Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »
Sun 07 Jul 2008Nadal wins first Wimbledon title
Rafael Nadal has won Wimbledon for the first time after a five-set final against Roger Federer that will go down in history as one of the very best. The Spaniard had to hold his nerve after the five-time champion fought back from two sets down to level the game at two sets each. The world number two triumphed 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7 in a wonderful match on Centre Court, which ended at 9.15pm after two rain delays.
Nadal had stood on the brink of victory after taking the advantage in the fourth set tie-break and holding two points for the title, the second of which Federer saved with a simply sensational backhand winner.
Choose a Subscription type - required


