Federer v Safin (Australian Open 2005 SF) - 20 Years Ago!

[PonsfordMagpie]

In my opinion, it's still one of the greatest tennis matches I've ever seen. Peak Federer vs Peak Safin.

BUMP: 20 years today

 

[The Prosecutor]

Thank **** they changed the court colour.

 

[The Prosecutor]

Despite what the video says this was actually in 2004, the 2005 final was Hewitt v Safin

Err no, this is clearly the 2005 semi final.

 

[The Prosecutor]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Australian_Open_–_Men's_Singles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Australian_Open_–_Men's_Singles

Good match though nothertheless

What is wrong with you? The video clearly is of the 2005 semi final, which it claims to be.

I don't get how you can be this thick.

 

[X_box_X]

I remember the game well. I was 18 at the time and enjoying a night out with my mates at a club. They had the match on the big screen. I was also there with a mate the night before watching the epic encounter between Hewitt and Nalbandian in the QF.

Thursday nights back then was a very popular night for this club, so the atmosphere was huge for the Federer v Safin match, and not so much for the previous night's match despite an Australian being involved. There were literally around 40-50 people crowded around the big screen during the fifth set, and every single one was supporting and cheering loudly for Safin. I was supporting Safin immensely due to the fact I gave Hewitt a much better chance of beating Safin than Federer. I'm assuming everyone else had the same thoughts.

 

[Allezjuel]

What is wrong with you? The video clearly is of the 2005 semi final, which it claims to be.

I don't get how you can be this thick.

Ah right my bad, got confused with the 2004 final between Federer and Safin.

 

[KissKiss]

Remember it really well. Was one of the best matches I remember seeing. Like an above poster I was at a pub with a large audience and the venue wanted to close up but there was no way to get the crowd to leave.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

My brother was lucky enough to be one of the ballkids for this match.

Says its the best match he has ever seen.

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

20 years today.

 

[BobbyMorri]

I feel old.....

 

[damochandler]

Safin had a few good years at the aus open

 

[errant bounce]

Safin had a few good years at the aus open

Feel like he was a bit of an enemy at the time? it's amazing looking back and being an adult and realising how different their games were, Federer like an operational guide to tennis and Safin with these huge sweeping backhands. those power shots as well on his forehand feel like they're winding up for an hour summoning all the power in the world. then Roger is just playing this reliable, patterned tennis shots with this really considered placement selection.

But the real wild thing is in the highlights, and maybe it's the highlights just showing this, Federer is always teeing Safin up for an overhead?

 

[errant bounce]

Also had the most classic Lleyton run in where he lost a heap of gimme points and made matches go far longer than they needed to, he was an absolute punk. that Nalbandian one was a total joke, it wasn't even a great match it was just a perennial pest in Nalbandian going against a bloke who let it all get to his head.

But I know people on here have some weird obsession with him and forget his two slams came after the domination of Agassi/Sampras and before the big three and tennis was in a pretty odd spot. the reality is Lleyton faced what, Roddick who was just a servebot and cared more about photo ops and chicks than tennis, and made that a slog too. Safin played the match of his life against Federer at his most egotistical and dogged. like, Safin - Federer being a long match makes sense but Hewitt should have disposed of his quarter and semi opponents easily.

Safin was full of confidence but Lleyton wiltered, if he had a better mentality he could have gone 'nah Safin's knackered!'

Again, I know everyone on this forum has a love on for the silly little bogan though.