Sporting Moments which defined 2009 : Nadal's show of Compassion

It was January 2009. Roger Federer was chasing the record-equaling 14th grand slam at the Australian Open. And as always Roger and Rafa qualified to the finals. Nadal was coming back from a marathon match he played against his fellow spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Federer has more than one chance to win the match. He converted only 6 of the 19 possible break points. He lost a match which he should have won quite easily not taking any credit off the Spaniard. This turned out to be Federer's 3rd consecutive defeat to Nadal. He had lost to Nadal previously in the French and Wimbledon championships in 2008.

The things which followed melted everyone's heart. Roger Federer broke down into tears. Not just because he lost but he yet again failed to overcome the young man from Mallorca.

"God, it's killing me," Federer said on accepting the runners-up prize from Rod Laver, the brilliant former Australian tennis player and hero of Federer's. "I love this game, it means the world to me and it hurts when you lose."

He went on saying "In the first moment you're disappointed, you're shocked, you're sad. Then all of a sudden it overwhelms you. You can't just go in the locker room and take a cold shower, take it easy - you're stuck out there. It's rough."

Nadal promptly reduced his celebrations. "Sorry for Today" he said. "I know how you are feeling right now. It's really tough. But remember you are a great champion, you're one of the best in the history and you're going to improve the 14 of Sampras. He hugged Federer.

It really is difficult to find someone with a great talent and a great compassion. Just only about a year back, everyone thought that Nadal was a clay court specialist and he would have to press really hard if he wants to win any other Grand Slam. Now he had 3 out of the possible 4. What impresses us more is the way he remains. Even after 6 Grand Slam victories, he remains humble as ever.

He knew to respect his opponent. For many years, I have never been a fan of Nadal but that day changed my opinion.