Nadal finally conquers grass, beats Federer in Wimbledon final
Nadal beats Federer in thrilling Wimbledon final
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) _ Rafael Nadal (nah-DAHL') wins a riveting men's final at Wimbledon outlasting Roger Federer on sunday. Rafael Nadal has ended Roger Federer's five years of dominance at Wimbledon, beating the top-ranked player in a riveting five-set final. He also shattered Federer's dreams of an historic sixth successive Wimbledon trophy.
Nadal was playing in his third straight final at the All England Club, but finally managed to get the better of the 12-time Grand Slam champion and won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 on Sunday. Federer, the five-time defending champion, had 12 chances to break Nadal through the first three sets, but managed to convert only one.
The rain-delayed match ended in near darkness and lasted 4 hours, 48 minutes. The longest men's final in Wimbledon history ended when Federer slapped a forehand into the net on Nadal's fourth match point and second of the game.
Nadal said:
Quote:
It's impossible to explain what I felt in that moment but I'm very, very happy. It is a dream to play on this court, my favourite tournament, but to win I never imagined.
I had match points but Roger is very tough. I want to congratulate Roger because he is great for tennis, win or lose. He's still the number one, he's still the best. He is a five-time champion and I have just the one title here.
Federer admitted he had been beaten by the better man on the day.
Quote:
I tried everything, got a little late, but look, Rafa is a deserving champion -- he just played fantastic.
In tennis unfortunately there have to be winners and losers, there are no draws. But it was probably my hardest loss by far. It doesn't get much harder than this.
It is a pity I didn't win but I will be back next year.
Nadal, 22, is the first man to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Bjorn (byorn) Borg in 1980. He's also the first Spaniard to take home the Wimbledon title since Manolo Santana in 1966.
Nadal, a four-time French Open champion, also beat Federer in the final at Roland Garros in each of the last three years. Federer's loss ends his 65-match winning streak on grass, and his 40-match winning streak at Wimbledon.
Related links:
Wimbledon Results
Nadal Factbox
