Fifth set: Rafter 7 - 9 Ivanisevic*.
Drama, drama. This game encapsulates Goran. A bad decision sees him go 0-15. Then a double-fault to take it to 15-30. Then a second service ace at 116mph. 30-30: he calls for the same ball. He aces it to give him championship point. The crowd have gone ballistic. Goran is weeping. Boom. Is it an ace? No, it's out. And then he double-faults. On match point! Deuce. A big serve gives him the advantage. Guess what? Yup - another double-fault! Rafter pushes one down the line. But it's out and Goran goes to his knees and lifts his eyes to heaven. He kisses the ball. But what nerve and presence of mind from Rafter to lob from there. And so perfectly. Deuce. But another chance for Goran. He asks for the same ball again. Rafter puts it into the net. GORAN'S WON.
Fifth set: Rafter* 7 - 8 Ivanisevic.
Are Rafter's jitters returning? He pushes an easy shot out. Then Goran returns a kicking Rafter second serve superbly to give himself two break points. He needs just one of them. Bosh: Goran is up. This is it. He is serving for the championship.
Fifth set: Rafter 7 - 7 Ivanisevic*.
If you thought Pat's semi against Agassi was good, this is better. The crowd's collective finger nails have been chewed to their cuticles. Goran comes back from 0-30 down to 30-30 and then aces the next. But Rafter takes it to deuce with a simply perfect volley. This is tip-top tennis. Two points from defeat, this man doesn't know when he is down. Goran is level again.
Fifth set: Rafter* 7 - 6 Ivanisevic.
A majestic pass down the line sends Goran's supporters into delirium. But he can't repeat it and Rafter serves out to 15. What can this be doing to Goran's dad's dodgy ticker?
Fifth set: Rafter 6 - 6 Ivanisevic*.
Goran is serving to stay in the match, but you wouldn't know it. There's the odd double-fault, but when the serve lands in, it's practically impossible to return and, much to Rafter's frustration, Goran wins the game to 15. It doesn't look like he's ever going to break him now.
Fifth set: Rafter* 6 - 5 Ivanisevic.
There's a pained expression on Goran's face as he loses the first point. Rafter thwacks the next point into the net. Great reactions at the net from Rafter, but he leaves a gap that his opponent exploits - 15-30. Feel the pressure, Pat? And then relieve it with an unbelievable drop volley, why don't you? Then we'll have another exact replica. Thank you - 40-30. But what are you doing, Patrick? Double-faulting, that's what: deuce. Then on his advantage Rafter sticks his racket out at the net and the ball falls just over it. It's a weak stop-volley, but it wins him the game and the pressure is returned to Ivanisevic.
Fifth set: Rafter 5 - 5 Ivanisevic*.
Goran prods home the first point at the net. Rafter's next return is long. Then Ivanisevic double-faults before serving up an unreturnable one. He asks for the same ball back and uses it to serve out the game. Bosh. This could run and run.
Fifth set: Rafter* 5 - 4 Ivanisevic.
A miscalculation from Rafter allows Goran to pass him down the line to win the first point. The big Croat then sweeps across court with venom to take it to 0-30. Rafter leaps like a ballerina at the net to angle a back-hand volley home and then smashes the next point nervously to level it. Goran forces the next one long as the window of opportunity slams shut. A nervy game for Rafter, but he holds on. Now Goran has to serve to stay in the match.
Fifth set: Rafter 4 - 4 Ivanisevic*.
More huge serves as Goran levels it again. He takes the game to 15, and levels once more. It's very equal once more. But one mistake will win it.
Fifth set: Rafter* 4 - 3 Ivanisevic.
Great forehand return from Goran to take it to 15-15. But Pat follows with an ace. Then Goran shanks a return into the net - 40-15 - and Pat finishes off with a gentle half-volley into the corner that Goran, sliding, cannot reach.
Fifth set: Rafter 3 - 3 Ivanisevic*.
Ivanisevic has equalled the tournament record of 206 aces. It was one he set himself. That's his second consecutive game to love. It's not pretty, but it's effective.
Fifth set: Rafter* 3 - 2 Ivanisevic.
It's going with serve in this final set. We've got all the drama you could wish for here, and it's better than any Aussie soap opera. Can Goran dig deep and find a break from somewhere? Or is Pat going to make up for last year's disappointment? He leads.
Fifth set: Rafter 2 - 2 Ivanisevic*.
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. If Punch were commentating, he'd say "That's the way to do it." And you know he would. Goran's still in it.
Fifth set: Rafter* 2 - 1 Ivanisevic.
Easy does it, Pat. But now some of the crowd are getting behind Goran.
Fifth set: Rafter 1 - 1 Ivanisevic*.
An overhead smash from Goran takes it to 15-15. But then Rafter advances and slams a top-spin half-volley into Goran's body which he can't cope with. A big serve restores parity at 30-30, followed by an ace, perfectly placed. But then he swings wildly at an easy half-volley and drags it wide to go to deuce. However, credit to him, he wins the next two points and we're all square again.
Fifth set: Rafter* 1 - 0 Ivanisevic.
Rafter looks like he is going to win this. He's already won the mental game. It's just a question of holding his nerve for the fifth and final set.
Fourth set: Rafter 6 - 2 Ivanisevic*.
Ivanisevic recovers to take it to 3-0, but then puts a drop-volley into the net tape. Risky shot, and Rafter forces the error on the next point. If Rafter can break here for the set, then he will have the advantage on serve in the fifth. The other Goran seems to have emerged; the unstable one that loses. He had the chance to dispatch Rafter but he kept the Aussie in the point and after a rally - yes, a rally - Rafter breaks to win the set. The crowd erupts. Goran erupts. And then he takes his kit off. Well, he's got to do something to cool down.
Fourth set: Rafter* 5 - 2 Ivanisevic. Goran leads two sets to one.
Rafter is back. He has no problems taking a 5-2 lead and Ivanisevic sits, a disconsolate figure. He's got to keep it together under this intense pressure.
Fourth set: Rafter 4 - 2 Ivanisevic*. Goran leads two sets to one.
Rafter is getting pumped. He takes it to 30-30, but then mis-times his next return and screams his disgust. Goran double-faults though. And Rafter tries a bit of kidology, going back to his chair to delay the Croat. It's working - Ivanisevic puts a simple volley wide and has to save a break point. The best way to do that is with an ace. So that's what he does. Then he punches the ball down the line to take the advatange. Rafter comes back and makes a pass of his own, so to speak. Deuce. And then he saunters to the net and wrong-foots Goran to earn another break point. Ivanisevic foot-faults for the first time. He doesn't like that. Now it's a double-fault! Rafter has broken. Goran's lost it. Rafter's mental game is working as Goran goes ape on the umpire. He uses the F-word. Again. And on the BBC too. The crowd go boo-hiss. It's like a panto.
Fourth set: Rafter* 3 - 2 Ivanisevic. Goran leads two sets to one.
The indefatigable Rafter refuses to bow. Sorry to be repetitive, but this really is an incredible atmosphere.
Fourth set: Rafter 2 - 2 Ivanisevic*. Goran leads two sets to one.
Ivanisevic serves his 200th ace of the championships, and his 14th of the match. Rafter has served only half that number. It's the strength of the serve that is deciding Goran's fate. He looks destined to win this match. He wins this game to level it again in the fourth.
Fourth set: Rafter* 2 - 1 Ivanisevic. Goran leads two sets to one.
Rafter has a few aces up his sweaty sleeve too. Shane Warne loves it, loves it.
Fourth set: Rafter 1 - 1 Ivanisevic*. Goran leads two sets to one.
Ivanisevic shows Rafter who is boss. Another ace to make it 1-1. Rafter needs to produce something more than special here to break Goran. Strangely, his shoulder seems a bit better. Goran called on God to help him win this match. A bit of divine intervention perhaps?
Fourth set: Rafter* 1 - 0 Ivanisevic. Goran leads two sets to one.
The perfect antipodean response. Rafter holds his serve and his nerve.
Third set: Rafter 3 - 6 Ivanisevic*.
A breath-taking return from Rafter is greeted by the crowd as if he's won the match. He then saves a set point as the players come face to face at the net. And the Aussie takes it to deuce with a stunning, running forehand pass down the line. What next? A Goran ace, of course (complete with blood-curdling celebration). And then another big serve to win the set 6-3 and take a 2-1 lead. He was just teasing us.
Third set: Rafter* 3 - 5 Ivanisevic. One set all
Rafter gets lucky with a net-cord to level the game at 30-30. Then he takes it to 40-30 with two lovely volleys at the net, and closes it out with an unreturnable serve.
Third set: Rafter 2 - 5 Ivanisevic*. One set all
Goran seizes the initiative to take it to 5-2. The bit, it's between his Croatian teeth.
Third set: Rafter* 2 - 4 Ivanisevic. One set all
Two amazing returns give Goran two break points. Rafter saves the first with a superbly angled volley at the net. But then he leaves a Goran mis-hit return that he thinks is going long and misjudges it. Ivanisevic has the crucial break.
Third set: Rafter 2 - 3 Ivanisevic*. One set all
Ouch: direct hit from Ivanisevic, straight into Rafter's guts. The antipodean cannot find an answer to Goran's serve when it lands in. The Croat closes the game out at the net, punching home a stop-volley that Rafter cannot quite reach before the second bounce.
Third set: Rafter* 2 - 2 Ivanisevic. One set all.
It's amazing to think that both these players had contemplated retirement this year. A lovely back-hand chop at the net dinks over for Rafter with Goran stranded at the back of the court. That takes him to 40-15. He then double-faults and kicks the ball in anger - 40-30. But it's a momentary stutter. Rafter spreads the play to both sides of the court to win the game with Ivanisevic unable to cover the ground.
Third set: Rafter 1 - 2 Ivanisevic*. One set all
A basic error at the net from Ivanisevic lets Rafter back into the game at 30-15. Then he produces yet another double-fault. He's too inconsistent today. But he holds the game with another second-service ace. You get the feeling he is serving two first serves and going for broke. He receives some treatment to his shoulder during the turnaround.
Third set: Rafter* 1 - 1 Ivanisevic. One set all
Rafter comes to the net, but Goran passes him from the base-line with a flashing half-volley to level the game 30-30. That's as close as it gets. Rafter serves out to level the scores: one game all, one set all.
Third set: Rafter 0 - 1 Ivanisevic*. One set all
This game is finely balanced. But could Goran's (see-)sore shoulder tip it in Rafter's favour? (Sorry.) The highlight of this particular game: Rafter lobs superbly and runs to the net to dispatch the volley. Which he does. Into the net. Goran takes the game.
Second set: Rafter* 6 - 3 Ivanisevic. First set, Ivanisevic
Rafter passes a test of nerves to serve out the set to love and take it 6-3, much to the crowd's delight.
Second set: Rafter 5 - 3 Ivanisevic*. First set, Ivanisevic
Goran muppets into the net to give Rafter set point. Rafter then returns the compliment instead of the big G's serve. Deuce. So Goran gives him another chance. Deuce again. He's getting only 50% of his first serves in. Another double-fault takes the game to its third deuce. But soft hands at the net give him the advantage back. And he closes the game out with a second-service ace. Typical.
Second set: Rafter* 5 - 2 Ivanisevic. First set, Ivanisevic
Rafter puts a drop volley into the net for 0-15, then watches a Goran lob attempt safely out for 15-15. He goes on to take the game to 15.
Second set: Rafter 4 - 2 Ivanisevic*. First set, Ivanisevic
Goran aces to 30-15, then comes to the net to prod it over deftly for 40-15. Then another ace. And all Rafter can do to entertain the crowd is a few keep-ups with the tennis ball.
Second set: Rafter* 4 - 1 Ivanisevic. First set, Ivanisevic
Both players seem to have settled for a set-all. Rafter holds his serve with relative ease.
Second set: Rafter 3 - 1 Ivanisevic*. First set, Ivanisevic
The umpire has to quieten the crowd once more. What do they think this is? An exciting sporting spectacle or something? Meanwhile, Ivanisevic holds his serve. That dampens their spirits a bit. There are more Australians in the crowd than Croats, crazy though it may seem. Every bartender in the country must be there. 3-1: it's a mirror-image of the first set.
Second set: Rafter* 3 - 0 Ivanisevic. First set, Ivanisevic
Lovely disguise on the return from the base-line beats Rafter down the line. He then tries to lob the big Aussie. Silly idea. Rafter is a the zone. The game-winning zone, that is. And he takes a commanding 3-0 lead.
Second set: Rafter 2 - 0 Ivanisevic*. First set, Ivanisevic
Goran starts with another double-fault, then follows with two winners. Rafter returns with a beauty cross-court to level it 30-30, and ... oh my word, Rafter has just broken back. The crowd go absolutely bonkers.
Second set: Rafter* 1 - 0 Ivanisevic. First set, Ivanisevic
Rafter wins the first three points, but then double-faults. However, he wins with a sliding serve that forces Goran wide and he can only knock it up for Pat to smash home comfortably.
First set: Rafter 3 - 6 Ivanisevic*
Goran looks very focused and has Rafter scurrying all over the court, but to no avail. It's just too big. He can't take it. More scud missiles from Ivanisevic explode on to the green sheet behind Rafter as he serves out the first set 6-3. A quick-fire set, lasting less than half an hour.
First set: Rafter* 3 - 5 Ivanisevic
The umpire has to tell the crowd to calm down. They respond by cheering wildly. Oh well, he tried. Rafter loses the first point, but wins the next four. No probs.
First set: Rafter 2 - 5 Ivanisevic*
It's not very exciting, and both players are making mistakes. Goran double-faults to take the game to deuce. It's all or nothing with him. He follows up with another ace. And he wins the game with an easy smash after amazing agility from Rafter sees the Aussie get back an Ivanisevic attempted pass down the line.
First set: Rafter* 2 - 4 Ivanisevic
Rafter races to a 30-0 lead and looks more relaxed with the serve now. he duly takes the game to 15. Now he has to break back.
First set: Rafter 1 - 4 Ivanisevic*
Perfectly executed lob from Rafter leaves Goran swatting at thin air. Then he follows up with a glorious back-hand service-return winner. But he still can't inflict real damage and Ivanisevic takes the game to 30, though at least Rafter is making a decent fist of it now. Time for some Robinson's Barley water, chaps.
First set: Rafter* 1 - 3 Ivanisevic
Rafter is rattled. He's struggling to find service rhythm. But when he comes into the net he looks dangerous and he takes the game to 15. That'll settle him down.
First set: Rafter 0 - 3 Ivanisevic*
The big G takes an emphatic lead with no such problems on his serve. A couple of aces and minimal fuss later, it's 3-0.
First set: Rafter* 0 - 2 Ivanisevic
The Aussie relieves early 15-30 pressure on his serve by coming into the net to attack his opponent's return. But the big Croat forces a break point. Rafter ducks a high return, which restores the game to deuce. Every point is received by rapturous applause. And Goran is returning superbly to give Rafter the jitters in his first service game. A double fault gives Ivanisevic another break point, which he takes. Game Goran.
First set: Rafter 0 - 1 Ivanisevic*
Quiet, please. Play. Goran starts with an unreturnable serve. Rafter squares things with an emphatic cross-court shot to the delight of the partisan crowd. But Goran takes the game to 30.
Token preamble
Ivanisevic has been in the Wimbledon final three times but never won it. Rafter, a losing finalist last year, is just as hungry for the title. There's a football-style crowd packed into centre court, and the Australian cricket team is among them. The All England Club has never seen anything like it, apparently. Follow our coverage as it happens.