1 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6, 9-7 in four hours and 28 minutes of exciting tennis that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Federer had won the last 26 matches and 19 in Majors since Wimbledon 2004, playing at a high level during 2005 and suffering one of four losses all season.
The meeting took place on Marat’s 25th birthday, who made sure to give himself the most desired gift, especially after winning the title three days later. Roger had to deal with a Safin inspired and elbow, back pain and blisters.
He did his best to rebound from a 5-2 deficit in the fifth set before finishing on the wrong side of the scoreboard when Marat broke it in game 16 and converted the seventh match point.
It was the highest level filming by both sides, forging one of the most memorable clashes of the 21st century. Two of the most naturally talented players of their generation pushed each other to the limit with accurate and authoritative serves, covering the court and attacking tennis from every inch of the field.
As we all know, the mental aspect of Safin’s game wasn’t always related to his physical preferences and talent. However, he did everything right in Melbourne during that fortnight, under Roger’s former coach, Peter Lundgren.
In the end, Federer won seven more points than Safin (four service breaks on each side), but it was not enough to get him to the goal even though he had the advantage in the shorter points up to four strokes.
the dominant rally type in this fast, floating match.
Nothing could separate them in mid-range exchanges, and Marat prevailed at the most extended rallies with ten or more shots to stay in contention.
Both players found range on serve early on, and the first break opportunity came only in game eight when Marat fired a big serve to get out of jail. Roger held on after two twos at 5-5 and secured the opener with a break in the next game when Safin sent a long backhand.
The Russian took the lead after a break in the third game of the second set and held the lead until 5-4 when he closed the set with an excellent half volley. Federer moved up front with a break in the second game of the third set, but Safin retired it with a crisp backhand on the line in game five, returning to the bright side of the scoreboard and establishing an exciting close to the set.
Those who came back had their chances in the finishing games, and it was Roger who took over this time, delivering a break at 6-5 after a colossal forehand error from Marat to take another big step towards the final.
The fourth set produced tremendous shots and no break opportunities, heading for the tie break that was essential for Marat. The pressure was on the Russian, and Roger made the most of that, pitching a comeback winner to gain a 5-2 lead and move two points away from the finish line.
With no room for error, Safin earned the next two return points before Federer earned a match point at 6-5 for his second straight Australian Open final. Marat saved him with a beautiful balloon to stay alive and closed the break at point 14 to send the match to a decider after three hours and eight minutes.
Safin turned down two break opportunities in the third game and jumped to a 4-2 lead after a costly double fault from Roger, extending the lead with a hold in the next game.
Serving for the win at 5-3, Marat wasted two match points, and Roger broke to prolong this wonderful match and deliver more memorable moments to the crowd. The Swiss had to save another match point with his serve in the 10th game and an additional two at 6-7, refusing to give up until the end and giving everything to emerge on top.
Safin held on with ease to gain an 8-7 lead and forced Roger to serve to stay in the match once more. Federer repelled the sixth match point with an ace, but the seventh proved lethal for him, stumbled while chasing the ball and allowed Marat to finish the job with a forehand that propelled him to the final.
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