Changing Of The Guard: Rafa Becomes First Spaniard To Win Wimbledon Since ’66

Salt tears flowed in the locker room after Rafael Nadal lost to Roger Federer in last year’s Wimbledon final.

Sobbing, he told his scowling coach and uncle, Toni, that he might never be in that position again. He truly believed this, but Toni knew better. Rafa was only 21 years old.

“I told him his life does not change because he has not won this match,” Toni said.On Sunday, after a 4-hour, 48-minute marathon, Nadal approached the net to shake Federer’s hand with tears in his eyes. This time, after myriad opportunities eluded him, Nadal was a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 winner.

It was the longest men’s singles final on record at the All England Club, going back to 1877. And certainly, it was one of the finest. Sublime is the word that comes to mind.