In the Grand Slam matches Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have faced each other (2005-2007 French Open, 2006 Wimbledon), we had never had the pleasure of seeing these two kings of the court duel for five sets. It finally occurred on Sunday, and no matter who you supported, admirers of this rivalry have to be elated that the contest went the distance.

Tennis fans have been waiting for another classic between these two ever since the five sets at the Foro Italico last year, where Nadal prevailed by the slimmest of margins in a final-set tiebreaker. On Sunday, Federer claimed victory, and although the fifth set reads 6-2 in the history books, in some ways it was just as close an affair.

At two sets apiece, a new match began with the start of final, fifth chapter of this highly entertaining novel. The preceding chapters were a fine read, but being that everything came down to the last stanza, I feel that the only fitting place to start a discussion of this match is in the fifth set.

'With two grass and two clay Grand Slam finals contested between these two, it's my hope that a hard-court final will be next on the list - particularly at this year's US Open'


Roger got to serve first, which is a huge advantage considering the relentless pressure that comes with the territory. To his credit, he started off the set strong - which was imperative because his fourth set was so lacklustre - and led 1-0. Nadal quickly returned the favour, and the ball was back on Federer's [K] Factor racquet.

The second service game wasn't so easy for Roger. He got behind 15-40, and it looked like the match was going to spin out of control very quickly. Thankfully for Federer fans, he dodged a bullet and escaped with the game. In spite of Federer's heroics throughout his career, I find it difficult to believe he would have won this in the end if he'd been broken at 1-1. Nadal's energy, already at fever pitch, would have been multiplied even more so - and don't forget his incredibly powerful tennis, which was on full display at Centre Court on Sunday.

Undeterred, Nadal levelled the match again at two games each. Then deja vu struck: 15-40, Federer serving. But serve he did, as Roger's first serve bailed him out of peril once again. Amazingly, Federer held both games after being down 15-40 - career defining stuff, in my opinion. Roger knew the importance of this, as evidenced by his post-match interview:

Q: When you were at one-all, 15‑40, two‑all, 15‑40, in the final set, did you fear the match was slipping away from you?

Federer: Yeah, a little bit. Of course, you know (smiling). I was like, 'Oh, my God, it's slipping away' (laughter). No. It was a tough moment to be in. I was nervous. I was thinking 'I'm probably maybe going to get out of the first one'. When the second one comes around, you're like, 'Oh, my God, let's do it all over again'.

I don't know if I can do it. You need a good serve on grass. From the baseline, he kind of had the upper hand towards the end of the match. But, no, I served well and played smart, took the right decisions. So that's what it comes down to. I was so happy when I came out of it because I knew that now he probably missed his chance. If I'll get one, I'll probably make it. That's exactly what happened.''

Read that last section again. Roger clearly recognised the enormity of the situation, in terms of what it meant for Nadal and for himself. It took only one game for a chance to come Federer's way, where he had double break point at - you guessed it - 15-40. What proceeded thereafter was the point of the Championships, which would ultimately end Nadal's chances of halting yet another coronation of Roger. Painting the line with a combination of power, spin, and precision that only Federer can pull off in a moment such as this, Roger finished his shot and let out a yell of joy, relief, and knowledge that he was only two games from his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title.

And if you're wondering how I devised that triad of skills that are part of Federer's signature forehand, they were the exact words I uttered earlier in the fifth set to my Dad, who was watching the final alongside me:

Ed McGrogan, Jr: "What's [Roger's] best shot?"

Ed McGrogan (me): "His forehand - it has power, spin and precision that are unmatched."

How appropriate that it was shown for all to witness just minutes later. Up 4-2, Federer held serve in much simpler fashion this time around, and then broke Nadal again in the eighth and final game of the 2007 Wimbledon tournament. Roger had already put in the hard work during this final chapter of the match, so a novice overhead that sealed the deal was probably music to his ears.

This was a very important match for Federer to win - don't you feel that if he lost this, you sort of view his 2007 season as a significant step back from his established greatness?

Obviously, we're holding Roger to extremely high standards here, but that's just how things have turned out in Federer's career. We don't expect anything less than the best from him. On Sunday, he delivered (once again) in a match that I am confident will be replayed over and over long after he calls it quits. It's probably the most impressive display of tennis from Roger Federer that I've ever seen.

PS. With two grass and two clay Grand Slam finals contested between these two, it's my hope that a hard-court final will be next on the list - particularly at this year's US Open. We've seen them at Roland Garros and at the All England Club. Now give Arthur Ashe stadium and American tennis fans the chance to enjoy this great rivalry.