Swiss star’s reign is over after thrilling final
Nadal: first Wimbledon title The best final ever Rafael Nadal claimed his first Wimbledon title in epic fashion on Centre Court with a five-set victory over world number one Roger Federer which will rank as one of the greatest Grand Slam finals. Nadal squandered a two-set lead and two Championship points in the fourth set tie-break before summoning one final challenge and sealing a 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5/7) 6-7 (8/10) 9-7 victory as darkness fell. Nadal had 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 simply sensational backhand winner. But in a match interrupted by two brief 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 crumbling to the court. “It’s impossible to explain what I felt in that moment… winning my favourite tournament, it’s a dream,” Nadal said after becoming the first man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back to back since Bjorn Borg in 1980. Of Federer he added: “He’s still the number one, he’s still the best, he’s five times champion, now I have one.”
