Rafael Nadal Wins 2008 Wimbledon Defeating Roger Federer: Roger Federer’s shot at a historic 6th consecutive Wimbledon title was not to be. Once again the one single person responsible for tarnishing Roger Federer’s legacy as the best to ever play, continues to haunt the No.1 seed. Rafael Nadal was a +130 2008 Wimbledon betting underdog against the favorite Roger Federer (-150).  

On what became an instant classic at the All England Club, Rafa proved that with hard work and dedication, come incredible results. The kid from Majorca, Spain, who has grown into a young man before our eyes, has finally accomplished the ultimate goal: to beat the best ever, at his best, and in his element.

Spain has certainly been spoiled over the past week or so: first, Spain crowned themselves as the best in European soccer by winning the Euro 2008 Cup; and now, the proud son of Espana slays the consecutive 5-time Wimbledon giant.

It was what everyone expected it to be, but better. Rafael Nadal came out determined to make this the year that he would finally win the one Grand Slam tournament he most desired. He quickly jumped out to a two set lead (6-4, 6-4), making Federer look defeated, old, and slow.

Through a tiebreaker (7-6), the 5-time defending champ was able to gain some momentum back by winning the third set. The third set became an all out war of nerves, emotion, and desire, as both players gave it their absolute all.

Federer was once again able to survive, after falling 2-5 in the tiebreak and fighting off a championship point. Eventually, Federer went on to win the 4th set tiebreaker 10-8 with some incredible shots.

In the 5th and final set, Roger held his serve at the start, and so did Nadal. A second rain delay interrupted play with these players tie at 2-2. Each held their serve as the final set continued, but Federer seemed to be getting stronger as time went by, and Nadal continued to miss one opportunity after the next.

The turning point of the match came at 7-7 with Federer serving, as the level of competition just got higher and higher. Nadal was on Federer’s toes, but Roger had the aces working. It was the type of moment in time where one can’t help but to admire the kind of physical shape these athletes are in, as Nadal broke Federer’s serve, with the opportunity to serve for the Championship.

Nadal at 8-7, serving for his first ever Wimbledon Championship and against the best to ever play at the All England Club, was forced into a Deuce. In the 4th Championship point for Nadal, as the Wimbledon skies quickly turned into darkness, Rafa delivered the win on a serve-and-volley.

Nighttime quickly turned into daylight, as thousands of camera flashes light up Center Court. It was a beautiful moment in time, as Rafa climbed up the stands, to be embraced by his family as a Spanish flag adorned the new Wimbledon Champion.

Side Note: The match lasted close to 5 hours (the longest Wimbledon Finals in history), as it became nighttime in London, on what became the best match ever played at the All England Club… it was absolutely perfect.

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