A decade seems like a long time ago, but it is hard for Roger Federer to forget the final of the Wimbledon Championships that year.
The Swiss superstar was the top seed in the tournament, bidding to win the men’s title for the sixth year in a row. Something that had only ever been achieved by Great Britain’s William Renshaw during the 1890s. His opponent in the final was the king of clay Rafael Nadal. During a match marred by the poor weather, Federer was just two points away from claiming the title. Only to be denied by Nadal, who broke in the 15th game of the deciding set to close the match out 9-7 after four hours and 50 minutes of pulsating action.
“I think it was one of the hardest losses I ever had, no doubt about it. I was so close to making it six in a row.” Federer said during his press conference on Sunday.
“The initial reaction was, Okay, got to win it again next year, ’09, and I did, in an epic one against Roddick. That was beautiful after the heartbreak in ’08.
“It was a great match for many reasons. It also made me more human potentially, the loss under the circumstances. But it was a great match to be part of.”
Many still regard that match as the greatest in the Federer-Nadal rivalry. The two have locked horns 38 times on the tour with Nadal leading their head-to-head 23-15. The 2008 final was a roller coaster of emotion for both men. Although the 36-year-old admits that he tries to forget about the loss.
“I think for me it was one of the matches I tried to sort of forget a little bit. I remember it being dark. I remember the passing shot down the line. I remember the things I said pretty much vaguely. I hardly remember there were rain delays, to be honest.” He reflected.
“Funny enough, I think once that match was over, all you remember is certain things, and you sort of need to move on.”
Back on Centre Court
Fast forward 10 years and the draw is identical. Once again, Federer is the top seed ahead of Nadal. Placing the two on a collision course for the final. Although Nadal’s recent record at The All-England Club has been far from spectacular. He last reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2012. Since then, Nadal has only won back-to-back matches at Wimbledon on two out of five occasions. Not counting 2016 when he withdrew due to a left wrist injury.
“I think Rafa is one of the big favourites,” Federer said shortly after his loss to Borna Coric in Halle.
“When Rafa is healthy, anything is possible for him.”
On Monday Federer opens up his campaign on Centre Court in what is becoming something of an unofficial tradition. It is the eighth year that Federer has played his opening match on the premier court. This time round he takes on Dusan Lajovic. A 28-year-old Serbian who has defeated Juan Martin del Potro and took Alexander Zverev to five sets earlier this year. However, both of those occasions were on the clay.
“If I think of tomorrow (Monday), I think it remains a little bit nerve-wracking in all honesty.” The world No.2 said about playing on Centre Court.
“It’s a big deal. I mean, besides the history and the mythical place that it is, you cannot also practice on it. When you come out, there’s a bit of uncertainty for both players, from a very quiet week and site that we’ve seen this week, it’s just packed everywhere. The entire atmosphere changes at Wimbledon, and you realize the eyes are on you. That naturally makes you a bit nervous I believe.”
Heading into this year’s championship, Federer has won 91 out of 102 matches played at Wimbledon. Since 2003, he has only failed to reach the second week once back in 2013.
Federer is scheduled to start his match at 13:00 GMT on Monday. He is bidding to become the first male player in history to win a ninth Wimbledon title in singles competition.
