Australian Open 2014: A recap of Rafael Nadal's progress through the tournament

There are some moments in life that make you realize the value of intangible but inspirational factors like courage, determination, hope, respect and humility. Watching Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open finals this year was a reminder to all those who were watching of these very same factors.

You could’ve forgiven him if he was angry and frustrated with himself for the way his final ended. This was, after all, a chance to achieve a unique standing in the annals of tennis history – to become the only man in the Open era to achieve a double career Grand Slam, and the quickest to reach 14 majors, among a few other records.

But while others argue about records and what could have been, Nadal showed why he is one of the modern day greats and legends of the sport. For him, it wasn’t about breaking records. It wasn’t about cementing his place among the legends. It was all about his love for the sport, and how he had failed to give the paying crowd its due.

In what was an eagerly anticipated final, especially for Nadal fans, it was torturous to see what he had to go through during the course of his four-set defeat to new Swiss No. 1 Stanislas Wawrinka. Full credit to the latter for taking the opportunity when it came, but he knew, like the rest of us, that Nadal’s back injury during the second set made it a no-contest.

Still, the matador from Mallorca fought on, so much so that a combination of nerves from Wawrinka and some spirited shots from Nadal earned him a set. This, when he could’ve easily retired from the match, after getting his back analysed by the physio. It is hard to describe the virtue of this man who, in spite of personal troubles and overwhelming emotion, still found the courage to carry on in the match, and give his opponent a deserving victory.

As the tears rolled down Nadal’s cheeks during the presentation, it was with emptiness and sorrow, and also a bit of wisdom, that we realized that there was as much honour in defeat, as there was in victory. Nadal may have let slip a chance to make history, and may not be considered the greatest of all time. After Sunday’s final, we couldn’t care less.

A look back at Nadal’s tournament - 

Round 1: Rafael Nadal def. Bernard Tomic 6-4 (retd.) 

The most eagerly anticipated opening round match of the year’s first Grand Slam turned out to be a dud. Three points into the match, Tomic was flexing his left leg, wincing in pain, and clearly, not at his best.

Still, his serving was sharp and he kept holding his serve till 4-4. The hot conditions made the players sweat more than they would’ve liked, but the match was hardly a sweat-breaker for Nadal, considering he hardly had to do anything extraordinary. There were a few good points, some terrific down the line winners by Nadal and Tomic, but it was pretty clear who the winner was going to be (injury or otherwise).

One aspect of Nadal’s game stood out. Aces. For a man who averages three aces a match, he served 5 aces in a set! After conceding a break of serve at 4-4, Nadal closed out the set, and it was the signal for Tomic to let him know he wouldn’t be continuing. Tough luck for the young Aussie and, as Nadal mentioned in his on-court interview, hope he recovers soon.

Round 2: Rafael Nadal def. Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 

Poor Aussies. First Tomic retired and now their youngster, Kokkinakis, got a sound beating from Nadal. Not that he could’ve done anything more; he tried his best and played as aggressively as he could, but there was little he could do to prevent the ruthless onslaught from the World No. 1.

Nadal started the set sharp and his serving impressed again. His opening game had three aces and he served a few more during the course of the match. New strategy to earn some free points? Looks like it.

Nadal broke Kokkinakis twice in the first set, and looked all set to race away in the second. Some good strokes and the will to stay with Nadal in the set helped Kokkinakis, but he couldn’t recover the early break despite getting a few break points.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with Nadal earning an early break yet again. And then another. Kokkinakis was left shaking his head. Maybe he has a bright future. But this wasn’t his day.

And yes, Nadal was wearing white shoes, instead of red ones.

Round 3: Rafael Nadal def. Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 

Brutal is the word to describe this match. Nadal surpassed himself with his excellence in this one. What a way to win, by completely dominating and dismantling the opponent. And not just any opponent – this was against a guy who could give the top players a run for their money on his day, and who didn’t drop a set in his first two rounds here.

But then, this was not his day.

Rafa broke in the opening game and that was followed by a 13-minute game, where Monfils repeatedly tested Nadal and Nadal repeatedly overcame the challenge, and held serve. Just when it felt like it was going to be a long night, in a blink of an eye, Nadal was leading 5-1. Such was his dominance that Monfils was left stunned. Nadal easily took the first set 6-1.

Nadal started the second set strongly too, but Monfils held on well for the first 5 games. Then Nadal put his foot on the gas, and never took it off. There was a slight niggle in his left foot during the set, but he resumed play as usual, much to the relief of his fans.

The results wasn’t because of Monfils’s lack of effort; Nadal was just on another plane. And Monfils’s errors just worsened his situation.

After wrapping the third set 6-2, it was just a question of how many games Nadal would give Monfils in the third, before sending him packing. Three was the answer.

Monfils, as is his style, was more exuberant, and consequently, more erratic in the third. He tried his best to push Nadal, and after failing, pushed his strokes out of the court too.

Nadal broke at 4-3, and a few more errors from Monfils gave him the match. One noticeable incident was that Nadal challenged a fault call from Monfils, and awarded him an ace.

Nadal’s on court interview with Jim Courier was funny and revealing at the same time. When asked – “Which players do you like to watch on TV?”, out came the reply “Roger, no. His technique is simply amazing.” When asked – “Do you think you can match Rod Laver’s record of winning at least two Slams at each at all GS?”, he said – “Well Rod and Roger, they’re the best in the history no, and I’m glad I’m compared to them.”

I doubt any other player would heap such praise on an opponent they’ve beaten 22 times. But then, Rafa is not anyone else.