Wimbledon 2008

Nadal wins: 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7
The best tennis match ever was played yesterday in the men's finals at Wimbledon. Roger Federer (1) was going for his 6th straight Wimbledon record to try to beat Bjorn Borg's reign of 5 straight (which Federer tied last year). Rafael Nadal (2) was trying to beat Federer at Wimbledon, a feat he missed last year, barely, plus he was trying to become the first man to win both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Borg. Nadal has always had Federer's number on clay at the Roland Garros, but he never could quite outsmart Federer on grass. The match was the longest in Wimbledon history, 4 hours, 48 minutes, it survived two rain delays, numerous challenges and strong winds. Every type of swing was used, both players played strong, at net, at the baseline, with grace and athleticism. Both players were dressed in the required white, they survived shadows cast by the setting sun, exhaustion, and played the game of their lives. It was a clinic in perseverance, strength, determination and skill. It will be shown again tonight on ESPN Classic, as it was one of those matches that was one for the ages. If you like tennis, even just a little, watch the match. You'll be happy to have witnessed one of the great, if not the greatest, match in men's tennis history.