Federer tears reduced my joy of victory: Rafa

Melbourne, Feb 3: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal has said that he could not enjoy his victory over Roger Federer in the Australian Open final fully after he saw his friend and rival break down.

"It was tough situation, a tough moment for him more than me," Nadal, who was moved to comfort a weeping Federer, said on Tuesday, Feb 2.

"But for me, too. Roger is, we have a relationship and was tough moment for him … too much emotion is there yesterday, no? But probably in the future when we see that moment on the TV it's going to be nice, but when you live that moment, it's tough. Because I can't enjoy 100 per cent the victory because I saw him cry," Nadal said.

Nadal's victory has confirmed his position as undisputed number one, having defeated Federer in their past three grand slam encounters, the Open final drawing comparisons with the Wimbledon final.

Nadal felt Wimbledon, which he won 7-5 in the fifth set, was "more dramatic for the stops [interruptions], for the light, the rain" than Melbourne Park. He had been more pessimistic about Sunday night's final than Wimbledon because he was 'too tired' to take on Federer.

Nadal has been constant in elevating Federer''s station in the game and for maintaining that he has a long way to go to match his rival''s feats, despite recent domination.

ANI