2008 Redux?

It has been three years since last a Grand Slam final was contested without at least one of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal numbering among its participants. The 2008 Australian Open saw both crash out in straight sets against inspired foes, paving the way for Novak Djokovic, who was fresh off a runner-up finish at the preceding US Open, and who upset Federer in the semifinals, to claim his first- and, to date, only- career Grand Slam title. As I write, fate seems poised, perhaps, to offer us an eery echo of that peculiar turn of events gone by. Nadal, injured and despondent, has fallen to compatriot David Ferrer, while Djokovic, once again riding the crest of a run to the US Open final, is locked in another Melbourne semifinal with Federer, wherein he has won the first set, and has looked every bit the dynamic and versatile player who claimed the title here three years ago. All the crucial pieces are in place for history to repeat itself.

It has often been the case, however, that the course of events, in unfolding, will tantalize its observers, dangling the prospect of a particular narrative before us, only to unceremoniously withdraw back into the ether that which it once seemed to promise. Should Federer manage to rally in this match, said course may divert itself towards the path it followed last year, when Federer faced down Andy Murray- who stands as a firm favorite in his own semifinal with Ferrer- on this same grand stage.