\n<\/p>\n
The final between the pair was one of the most anticipated of their rivalry – but few could have predicted what unfolded in a five-set, near-seven-hour rain-delayed epic that is etched into history.<\/p>\n
Nadal entered the Wimbledon final on a 23-match winning streak, a run that included lifting the Queen’s title and his fourth straight French Open triumph.<\/p>\n
He picked up exactly where he had left off in Paris against the Swiss, storming into a two-set lead.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard inflicted the first blow on Federer’s serve in the third game and then saw off two break points to serve out the set at 5-4.<\/p>\n
And he took complete control as he battled back from 4-1 down in the second, winning five games in a row to go two sets up.<\/p>\n
“I started the final playing well – first set very well, second set\u2029was a little strange and Roger made a couple of mistakes,” Nadal reflected.<\/p>\n
“But then as the match starts to become more level, Roger raised the level of his tennis. He was more and more aggressive.”<\/p>\n
Federer appeared on the ropes as he trailed 0-40 on serve at 3-3 in the third set but recovered with five straight points to hold. Then, at 16:51 local time, with Federer leading 5-4, the rain began to fall.<\/p>\n
“I was ready to keep going, to be honest. I was confident that I will not fail: Roger could beat me, but I will not fail,” Nadal said.<\/p>\n
“If he plays better than me, OK, but I cannot fail mentally. That was my real goal.<\/p>\n
“I went back on court with the determination to stay 100% ready to fight until the end.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n