Jake Dembo vividly remembers the Australian Open 2012 men\u2019s final.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At five years of age, growing up in Western Australia, Dembo tuned into the near-six-hour epic between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, a match that quickly became one of tennis\u2019 \u2018Where were you when\u2026?\u2019 moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember that match was on Australia Day. I remember really clearly, five hours, 53 minutes,\u201d he recalled.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI remember we had a barbecue at my house, with friends and family over, and we were just watching it on the couch at my house back in Perth.\u201d<\/p>\n
One half of that incredible match, Nadal is one of Dembo\u2019s biggest inspirations. While their on-court archetypes differ, their qualities are similar.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have very different game styles, but I\u2019d say the physicality he brings, I like to bring, and the competitiveness and the fight every point, the never-give-up attitude, I feel kind of came naturally to me,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a great role model for every young kid to have.\u201d<\/p>\n
You only had to watch the match point of his boys\u2019 singles first-round match against Japan\u2019s Ren Matsumura to see Dembo\u2019s Nadal-esque fighting spirit on full display.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After taking a return from the \u2018Melbourne\u2019 sign, a sharp drop shot saw Dembo hustle at full speed to retrieve the ball, leading to an unforced error at the net from Matsumara\u00a0<\/p>\n
A passionate reaction from the 17-year-old told the story. Dembo claimed his maiden victory at a major, defeating Matsumura 7-6(4) 6-2. While claiming the win provided an unreal feeling, it meant more to Dembo to achieve the feat in front of his family on home soil.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing it in Australia with my family here, I think definitely made it more special,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was a great match from start to finish, and it was a great atmosphere out there. I loved every minute of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt unbelievable [to play in front of the crowd]. Growing up, you always see on TV after crazy points, the crowd goes crazy, and you\u2019re just dreaming of being the one playing while the crowd\u2019s really getting up and about, so it really feels special.\u201d<\/p>\n