May 5, 2008 -
A day that began a turn in the tide for two stalwarts of the court. The centre court at the All England Club geared up to host the final of The Championships of Wimbledon for the year, while the world's top 2, Roger Federer (world no.1) and Rafael Nadal (world no. 2) warmed up to face each other the third consecutive final at the famed grass court.
Federer lead their grass-court showdowns 2-0 and was yet to drop a set at Wimbledon 2008, while on the other hand, Nadal, the four time King of Clay was vying for his first title at the English Lawns. The match promised all a fine treat of tennis. Both the players had a rivalry that was and still is, well on its way to become stuff of legend.
The match began in a flurry after a rain-infested delay, with the Spanish Bull running away with a lead of one set. The audience watched in awe as Federer bravely fought back with classic strokes and volleys to haul a lead of 4-1. But Nadal was not one to give in, and he ruthlessly clinched the second set 6-4. With tables turned and trailing in the third, Federer looked lost with a two-set trail and history was about to be made. Then it seemed as though the Champion in Federer woke up with a start. He stood his ground firmly and played his strokes with his characteristic grace to come back from the dead.
Stroke after stroke issued from the Swiss ace's racquet as the scoreline reached 6-6 and a fine tie break later, Federer broke his rival to make the score 2-1. The fourth set also started evenly but Nadal ran away with a lead at 5-2. But many erroneous shots later, Nadal squandered away his lead, eventually losing the set 7-6 (10-8). Now the score read 2 sets each. The momentous fifth set was stopped at 2-2 due to rain, leaving a stunned audience bite their teeth in feverish suspense. After recommencing, Nadal slowly took the set to 8-7. With only one point away from history, the audience watched with bated breath as the Spaniard struck what became the most famous shot of this decade. Federer breezed past and struck the ball, but watched with shocked surprise as it fell short of the net, in his own court. With the championship point scored, Nadal fell on the grass, jubiliant with tears of joy, but exhausted by the four-and-a-half hour match, the longest final in Wimbledon history.
History was made. Roger Federer was defeated at Wimbledon.
Lessons from the Clash of the Titans:
Change is the most permanent thing in life. Roger Federer was considered to be the immovable pinnacle rock of modern tennis, no matter how many times he was challenged.
Though his fall seemed imminent, he stood firm.
Then, all of a sudden, he crashed a crash the likes of which is actually hard to digest, considering his track record.
A day that began a turn in the tide for two stalwarts of the court. The centre court at the All England Club geared up to host the final of The Championships of Wimbledon for the year, while the world's top 2, Roger Federer (world no.1) and Rafael Nadal (world no. 2) warmed up to face each other the third consecutive final at the famed grass court.
Federer lead their grass-court showdowns 2-0 and was yet to drop a set at Wimbledon 2008, while on the other hand, Nadal, the four time King of Clay was vying for his first title at the English Lawns. The match promised all a fine treat of tennis. Both the players had a rivalry that was and still is, well on its way to become stuff of legend.The match began in a flurry after a rain-infested delay, with the Spanish Bull running away with a lead of one set. The audience watched in awe as Federer bravely fought back with classic strokes and volleys to haul a lead of 4-1. But Nadal was not one to give in, and he ruthlessly clinched the second set 6-4. With tables turned and trailing in the third, Federer looked lost with a two-set trail and history was about to be made. Then it seemed as though the Champion in Federer woke up with a start. He stood his ground firmly and played his strokes with his characteristic grace to come back from the dead.
Stroke after stroke issued from the Swiss ace's racquet as the scoreline reached 6-6 and a fine tie break later, Federer broke his rival to make the score 2-1. The fourth set also started evenly but Nadal ran away with a lead at 5-2. But many erroneous shots later, Nadal squandered away his lead, eventually losing the set 7-6 (10-8). Now the score read 2 sets each. The momentous fifth set was stopped at 2-2 due to rain, leaving a stunned audience bite their teeth in feverish suspense. After recommencing, Nadal slowly took the set to 8-7. With only one point away from history, the audience watched with bated breath as the Spaniard struck what became the most famous shot of this decade. Federer breezed past and struck the ball, but watched with shocked surprise as it fell short of the net, in his own court. With the championship point scored, Nadal fell on the grass, jubiliant with tears of joy, but exhausted by the four-and-a-half hour match, the longest final in Wimbledon history.History was made. Roger Federer was defeated at Wimbledon.
Consequences: Without doubt, this match was the first snowflake that would eventually snowball to become
the Swiss Ace's downfall from the throne of tennis. He also lost the French Open to Nadal again, furthermore, he lost the next Australian Open too to Nadal. He had occasional consolations in the form of victories at French Open 2009, Wimbledon 2009 and Australian Open 2010, while Nadal rose to become the World No. 1 and continued his invincible form.
Change is the most permanent thing in life. Roger Federer was considered to be the immovable pinnacle rock of modern tennis, no matter how many times he was challenged.
Though his fall seemed imminent, he stood firm.
Then, all of a sudden, he crashed a crash the likes of which is actually hard to digest, considering his track record.
Determination pays. Rafael Nadal is possibly the greatest embodiments of determinations when he is on court. The sheer energy that he puts into each shot, step or jump on the court is laudable, and an example to others.
A spider, no matter how many times we wipe away the web, spins it again and again until it catches its prey with that web. Similarly, perseverance and determination are potent catalysts that take us to our dreams and materialize them.
A spider, no matter how many times we wipe away the web, spins it again and again until it catches its prey with that web. Similarly, perseverance and determination are potent catalysts that take us to our dreams and materialize them.
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