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The reign falls at Wimbledon

TOM TEBBUTT

From Monday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 12:19 AM EST 09/07/08

Lionhearted Nadal dethrones Federer in a five-set Wimbledon marathon match for the ages ...Read the full article

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  1. C C from Canada writes: That was all-round class by both men. Grace from Fed in defeat and humility from Nadal in victory.

    The biggest loser in all this: Djokovic. When will stop he talking smack about being the world no. 1, when he hasn't even reached the level of the world no. 2?
  2. Dr Demento from Canada writes: This was the best and most closely contested tennis match I have ever seen. Congratualtions to Rafa - looks like we have new number 1 . . .
  3. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    What an epic battle. Shades of Connors/McEnroe at the US Open in the 80's.

    Hats off to both athletes. They showed a lot of class in victory/defeat. A great example for our younger players.
  4. Stewart Mawdsley from Fort Smith NWT, Canada writes: Rafa is my hero!!!

    I'm so upset I left just before the 3rd set tiebreak to go play some tennis myself, got back and it was 2-2 in the 5th!!! I'll have to find the tiebreaks on youtube. What an incredible match - without question the greatest men's match in the history of the game.

    I'm still betting on Federer to take the US open title, probably over Djokovic in the final. The hard courts take so much out of Rafa's legs, but for consistency he is the best player in the world right now (SO few errors)
    The All England club should sell the Rafa-Roger boxed set of their last three finals, make a mint.
  5. Westcoastser from Delta from Canada writes: Wow! Phenomenal! Fantastic! No real losers here. Both guys were just great, making shot after unbelieveable shot. Bravo and thank you to both!
  6. Ace Frehley from Vancouver, Canada writes: 'Nadal's epic 6-4, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6, 9-7...'

    Huh? Did he really have to win all 5 sets? I haven't watched tennis is a while, so maybe stuff has changed, but this score seems to have a typo.
  7. Moose Lion from Canada writes: Nothing more can be said about the greatness of this match.

    But does anyone else find it sad how desparate McEnroe is to make himself 'part' of the event? Trying to get Roger to hug him in the post match interview was just pathetic.
  8. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: One of the greatest ever. A privilege to watch. Both players very worthy men. Total class.

    Ace Frehley, Nadal won the first two sets, Federer won the next two, and Nadal won the deciding last one. First guy to win 3 sets wins.
  9. urban ranger from Canada writes: Amazing match! How inspiring to watch these great athletes play.
    This match had everything!
  10. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: Cyrus, I think Ace knows the rules, he was just pointing out that the score is reported incorrectly.
  11. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: Best tennis ever!!!
  12. Mark Orr from toronto, Canada writes: It was agonizing to watch Fed miss all those break chances. The longer the 5th set went, the better Nadal's chances became. A classic match. I knew Nadal would win it. he was close last year, and after his decisive win at Roland Garros, his victory at Wimbeldon was inevitable. I credit Federer for putting up an incredible fight.
  13. emilio D from Canada writes: I lost $20 bucks to my son but the match was worth it. It was like watching thrilla in Manila between Mohamad Ali and Joe Frazier. Great tennis match.
  14. Charles Chapman from London, Canada writes: A great win. I've been a Nadal fan for quite some time so must admit to perhaps being a little prejudiced. Regardless, it was great to see him make the win on grass.
  15. P Martin from St. John's, Canada writes: Excellent match, simply wonderful to watch. While Federer will hold onto the number 1 spot in the rankings, he is clearly in danger of losing the top spot soon.
  16. Anand ** from Canada writes: This match should have been over in four sets with Federer winnning. As he rightly pointed out he squandered away his 3-0 lead in the second set and unfortunately, lives to regret it. Nadal runs a tight, consistent and controlled ship. If he can keep this up he will be No 1 by next year. But, of course Federer is hardly over. What a comeback with two sets down! If the third set was a tie breaker I wonder if the outcome would have been different?

    On a side note McEnroe's bias against Federer was evident right from the start. And it's just so tiring to hear him '...when I was playing....I...I...I....' And as somebody rightly pointed out what's with trying to hug Federer? Trying so hard to validate himself with the current generation....
  17. Anand ** from Canada writes: Oops, my bad ...if the fifth set was a tie breaker...
  18. Allan Wexler from Canada writes: The big winner today was the sport of tennis. Two superlative champions playing at the highest level and showing respect for the game and its history in addressing the audience. The Williams sisters could have learned a lot if they took the time to listen and observe the way these champions conducted themselves. And for those who suggest that Federer is finished, think again. In losing he still proved he has the ability to win at this level.
  19. Devoted Harperite from Canada writes: Kudos to Nadal...he will never again be called a 'clay-court only' player. This was one of the best matchups I've seen in any professional sport in a long time.
  20. Dr Demento from Canada writes: One point of note: - after a rain delay, they prepared the court behind the baselines using brooms, because all that was left was basically clay in those locations, reflecting the modern baseline game. In such circumstances grass isn't much different than clay . . .
  21. R Moore from Canada writes: How close can it get. It was the best mens final ever. This is one of my favourite sporting events of the summer.

    I only hope Rafa's legs hold out in his career. He seemed to be in pain over the match.

    Made my Sunday!!
  22. g h from Canada writes: I agree with all of you; a match for the ages.

    I think this is a devastating loss for Federer however in two senses:
    1) the opportunity to break the record for consecutive Wimbledon victories is forever gone and it's something he wanted badly.
    2) related to the first point above, Fed also wants his legacy to be that of the greatest of all time. In my opinion, to do this now, he MUST: bounce back and win at least one more Wimbledon; win at least one French Open; break Sampras' record for Slam victories; and beat Rafa a couple of times. How can you be the GOAT if you continually lose to one guy while still at or near the peak of your skills? Wouldn't that make Rafa the GOAT? Fed needs to solve Rafa. Tall order.
    Just one schmoe's opinion.
  23. Antonio San from Canada, Canada writes: Fin.
  24. Eric B from Ottawa, Canada writes: gh from Canada: interesting comment, great analysis of Federer's GOAT potential. Until the stars are aligned as you so well described, I will continue to consider Sampras as the greatest ever!
  25. Anthony Shaw from Winnipeg, Canada writes: On top of the tennis, these two embodied beautifully the sportsmanship that's expected of the 'gentlemen's championship'. A match for the ages, in all respects.
  26. The Habs from Toronto, Canada writes: WOW !! Just a well played match. I know Federer has mentioned about retiring early, but I hope that is not the case. These two could have several great finals left in them.
  27. Martin Fedgrass from Canada writes: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........huh....what?

    Is golf on yet?

    Tennis???? What the....???!!! What the h$%ll is tennis doing on??!!!
  28. Kool Guy from Canada writes: The greatest final ever? Don't know about that..but certainly one of the very best ones.

    McEnroe started calling it 'the best final ever'...McEnroe is great analyst, but he also likes to use superlatives. I also remember him opining: 'Agassi has the best return of serve ever'...Hmmm
  29. Brian Ch from Canada writes: I didn't see the entire match but I caught the first two and the last set. It was a great match based on the angles and the high number of winners. I'm actually more of a Federer fan now than I was yesterday since he fought so well. It actually must be difficult for him to lose so closely as a couple of points made the difference in the 5th set. Nadal still hasn't gotten past the quarter finals of the US Open so it will be interesting to see if he continues his momentum as the favorite.
  30. V. Gr from Ottawa, Canada writes: This final was epic. There has never been one like it! I congratulate both on how they played and on their determination. I was cheering for Federer because I believe he is the best player of all time, and his reign is still not over. This year has been a wake up call for him, but I think that this devastating loss will have slapped him into a rude awakening. I think he will take the U.S. Open, and even if his next grand slam wins are not consecutive, he will brake the ultimate record of most grand slams ever won.

    Congrats Rafa! and of course, congrats Nestor and Zimonjic! You have made both Canada and Serbia proud (Serbia is double proud as Nestor is actually an emigrant from Serbia) I don't know why Canada often forgets its own heros while focusing on others' achievements.
  31. g h from Canada writes: And across the land and throughout Europe a great hue and cry was heard: Novak who?
  32. I_Hate_David Miller from Toronto, Canada writes: Probably the greatest final in Wimbledon history. It marck the official changing of the guard from Federer to Nadal in terms of who is the best player in the world. If there is ever a time for Roger to retire it's right now as after any other match it would be a let down.
  33. Are We Having This Conversation Again from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey GR (And what's with the "tank top"? It's terrible. This is Wimbledon "Rafa", not your cousin's auto-body shop in Barcelona. Have a little respect, por favor!) Are you one of those guys who just loves seeing the women in little skimpy outfits that barely hides anything because that is "oh-so" the tradition of the All England Club right?
    As for his bum picking.....well, that is something his coach should point out! It is kind of funny though!
    Great match! That was one of the greatest matches I have seen in a long time! Near the end of the game though, I wasn't sure who to cheer for because both men truly deserved to win.
    Roger is a great player....well done....Rafael.....truly en route to being written in history books!
    Great job guys!
  34. D M from King City, Canada writes: Just as I feared, Nadal won! A great match, nontheless. Federer should have won at least one of the first two sets, but Nadal should have won the fourth. I still think that Roger is the best that I've seen but his time is running out at nearly 27. I hope he can somehow win the French and two more Wimbledon/U.S. Open to break Sampras's record of 14. Kudos to both players. and way to go Nestor!
  35. P McLean from Canada writes: I think saying "Federer couldn't beat Nadal regularly" is using selective criteria. It's measuring Federer from this point in time. Given there are 5 years between them, at some point Nadal would start beating Federer, just from an age perspective. He hardly dominated him yesterday. It was two great players playing an epic match, and Nadal happened to squeak by. For those of you who want to hold the French against Federer, keep one thing in mind: Federer reaches the final of the French. It's not like he he has played 15 years, never even reached the final and tries to claim supremacy. The stat yesterday was given that is very telling: Federer has played in the final of the 12 of the last 13 grandslams. Meaning, on his worst surface, he has been the second best player. Federer just needs to add two more titles, and the rest of his body of work will make pretty quick work of any Sampras discussion.
  36. Rohit J from Toronto, Canada writes: It looks to me like Federer is facing a situation similar to what Tiger Woods was in a little while back. Federer is still number one, I highly doubt Nadal is taking that crown away after this Wimbledon final, but he does need to focus and train harder to ensure his status is protected. The major difference between Woods and Federer here is that Woods, even while suffering his worst losses, was still miles ahead of the pack, while Federer is ahead of his competition by very little. That final yesterday was a wake up call, he didn't get crushed by Nadal - Rafa pulled through by the skin of his teeth. There's still a lot of tennis left in Roger, and I hope he doesn't retire anytime soon. More Nadal vs Federer matches will make for great tennis, like what we saw last night.
  37. Mark Orr from toronto, Canada writes: G H I agree, Fed lost far more then the match last night. He lost the consecutive games record, the conseq Wimbeldons record, and without those AND the French, he has no claim on GOAT. I would say that Borg still surpasses Fed as does Sampras. To qualify for GOAT consideration he must either a) win the French b) exceed Sampras grand slam total c) win wimbeldon 2 more times. It's not easy to be GOAT. Honestly I like Fed, but I feel quite happy that the amazing records set by Borg were not broken. Borg is still the Wimbeldon GOAT.
  38. C C from Canada writes: Nadal's dropped out of this week's Mercedes Cup, citing a "non-serious" knee problem. So he loses the 250 ranking points from winning the tourney last yr, canceling out his 250 pt gain on Fed by winning Wimbledon. Fed has more points to lose over the hardcourt season, but Nadal's knees are not doing him any favours.
  39. Jacky Finch from Toronto, Canada writes: A fantastic gentlemen's final! It's a shame that anybody has to lose a match like this. As a long-time Fed Fan, I was rooting for Roger, but Rafa really did deserve the win. Both men are great players and classy guys.

    I do wish it was possible to pick up the BBC coverage of Wimbledon, rather than NBC. McEnroe is a good analyst, but he should stick to analyzing the match and shouls spend way less time talking about himself.
  40. Polar Bear from Melting Iceberg, Canada writes: Great match - a thriller to the end. 9-7 ... anyone could have won. The loss takes nothing away frm FedEx. He will be back!
  41. Sal Gillespie from Canada writes: Hi guys
    Great to see so many of you blown away by the classic match. A few comments: I am so impressed by the mental toughness of these two guys- Nadal fighting off all those break points (Fed could easily have one this, what was he, 1/13? Come on!), and Fed never giving up, coming back from 2 sets down. These guys showed serious heart.

    Rafa's serve has improved so much, you have to wonder how much better he's going to continue to get- at the same time, Fed's return game was impressive. He got so many first serves back.

    I think before this match, the world considered Rafa's forehand the top weapon in tennis. I'd have to say Fed's is now. THat forehand was devastating. Too bad Nadal could pick on his backhand so much (not that its weak, but not at the same level).

    Finally, in terms of GOAT: Macenroe played against Borg, Connors, Lendl in their primes (and his). He calls Rog GOAT. Agassi played Lendl, Mac, Sampras, Becker, Edberg... he calls ROg GOAT. Remember, Sampras had a very long period of low competition- when Agassi was awol and he was beating Rafter and Ivanisevic to rack up wins. I believe Rog is the best ever, but I think even he will be eclipsed by Rafa.
  42. Celine Brown from Canada writes: Two very classy guys and a great match to boot. Federer is a much better player than Sampras ever was.
  43. Mark Orr from toronto, Canada writes: Sal, you make some good points, but I think Mac wants to hype up the game though. (he's media now) I wonder if Rafa's body can hold up under his incredibly physical style. He is only 22 and already starting to get injured. If his joints can survive his power, he will probably be a GOAT contender. His sheer power is something though. INCREDIBLE. Rafa is a machine.
  44. PJ Robertson from Canada writes: On the court, Federer is in a class by himself, his tennis a thing of beauty. Nadal, with his brutish appearance and manners, plays a tennis of intimidation and brute force. Off the court, surprisingly and to their credit, they are friends and great sportsmen. I'll take Federer any time against anyone.

    The GOAT? No one has mentioned Rod Laver, who achieved all four slams in the same year TWICE.. No one has come close to that. And but for a four-year spell when as a professional he could not compete in the slams (when they were for amateurs only), the Rockhampton Rocket might well have racked up more slams than anyone. Roger vs. Rod, that might be the match for all ages.
  45. Kool Guy from Canada writes: Just a few epic finals- just in case you forgot

    Borg Connors 77
    Borg Tanner 79'
    Borg McEnroe 80 (4th set 18-16 tie break McEnroe) *unforgettable**
    Connors McEnroe 81
    Edberg Becker

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