World ranked number one Roger Federer claimed his fourth Wimbledon title in a row by defeating World number two Rafael Nadal in four hard fought sets. The Swiss master showed that he is still the man to beat on the hallowed turf of Wimbledon.
Rush
Federer started off in a rush, claiming first break on his second breakpoint with an excellent forehand down the line after an epic rally. Federer got another break at 3-0 up, with an excellent backhand that Nadal was incapable of returning.
Federer got a chance to get his third break and take the set at 5-0 and 30-40. Nadal managed to take care of the first breakpoint with an excellent chipped lob over the advancing Federer. Federer got another breakpoint soon after, one that Nadal averted with an ace.
Bagle
Finally, at the third breakpoint Federer managed to convert it, putting a lovely crosscourt backhand past Nadal. This first set, 6-0, seemed to put Federer firmly in control of the match.
Fightback
The second set show a complete turn around in the match, with Nadal immediately breaking the world number one to take a quick 2-0 lead.
Federer got a chance to break back at 3-1 down, but he failed in his attempt when he put an unbalanced forehand outside the lines. The match went on serve until 5-3 to Nadal, at which point Federer managed to fight himself back in the set and come back to 5-4.
Tie break
Both players then hold on to their serves to forge a second set tiebreak. The tiebreak was back and forth with Nadal grabbing an early mini-break at 2-1 up, Federer getting one back at 3-2 down. And, with Federer finally taking the tiebreak at 6-5 up, when Nadal put a backhand in the net after some good Federer pressure.
Equal terms
The match was, after a quick first set, still very much on equal terms, with both players keeping their serves for the entire third set going to an inevitable tiebreak. Nadal got one chance to break at 3-2 up, but Federer took care of it with an unreturnable serve.
Article comments
1 - MCH
It will be fun to watch the rivalry between these two over the next 5-10 years...right now Fed is the more polished player, with a more even temperament...He has many more shots in his repertoire, and possseses the heart of a champion.
At this time Nadal is better on clay, and is closing the gap on grass...his strenghts are his speed, endurance, and competitive desire...plus he's got the second-best tennis game in the world.
The U.S. and Australian Opens will be interesting...
2 - manfred
They will move to neutral ground now, the US Hardcourts :) I am looking forward how far they will get there :D