There is just one thing standing between Stanislas Wawrinka and his first ever Grand Slam title. Rafael Nadal.
Although the stats are against the Swiss, he is playing the best tennis of his career; eliminating the three-time winner and defending champion, Novak Djokovic. While five-set matches between the two men have become a habit, and after losing twice last season at the Australian and US Open, Wawrinka finally took his revenge on the Serb.
This huge confidence boost was extremely visible in the semi-final. Tomas Berdych did his best to cause Wawrinka all sort of problems, but a few amazing winners later, the world’s #8 ranked player reached the first Grand Slam final of his career.
Personally I would have loved an all-Swiss final. Federer has shown an extremely promising start to the season and seems to have put his highly disappointing last season behind him, but this was not enough against the Spaniard. Despite receiving medical attention on a nasty blister on the palm of his left hand, Nadal was never really threatened by Roger, and cruised through to his 14th Grand Slam final.
As if the World #1 needed any more help, he has spent less time on court, under the blazing hot Australian sun and will be highly motivated to regain the title of the one Grand Slam he has only ever once won, back in 2009. But we can be sure that Wawrinka and his beautiful one-handed backhand will put up a ferocious fight; after all the Swiss is currently unbeaten in 2014, following his win at the Aircel Chennai Open earlier this year. He will also definitely be able to count on his Swiss fans that have been very vocal throughout the tournament, obviously enjoying being in the Australian sun longer than they had expected.
If these past two weeks are anything to go by, whatever the outcome, we can be sure to witness some amazing tennis on Sunday. After Federer’s slip out of the Big Four, the Swiss fans can rest easy; as I wouldn’t be surprised if Wawrinka made an appearance in there soon himself.
So don’t let the time difference put you off and get comfy as I have a feeling this match might last a while.
Thanks for Reading. Please take a moment and follow me @LWOSPerrineR and the site @lastwordonsport on Twitter, and like our Facebook Page.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
