Monday, January 30, 2017

Roger Federer Wins Australian Open, Defeating Rafael Nadal in a Major for First Time in 10 Years


The first Grand Slam of the year rose to a level of emotion I haven't experienced since Chris battled Martina on grass in Kooyong Stadium back in '82. First, I went with Damian to spend the night in New Jersey to watch the men's final live -- starting at 3:30 a.m. Eastern time -- with his mother and sister Gabby, my first time joining this longstanding Veron family tradition. (They totally spoiled us with cheese, sausage, hummus, crackers and wine followed by a fifth-set dessert selection and hot chocolate with marshmellows!) As special as that was, I was rooting extra hard for Roger Federer -- in a room full of rabid Latin Nadal fans! -- whom my brother and his wife adore. (They've been through the wringer in the recent months, so could use a little joy.) In the end, everyone was a winner as the match lived up to the epic billing it received -- it was hilarious seeing how Nadal fans think of him as ALWAYS losing to Federer, when in fact Rafa had beaten Roger in six straight Grand Slam meetings and went into the match 9-2 in majors -- with both players taking the lead along the way. And while the Verons were disappointed that Nadal wasn't able to close it out, they too were happy Bill got his wish. xo


Oh, and Serena beat Venus as expected -- passing Steffi Graf's record 22 majors in the open era -- and is the greatest player of all time.

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