Federer defeats Davydenko 2-6, 6-3, 6-0, 7-5 in 2010 Australian Open Quarterfinal.
In the new decade, it is easy to wonder "what will motivate Roger Federer?" He has the career grand slam. He has the most grand slam titles of any male player. He holds the record for consecutive weeks ranked #1. He holds the record for consecutive grand slam finals. He holds the record for most consecutive grand slam semi-finals. There too many records to name them all, and many more will surely fall given a healthy Federer for a few more seasons.
With all of those records in his pocket, late Wednesday afternoon in Melbourne, Australia, in yet another grand slam quarterfinal, playing the hottest player on the ATP tour since the U.S. Open, Federer showed what motivates him.
Nikolay Davydenko came out of the blocks playing the perhaps the best set and one-third of tennis of his 11 year professional career. A point from being down a set and two breaks, Federer benefited from a tight backhand from Davydenko on a short ball, and then was off to the races, from 1-3 down he won 13 consecutive games. When Davydenko recovered to tighten the end of the match, Federer again elevated his game, serving beautifully to close the match out.
Yes, Federer showed what motivates him. He took the best punch thrown by the hottest player on the tour, wobbled a bit, but then rose again to deliver his own knockout blow.
What motivates Roger Federer? Getting to show why he is still the best.
