Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7 in fading light — widely considered the greatest tennis match ever played. Federer had won five consecutive Wimbledons. The match lasted 4 hours 48 minutes and ended in near darkness.
Universally rated the greatest match in tennis history — a contest between two players at the absolute peak of their powers.
Why It MattersAthletes Involved
RF
Tennis
Swiss
Roger Federer
Professional Tennis Player
Eight-time Wimbledon champion and 20-time Grand Slam winner — the most technically complete player in tennis h…
RN
Tennis
Spanish
Rafael Nadal
Professional Tennis Player
King of Clay — 14-time French Open champion and holder of a record 22 Grand Slams, one of the greatest athlete…