An easy win for Rafael Nadal was predicted by many in the Jan 26, 2014 final. The Number 1 seeded Spaniard was in supreme form wiping off the Swiss giant Federer in straight sets. But, the final was quite spectacular, nothing like what was being talked of.
Not to forget, Wawrinka had wowed the world defeating Djokovic in the quarter finals and Berdych in the semis to reach his maiden final in a grandslam. The eighth seeded Swiss was more than a tough fight for Rafa. His excellent service, majestic backhand and aggressive forehands deserved applause but Rafa's blisters in his palm and untimely back-ache during the match, helped Stan Wawrinka clinch his first major.
Stan broke very early in the first set of the much awaited final and won the set 6-3 with scorching winners. The second set was much of the same. With some pin-point aces and aggressive gameplay, Wawrinka broke the very first game of the second set and went up 2-1 with a break ahead when Rafa had to see the physio due to his back pain. Rafa didn't move much, even started hitting some drop shots and came to the net; very unconventional for the baseline shotmaker. After losing the set 6-1, Rafa got a back massage again which saw him return to the match although not completely in full flow.
The tennis world witnessed some trademark shots from Nadal which saw him break the seemingly invincible service game of the Swiss. But, it was more credit to Stan's unforced errors than Nadal's winners that saw the him take the third set 6-3.
When the Swiss broke in the fourth set to go up 4-2, it seemed over, but Rafa was courageous enough to fight back with a break. Stan broke again, after which the inevitable happened. Nadal was physically struggling and finally gave resigning expressions as Stan was servicing for the match. He took the fourth set 6-3 to clinch the trophy.
Congratulations. He will be the world number 3 and has become the first player to beat Djokovic and Nadal in a grandslam to clinch the title.
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