Nadal sidelines the Fed Express
RAFAEL NADAL, Spain’s Raging Bull, ended Roger Federer’s Wimbledon era last night by beating the Swiss world No1 in a Centre Court classic.
Nadal, 22, dethroned the champion who had won five successive titles in a five-set thriller, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7. [>
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History repeated itself for Federer – and again it was cruel. [>
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Bjorn Borg was going for his sixth successive title in 1981 but was beaten by John McEnroe. Now Federer – perhaps the greatest player of all time – has failed in his quest to equal a record set by William Renshaw 122 years ago. [>
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At the end, Nadal could scarcely believe it as he lifted the golden cup he so craved in front of Spain’s last champion, Manuel Santana, who won 42 years ago. [>
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Winning Wimbledon has been a long-held dream for Nadal and now it will be just a question of time before he overtakes Federer as the top player in the world. [>
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Nadal had stood on the brink of victory after taking the advantage in the fourth-set tiebreak and holding two points for the title, the second of which Federer saved with a simply sensational backhand winner. [>
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But in a match interrupted by two brief rain delays, Nadal won the 15th game of the final set, breaking Federer and serving out to win the title in astonishing fashion. [>
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He flung himself to the court before the players hugged warmly at the net after their heart-stopping four hour 47 minutes drama. [>
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Nadal climbed into the players box to embrace his ecstatic family, weeping tears of delight and relief. [>
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He even walked across the roof of the commentary box to the Royal Box and back again clutching the Spanish flag to take congratulations from the Spanish royalty. [>
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After sobbing into his towel he said: “It is impossible to explain what I felt. I’m so happy. This is my favourite tournament. [>
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“Roger is the best player in history. [>
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“He always fights unbelievably. To beat him of all players after losing the last two is fantastic. But he is still No1 for me.” [>
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Federer said: “I tried everything, but Rafa is a deserving champion. [>
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“Rain didn’t make it easy, but it has been a joy here. [>
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“Pity I couldn’t win, but I’ll be back next year.” [>
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No interruption could hold back Nadal, but he did allow Federer back into the contest after he fell in the third set and needed treatment on his already damaged right knee. [>
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Up on Henman Hill thousands without tickets sheltered from that rain but gave Federer their full support by chanting his name. That lifted him toward producing his best tennis of the match. [>
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Uncle Toni, who has coached Nadal from the age of four, turned away at times unable to watch any longer. [>
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