It was a nail biting match, where the crowd seemed to have got their money’s worth. The Finals for the Men’s championship at Wimbledon between Rafael Nadal and the defending champion Roger Federer was one of the finest matches tennis world has seen. The world number one prevailed 7-6 4-6 7-6 2-6 6-2 after the match that went on for 3 hours and 45 minutes.
After winning the Championship point Federer went down on his knees. Federer who seldom shows emotions on the court seemed to have been pushed by the 21 year old opponent who put up a great fight.
Federer told the BBC:
Each one is special but to play a champion like Rafa, it means a lot and equalling Bjorn’s record as well... He’s a fantastic player and he’s going to be around so much longer so I’m happy with every one I get before he takes them all!It was such a close match. I told him at the net that he deserved it as well. I’m the lucky one today.
Federer was in his ninth Grand Slam final in a row and 13th overall. He surged into a 0-3 lead with Nadal. The first set had a tie breaker which Federer won just scraping through in time 9-7.
The quality of tennis played hit a new peak in the third set, with scintillating rallies and dazzling winners becoming the norm.
Federer was heard telling the umpire during the changeover that the electronic system was “killing” him. He was reffering to the challenges he made against OUT decisions that were given against him.
Nadal fought like a warrior till the end in this match but Federer hit supreme form to demand his place in Wimbledon’s history. But all said and done, it does look like the grass is beginning to look greener for Nadal. The king of clay has managed to come real close to defeating the emperor of grass!
Source - BBC
