Nadal Wins Wimbledon, Dethrones Federer

No man had beaten Roger Federer at Wimbledon since 2002. But in near darkness, one of the greatest tennis matches ever played concluded Sunday with Roger Federer hitting a short forehand into the net and with a victorious Rafael Nadal flat on his back with camera flashes illuminating his drained and delighted face.

Nadal had come the closest to beating Federer in last year's final, pushing his friendly rival to five sets before ending up in tears in the locker room as Federer equaled Bjorn Borg's modern men's record with his fifth straight victory.

Last year's emotional tussle immediately took its place among the best Wimbledon finals, but this five-set classic -- played on a rainy, gusty day -- was better yet.

At 4 hours 48 minutes, it was the longest singles final in Wimbledon's 131-year history and did not finish until 9:16 p.m. local time.

"The most important thing is to win the title," said Nadal, who won, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. "After that, you think about winning against the No. 1, probably the best player in history or close, and the fact it was so dramatic. But it's one of the most powerful feelings I've had in my life."

By the end, as hard as it was to see, the top-seeded Federer and the second-seeded Nadal had produced so much brilliant tennis under pressure that it seemed the most normal thing in the world that Federer smack yet another ace to get out of trouble or that Nadal hunt down yet another sharply angled groundstroke and rip an off-balance passing shot for a winner.

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Comments

[demlover1]

I play tennis and used to watch religiously as a kid when McEnroe, Borg and Conners dueled and later I enjoyed the ocassional match between Agassi and Sampras. I admit that over the later years I've been watching more women's tennis because men's tennis wasn't as exciting (too many aces and service winners), but I thought I'd try watching the men's final yesterday to see the top two players square off. It was truly a great match. The quality of tennis was oustanding for most of the match and they were so evenly matched, it was great. I also appreciated how classy and what great sports they were. It was definitely one of the best matches I've ever seen. They may not have as flashy personalities as McEnroe, Connors or Agassi, but I appreciated how great they played and what great role models they appear to be. McEnroe's tirades on the courts may have been more exciting to watch, but in the end, I prefer Federer's and Nadal's great playing and good manners. My congratulations to both for helping to bring back tennis to where it belongs--as one of the great sports in this country!!

[dartagnan]

Greatest tennis match I have ever seen, and I've been watching for 40 years. Too bad somebody had to lose.

[ShockandAutism]

Greatest match ever.

And not to impugn Rafa"s win but let"s all admit Roger basically beat himself as well. 27 unforced errors is not the Federer of years past and he was not as sharp as he usually is. Blame it on previous sickness or age but Roger at 23 would have taken today's Nadal in 4 sets.

Much to Nadal"s credit his game has improved remarkably in recent years. His serve and angle"s have improved but his strength and speed are his key. Federer is a surgical artist who made too many mistakes against the bullish speed of Nadal who was seemingly all over the court.

And though Nadal won today he will not have the longevity of a Sampras or Federer. His body and especially knees will eventually succumb to his type of play and once he diminishes in that area (around 25) his game will come undone. Roger is still the all around better player because he doesn"t rely on one trick.

But congrats to Rafa, great match and great show of class.

[blueskybigstar]

You try to handle Nadal's top spin. Nadal has improved as a player in every way. Federer played great. Remember, though number 2, Nadal has always had a winning record against Federer.

[Wilbur]

As a Federer fan, I must disagree with the statement that "...27 unforced errors is not the Federer of years past..." Actually, Roger has been making more unforced errors over the last couple of years, but he has been getting away with it. It caught up to him yesterday. He has developed a very annoying habit (for fans of his like me) of running around return shots from his opponent in order to whack a forehand shot, and all too often he hits that return into the net.

I wish he would've won yesterday, but Nadal deserved the victory. Both men are fine, humble champions.

Wilbur

[rcampbell]

I've only actually played (attempted) tennis a few times, but I've always enjoyed the one-on-one competeitvness of the game. I found Sunday's match a simply thrilling sporting event. There was raw power, deft touch and skill. There was drama and excitement. It was a physically and mentally exhausting match (even as a viewer) and in the end both men were rightfully appreciative and gratious. Wonderful stuff.

[darcy]

That was a match and a half! I'm sorry for Roger, but Rafael showed his courage under fire and sure deserved that title.

[Kassandra]

Great arms on that guy! Whew!

[karma13612]

What a match! I have been predicting Nadal would win this year since I saw him at Roland Garros. He has a fire in his belly this year that is unstoppable. He has taken his game to a new level, and was probably trying to overcome his disappointment from last season. He suffered so much with the patella tendonitis, and it was painful to watch him play thru it all, like a professional. Roger is a superb player. That is why he is number one. But, I will still hold Nadal as my #1 since he has shown he can be flexible and winning on multiple surfaces. Also, since Djokovic is so good, and coming up the ranks so fast, I am concerned that Nadal will never actually see the No#1 ranking next to his name. He has a narrow window in which to achieve it. If he misses it, I believe that will be a great loss for him, and the sport. Just as Federer feels such disappointment after yesterday. Am curious to see how they do at the US Open. Boy, do I wish I could be there!

[k6007]

I KNEW you could do it:) Congrats Rafah!!

[iblis]

One of the best matches ever, if not the greatest. A real classic. One for the books. Both Nadal and Federer are great ambassodors for their sport. Federer pure sublime talent, grace and mentally tough-Nadal all passion, guts and glory and determination.

[HatingTheGame]

Amazing! I must say Spain and Spanish sports have had an amazing year. Hats off to them.

What I thought was a real class act, and very mature for a 21 year old was when Nadal was thrown the Spanish flag as he jumped onto the stands to hug his parents and coach, and instead of unfurling it and waving it around in jingoistic fashion, he kept it folded, and simply hung it around his neck. It would have been inappropriate to wave it around at Wimbledon. At the Euro08 it made sense since national teams are competing for the European title, but tennis is a gentleman's game, and both Federer and Nadal are play in the finest tradition of the game.

Breathtaking!

[strifeknot]

For those who missed this, ESPN Classic will be re-airing it Monday at 7:00 PM.

[tililek]

the match was a joy to watch. They both had the grace and movements of a cat.

[CraigHickman]

I like reading tennis links on HuffPo.

It was the best match I've ever seen!

Craig Hickman's Tennis Blog

[Larry of Corrales]

I was rooting for Nadal because my origins are in Spain and was glad that he won but these were two very equally matched players. I can't remember when I saw a better played and more exciting tennis match. What makes me sick is that I had to leave for an appointment at a few minutes before 1, to be sure I was able to see the finish I taped it on Direct TV and the scheduled time cut it off at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Standard time so I missed about half of the last tie breaker.

[gloriar8]

I live on the west coast. So, I set my alarm for 6:00 am just to watch these two giants. During one of the rain delays, I fell asleep. When I woke up Roger had battled back from being 2 sets down! It was an epic see-saw battle. I have been watching tennis since the 70's and I have NEVER seen a match this good between equally matched opponents. The match ended around 1:30pm here and I just sat there and watched the replays. Federer, has a lot of class. Of course he wanted to win, but he showed great sportsmanship and I salute him. I was rooting for Nadal, but it would have been ok if Roger had won, too.

Absolutely Awesome!!!!