Watching Rafael Nadal versus Roger Federer was like watching Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed knocking seven bells out of each other. Only it was more gripping because you knew it was the real thing.
Every time Nadal came within touching distance, Federer selected the finest weapon from his arsenal. But the Swiss has never seen so many of his shots returned in the same match.
In the end, Nadal's jab kept the five-time Wimbledon champion at arm's length. Federer couldn't control the structure of the points enough and even when he did, Nadal still seemed to land a telling blow.
And so this question keeps cropping up: was it the best final in Wimbledon's history?
I have never read much into this type of question because it is impossible to compare without watching one right next to another—which I've never been able to do. Tennis is not like football, where you get to see countless repeats. Comparing separate eras is simply impossible.
Plus, I'm too young. I've seen the classic McEnroe versus Borg tie-break several times, but I don't know enough about the rest of the match. Goran Ivanisevic's heroic display in 2001 was always my favorite, because there was a plethora of classic five-setters that year, played by attacking serve-and-volley maestros.
But I have to admit, this felt like the best ever, and I certainly respect McEnroe's opinion that it was. It was undoubtedly the longest, and it ended uniquely, with the trophy presented on a centre court visible only by a strobe light of flashing cameras. Unique, because next year's new roof will prevent the final from lasting as long.
Perhaps, if it was the best, a fitting finale.
3 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Fiona F 12 months ago
the final was unbeliveable and rafa was at his best. federer that he will come again next year. i hope he does so. like this nadal can win again and show that his the best ever.
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Steven Ho 12 months ago
For me, it has to be the best, simply in terms of the quality of tennis played.
I bet you will be hard-pressed to find another match in the whole of sport where you have two of the greatest players in the history of their sports, at the top of their game, in the biggest match in that sport, with the biggest pressure to create history (Federer 6 in a row, Nadal first in 30 years to win French/Wimbledon).
If I really think about it, I'd say it is undisputedly the greatest match, in sport, that I've ever seen.
I'm so gutted that Federer lost though.
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Barnaby de Hoedt 11 months ago
I was a little bit dissapointed Federer lost as well, as I wish it was still a faster game on grass rather than baseline friendly. But just as lefty McEnroe was destined to beat 5-time winner Borg, the same proved to be true of this final!
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