By Sean Bradley
© Mark Peterson/Corleve
David Nalbandian has finally beaten Lleyton Hewitt 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-1), 9-7, in what was the latest incarnation of the two’s rivalry. Peaking in 2002, when the two stars played in the finals at Wimbledon and turning hostile during an intentionally aggressive bump in the quarterfinals of the 2005 Australian Open. After exchanging a few choice words, a full on rivalry was set.
But back to this match – after a nearly 5 hour-long match and nearly a decade of history together, Nalbandian beat the former Wimbledon champion. Beyond the excitement for another gossip stir-up, two great tennis players were able to make the first round of the Australian Open quite a sight to see.
Of the match, Nalbandian said, “It was a very tough first round, we both know it. Every time we play it's long matches, tough ones. I played the two match points, I play incredible, serve and volley, it was amazing, and then after that the match was for both. I can win, I can lose, the match was very close.” Said like a true sportsman.