The Battle in Melbourne

We were blessed yesterday to see sporting history in the making when Novac Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal in an epic Grand Slam match at the Australian Open.

After a epic struggle which saw both players giving every last ounce of effort, Njokovic beat Nadal in 5 sets 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5.

At the prize giving, both players were so exhausted, that for a moment it looked as if they would not be able to stand and a thoughtful Australian Tennis official rushed in with chairs and a bottle of water, not a moment to soon.

So how good was the game and can we learn anything from these gladiators.

• At 5 hours 53 minutes it was the longest final in Grand Slam history by nearly an hour
• Djokovic beat Andy Murray in the semi final in another marathon that took 4 hours and 50 minutes

Sometimes to be the best, it will take every drop of energy that you possess, so be prepared

• Djokovic is only 23 years old and has been playing since the age of 4
• Nadal is 24 and has been playing since age 3

To be the best takes time and effort, not everything happens overnight so be patient

• Djokovic received intense training from age 6 and at age 12 moved to Germany to a tennis academy

To be the best, takes sacrifice and support from those you love

• Djokovic is well known for his off court impersonations of other players and is known as the Djoker

Don't take yourself too seriously, life is supposed to be fun

• Djokovic is a member of "Champions for Peace" an organisation committed to peace in the world through sport

Remember to give back!

• Both players are surrounded by an army of coaches, nutritionists and managers.

To be the best you need to surround yourself with the best people as well as the people you love and love you

To Novac and Raphael, thank you for allowing me to be part of sporting history. I will remember this battle for a very long time