Tennis News
Wimbledon's Heart of Darkness bothers Federer
Jul 6, 2008, 22:42 GMT
Roger Federer of Switzerland takes on Rafael Nadal of Spain during their men\'s final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 06 July 2008. EPA/Alessia Pierdomenico/POOL
London - Wimbledon trophy heartbreak, which ended in darkness, didn't draw a complaint from Roger Federer as he lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7 on Sunday to Rafael Nadal.
Twice interrupted by rain, the thriller was stretched to the limit of believability as Federer saved three match points in two different sets before finally falling victim to a loose shot made almost in the dark after a late match start.
'(I) kept on playing. I didn't argue,' said the sombre Swiss after his first grass-court loss since 2002.
'I guess I would have said something if I would have broken back to go, what was it, 8-all (in the fifth set). I mean, it wasn't possible to play anymore, so ...'
With television making light on the screen look brighter than in real life, Federer said he knew that coming back to finish the high- voltage contest - one of the best in Wimbledon history - would have been a tough call.
'It would have been brutal for fans, for media, for us, for everybody to come back tomorrow. But what are you gonna do?' he asked.
'It's rough on me now, obviously to lose the biggest tournament in the world over maybe a bit of light. But it's not the first time anyway against Rafa. I lost to him in Paris, so it's not a whole lot of fun, but it's the way it is. I can only congratulate Rafa for a great effort.'
Federer fired 25 aces to save his skin at numerous tense points but was only able to convert one of 13 break points.
'I was definitely struggling in the wind a little bit. It was very gusty early on. It was tough conditions,' he said.
'Rafa keeps you thinking, and that's what the best players do to each other in the end. Rafa also missed many opportunities later on. You always makes it hard for the opponent, and that's what we both do to each other.'
The Swiss superstar will hang onto the top ranking for at least a few more weeks.
'I'm happy we put in a great effort, Rafa and myself,' he said.
'It was a fair battle, which was tough with the rain delays. We had some great points. Really I just think we both played tough 'til the very end. In tennis, unfortunately, sometimes there has to be winners and losers. There are no draws.'
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Older Talkback
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It was the most exciting tennis match I have ever seen! I had friends here that knew nothing about tennis and they even got into the game. I was cheering for Roger, but they both were awesome. Glad to know Roger will be back next year. They both are such gentlemen and played with respect for the game and each other. They both are winners in my eyes. Very inspiring to watch them play with such passion.
Roger will be back....as all champs ! Rafa is a very tough player for anyone to face . (Lefty) As for Roger - a true 'gentleman' even in the toughest moments !!!
proud to say both of them are all class. period. i don't believe i can think of another competetion i would say that about. love them both. makes me proud to live during their reign. must admit...i kinda missed the final...sorry guys.
Great tennis played by two great gentlemen. Wimbledon is Wimbledon what with no top and bad weather but both players were on the same court.
Yes, I too think Roger is a gentleman, but there is no other man in tennis like Nadal when it comes to class. Roger played a tough match, but he is also complaining a little about the light. They both had the same light. No? Had to end that as Nadal would have.
I have been a fan/player since attending the Riggs/King match in the Astrodome in the '70's, and I have to say, this was the best match I have watched.
Fedder talks about the dark conditions. I understand and have great respect for him, but, the conditions were the same for both compeditors.
Great match!!
I think when the match is of 5 sets, the luck factor does matter though rafa played great match that day no doubt. but I think people those had their comments on roger like he is no more the favourite and all that is unfare because, being world no.1 with same consistant performance,for more than 4 years is not a joke. This patch comes in every player's career and we have to take it sportively because he also is a human being. let him play by his own way,and he will shine again. so I think roger federer is truely called THE GREASTST PLAYER TENNISE HAS EVER SEEN.
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AndreaJul 6th, 2008 - 23:54:10
Roger is my favourite and I wanted him to win but I knew that Rafa was a formidable contender and that this was going to be a hard fight. Rafa is younger and stonger and he won fairly. They had been at this game for over 7 1/2 hrs. from the time they entereded the court to the actual time Rafa won. That is a long day. I am happy for Rafa, but Roger is a real gentleman and will alway be my #1. He will rise again. He just has to figure out how to beat Rafa on clay as Rafa has perfected his game on grass.
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