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Rafael Nadal of Spain - Source: Reuters -
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tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess with the best moments from day five of the Australian Open.
Match of the day
While the Nadal v Kohlscreiber and Roddick v Lopez were great
contests, the Gael Monfils v John Isner barnstormer in front of an
amazing crowd on Margaret Court arena was a stunner. The tension of
the tiebreaks and the sheer passion displayed by both players and
sets of fans was a revelation.
Shot of the day
This was constantly revised over the day as there was, yet
again some unbelievable plays. Tough call but we will go with a
running forehand passing shot that Rafa Nadal curled around the net
post to take the second set with be Friday's best. Nice to have it
confirmed by the man itself in the subsequent press conference.
tvnz.co.nz "You played some amazing shots tonight. Do you
surprise yourself sometimes with your shots?"
Nadal: "[A] few ones, no? I like this shot, running with the
passing shot with my forehand. But, yes, the point that gave me the
second set, outside the net was one of the best forehands of my
life probably."
Cheer of the day
Had to be a large group of Andy Roddick fans during his match
with Feliciano Lopez. They came up with the thoroughly
original.
"Everywhere we go, people want to know, who we are, so we tell
them, we are the US, the mighty, mighty US"
Don't people know already? Isn't it obvious, the star and stripes
on every garment, the body shapes, the loud conversations.
Question of the day
Some journalists still find it hard to grasp the fact that
many of the players speak English as a second language, and refuse
to grade their questions or simplify their language.
Reporter: Rafa, How did you pull up after that?
Nadal: What?
Reporter: How have you pulled up after that long match? How
do you feel?
Pulled up, what the hell! You are not talking to a little Johnny
at the school sports day.
Quote of the day
Russian world number three Dinara Safina when quizzed about
the quality of her cooking, after pronouncing that she is learning
the culinary arts.
"Until now nobody got sick, so this is a positive, she said with a
smile. They might like, not like, but if they have problems with
the stomach, it's not good."
Starstruck
Andy Murray's mum Judy just a few seats over in the media area
watching John Isner versus Gael Monfils. Armed with notebook and a
determined stare, Judy was doing some spying on her son's next
opponent.
Foodwatch
The hand-assembled pita wrap was a beauty and at $A6.70 for
four fillings a fair dinkum deal. And chicken, eggplant, tomato and
pumpkin is a better combination than you might imagine. A late
night meant further fuel, opting for the kids fish and chips
($A6.00) and a Milo scoop shake ($A3.80) among the scarce choices
at 1am.
