Federer's last shot was his best shot
MELBOURNE, Australia – Sometimes a single shot gets an entire stadium on its feet. Federer had one of those on Thursday night. The point came with Federer serving to even the fourth set at 4-4. He trailed 2-1 overall in the match. He needed this hold. After dropping himself into a 0-30 hole in the game, he'd won a point to 15-30.
He couldn't afford to go down 15-40. And when you can't afford to lose a single point, you manage to cover a lot more of the court. Have a look:
THAT point...you know which one we're talking about! #AusOpen #SCTop10 - https://t.co/BUeEOnmJxo
— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) January 28, 2016
Point of the tournament? #AusOpen (via @Dimonator) pic.twitter.com/0MGnnkacbq
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) January 28, 2016
That point gave the capacity crowd at Rod Laver Arena a fleeting hope that they'd see a fifth set, a massive comeback by Federer after Novak Djokovic had taken the first two sets of their semifinal meeting in just 54 minutes. Federer had battled to take the third set. If he could hold to 4-all, he'd still be alive in the fourth.
Alas, he was playing Djokovic, the man who won three of last year's four Grand Slams and seems impossible to beat these days. That point was the last he won in the match. Djokovic won the next six to close out the 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
Asked later about the shot, Federer smirked. "Top 100," he said. "It was a nice point and a great ovation. I was very happy I got as much support as I did. It was a cool moment," he added.
Those on Twitter gave it slightly higher marks.
This is not point of the tournament. This is point of the life. #AusOpen https://t.co/sWDQ0egUTO
— Nick Sculley (@sculls_6) January 28, 2016
Federer wins point of the tournament. Djokovic wins the break. Now serves for match. Those who are into symbolism….
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) January 28, 2016
Oh well. Djokovic too good, wins in four. Fed still won the point of the tournament though.
— Randi Himle (@RandiHimle) January 28, 2016
Holy crap what a point for Federer. #AusOpen
— 99mangoes (@99mangoes) January 28, 2016
POINT OF THE TOURNAMENT!!!! ROGER!!!!
— Deng Garcia (@denguedeng) January 28, 2016
Point of the tournament right there! Incredible Fed!
— Ant Critchley (@AC_9211) January 28, 2016
Point of the tournament? Especially given circumstances.
— Jon Tuxworth (@Tuxy81) January 28, 2016