Rafael Nadal Captures Wimbledon Crown, Ends Federer's Reign

This match was truly something special. I'll admit that I am a recreational tennis viewer, but I always catch the grand slam finals. I may very well have just seen the best there is to offer. The young Spaniard Rafael Nadal downed Swiss sensation Roger Federer, ending Federer's streak of five consecutive finals at the All-England Club.

The match seemed to be owned early by Nadal, who went up two sets to love, but when the rains came, Fede, as he is known, found his second wind. After two exhausting tiebreaks, both won by Federer, the two were to play a fifth and final set to determine the champion.

After more agonizing play, Nadal reigned supreme, winning 9-7 in the brutal fifth. The once mere clay wizard has now proved that he can capture a crown on any surface.

The more interesting storyline heading into the tournament, however, was whether Fede could shake off his early season struggles to win a record sixth-straight Wimbledon title. Fede was blasted by Nadal in the French Open, but seemed to have things figured out in the early rounds of Wimbledon.

Nadal was simply too much on this afternoon. From his scampering for drop shots, to flicking his racket for down-line winners, his game was utterly sensational.

Taking nothing away from Federer, who fought back in the true testament of a champion, it looks like his number one status may be in definite jeopardy. Fede is one of the best players in the game, and perhaps will be the greatest player ever, but Nadal has done his best to postpone those talks for some time.

I've seen some great championships in my lifetime, including Sampras in his prime, and Agassi at his finest, but nothing was as wonderful as this match today.

I was literally leaning off my couch watching every point, full of suspense. Federer must bow his head for now, but don't be surprised to see him back at his finest next year.

For now, Rafa is one of the most amazing athletes in our world today, he has beat the best twice in a row in finals, and deserved this one, as well.