Rafael Nadal has won his first Wimbledon men's singles title after holding off a stunning fightback from five-times champion Roger Federer to secure a dramatic victory in an epic rain-affected five-set final. Nadal triumphed 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7 in fading light in the longest men's final in Wimbledon history, as the French Open champion prevented top seed Federer from becoming the first man in history to win six successive titles.
The second seed's four hour, 48 minute triumph means he becomes only the third man in the Open era -- after Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg -- to win at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. As well as becoming the first Spaniard to win Wimbledon since Manolo Santana in 1966, Nadal also avenges his defeats to Federer in the last two finals and puts an end to the Swiss star's grass-court run of 65 consecutive wins. Nadal had earlier stood on the brink of victory after taking the advantage in the fourth set tie-break and holding two points for the title, the second of which Federer saved with a sensational backhand winner. But in a match interrupted by two rain delays, Nadal finally seized his chance in the 15th game of the final set, breaking Federer then serving out and marking his victory by dropping to the floor, emotion etched all over his face. And speaking after his win, Nadal said that it was his dream to win the Wimbledon and added that Federer is still the best tennis player. Federer meanwhile said that Nadal is a deserving winner but he will be back to reclaim his Wimbledon title next year. [End of report]
Just when you thought this tournament had seen everything, this topped it all. I watched the match yesterday and I have to admit it was a great final, the only disappointment was the rain delays, not once but twice during the match. Even before the match started, it was already raining at the start of the match and it got delayed for about half an hour but when it got running, it was a great match of tennis. Before the match, I thought it was going to be Roger's year again but when Nadal took the first two sets, I had some doubts. Then during the third set, the rain came down again and the match was suspended for about an hour. That was frustrating because it was about 12.20am Singapore time and I had to wait for an hour for the match to resume. When play was resumed, Roger looked like a different player. I dont know if the rain delays actually help him but he did well to come back from two sets down, to win the third and fourth set. And just when I thought there was not going to be anymore rain, it came down again in the fifth set and I had to wait again. It was 2.30am here so I was really pissed off. I wanted to go to bed but the match was too good for me to stop watching so I waited patiently. Both players played some fantastic tennis after that but in the end, it was Nadal who was victorious.
It was his first Wimbledon win ever so Im happy for him and it is always good to see a new champion, but at the same time, I feel bad for Roger as he was unable to continue his winning streak at the tournament for a sixth consecutive time. Many people are saying that it was probably one of the greatest final in the tournament history and I would have to agree with them. The level of tennis from both players were amazing, that is why there are the top 2 in the world. I didnt follow the tournament closely this year because I knew who the final two was going to be and I was right, but I certainly didnt expect Nadal to win. He has now managed to defeat Roger in the French Open and then in Wimbledon so Roger is going to have to step up his game if he wish to remain in the number one spot because if he keeps going to lose to Nadal, then the number one spot could well go to Nadal. As far as the women's final is concern, it was another final between the William sisters and it was the defending champion Venus who won it again. I was hoping to see Ivanovic or Sharapova winning but it was never meant to be, maybe next year.
The Wimbledon is over now. It has certainly been another great tournament apart from the rain delays. Fortunately though, from next year onwards, there will be a roof to be place on top of the court, similar to what you see in the Australian Open I think so hopefully, there will not be anymore rain delays because it is frustrating when you want to go to bed early, you will have to wait for the rain to stop first. The next Grand Slam that will take place will be the U.S. Open which will begin in late August. So until then, have fun and enjoy your tennis.
*The report was taken from CNN and for full match report, you may go to Wimbledon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment