Watch highlights as Juan Sebastian Cabal of Colombia and Abigail Spears of the United States capture the Australian Open mixed doubles title on Sunday. Video courtesy Tennis Australia. Getty Images photo.
The analytics of Roger Federer’s dramatic victory at the Australian Open fly in the face of what we think matters most to succeed in our sport. Federer manufactured a stunning 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Rafael Nadal, despite having a losing record from the back of the court. When you look at practice courts all over the world, the baseline is king. Federer won only 44.6 per cent (70/157) from the back of the court in the Melbourne final. But he thrived in the less popular front of the court, winning 73 per cent (29/40) at net. Serve and volley is basically a forgotten tactic, but Federer won a substantial 77 per cent (10/13) to enjoy one of...
Watch highlights as Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to win the 2017 Australian Open title, his fifth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam crown. Video courtesy Tennis Australia. Photo: ATP/Getty Images
Watch highlights as Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to win the 2017 Australian Open title, his fifth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam crown. Video courtesy Tennis Australia. Photo: ATP/Getty Images
Fans streaming out of Rod Laver Arena talk about the epic five-set final they witnessed between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the 2017 Australian Open.