We'll have more on the hotly anticipated Australian Open semifinal between Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal on Wednesday. Until then, enjoy two spectacular shots the respective champions hit in their quarterfinal wins and help us decide which was more impressive:
Nadal's point was won on sheer athleticism. He starts the return from the other side of the court, runs across it in the time it takes Tomas Berdych to rifle a forehand, somehow gets there and still has the composure, strength and accuracy to blast a forehand winner down the line. (And he did that while taking an awkward, mid-swing kick step.) The real-time replay shows off Nadal's footwork and speed. The slow motion displays his precision and control.
Federer's shot is indescribable. What is that? A backhand slice drop shot? A blop shot? Look at the way the ball dies on the court when it bounces. If Fed had been playing on Hisense Arena, you'd have thought he hit a dead spot. It's sublime.
If I had to pick (and seeing how I'm the one who created this arbitrary game, I probably should), I'm going with Federer. We've seen Nadal hit winners from all over the court before but I can't remember ever seeing a player nudge a shot like Federer did.
