Carlton Supporters Club

He doesn't say Nadal is better mind you.

The fact Federer went 4-0 against Nadal in 2017, at age 36 says it all to me.

I still think Federer cost himself a good few slams (which largely went Nadal's way) by steadfastly refusing to change to a bigger racquet head sooner.

He was playing with the equivalent of a wooden racquet for years. i think it was only 2012 when he finally moved to the bigger head.

So for the best part of a decade, Nadal had been using 100sqi versus Fed's 90sqi.

More control with the smaller bat granted (arguably), but a major reduction in power.

Why did they close the roof last night?

The "extreme heat policy" came into effect.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/australian-open/controversial-decision-in-australian-open-final-divides-tennis-world/news-story/ba6cabafdd3fd772f7547cc9ee2d708d

Last night was hot but it was no where near as hot as what Djokovic and Monfils played in last week but anything for Roger I guess.

I find it hard to believe that Cilic would complain about cooler, more pleasant conditions. What happens in a regular outdoor tournament when you play in 35+ degree heat, then you have a cool change, and the next few days are in the mid 20's ? It does happen.

Hewitt and Courier had differing opinions about who would benefit from the closed roof. JC said it would help Fed, LH said Cilic.

Federer loves playing indoors and the faster balls would favour Cilic. I would still think Roger would have found a way to win in any conditions because he is just a better player than Cilic but he might have been playing someone better if they were given the luxuries that Roger was given.

He was being favoured before the final, that was just the icing on the cake.

indoors.

They were told the roof would be closed and given the opportunity to train indoor. Fed did, Cilic didn't - God knows why?!