World number 1 Rafael Nadal asserted his place in men’s tennis, after a classic five-set victory over world number two Roger Federer in the 2009 Australian Open final.

Once again, the world’s top two battled for Supremacy and, once again, the Spaniard triumphed over the Swede. The match lasted for four hours and 23 minutes with Nadal winning 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2.

It is the third time in the last four Grand Slam tournaments that Nadal and Federer faced off against each other for the championship.  “[It is] very special for me. Is a dream win here, one Grand Slam on hardcourt. I worked very hard the last, well, all my life for improve the tennis outside courts, well, outside of clay,” Nadal commented. “Very happy for the title. Today was really lot of emotions on court. I was there with the best player I ever saw.”

It is the first time since 1988 (Wilander vs. Cash) that the championship match extended to five sets.

After the match, tears fell from Federer’s eyes as he displayed the quintessential “agony” of defeat. “I thought it was a good match [but] I think I had, I guess, many chances. I was up a break in the first twice. Yeah, I mean, I had many chances. I missed them, and they cost me dearly,” said the 28-year old Federer.

He continued, “It was a tough match. I don't think I served particularly well, unfortunately. And I think that was the key to the match in the end.”

On the other hand, Rafael Nadal expressed the thrill of victory. The 22-year old fell down to the floor and let his emotions out as he captured his first Australian Open Championship.