like that?)

2. The power of focused energy from the crowd to lift their players from exhaustion to brilliance.

3. Celebration of excellence, regardless of outcome.

It was magic.

This is one of Nadal's key strengths - he is always saying that his only goals are always the same: keep improving his tennis and do his best. His definition of success is very internally driven, and this is why he dominates Federer.

Federer (my favourite), lets his mind get away with him - he attache far too much meaning to his wins and records and his standing in tennis history - it cramps his energy. That's why he missed so many shots and his serve was off at the Final - his thoughts created conflicting energy.

It was painful to watch.

He really needs me a coach - not for tennis technique, but for self belief and thought and energy management.

If you're in the know with Fed, send him my way.