THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2007 Wimbledon Gentlemen's Single Final is over and Roger Federer has won it again, defeating Rafael Nadal again. What a match. 7-6(9-7) 4-6 7-6(7-3) 2-6 6-2. The champion was made to work for each and every point he won. Finally there was someone who could stand in front of him and treat him as the way he does others. The only reason the result turned in his favour was that he played the big points as a seasoned campaigner.

The first set - In the beginning it looked as if Roger would run away with the title with a 3-0 lead. But Rafa had other plans. He fought and returned the favour and the set went to the tie-breaker. Roger always led in the tie-breaker and won it 9-7 not before Rafa put a decent fight.

The second set - It was Rafa's set. He outplayed Roger and this was just the beginning of Rafa's brilliant performance.

The third set - Both tried to out-do the other but to no avail. The tie-breaker settled this one too. If only Rafa could play tie-breakers better, the match would have finished in 4 sets itself.

The fourth set - Rafa all the way. The composure he showed was admirable. He ran up a 4-0 lead, breaking Roger twice. This was the best point of the match. One could see Roger troubled. Well he was receiving his own medicine. At that point of time it was looking as if Rafa would finally be able to stop the master on his own favourite surface. Breathtaking cross court winners. Roger's net approaches were responded with great winners. And yes Rafa would better improve his backhand. His backhanded spin is great but the backhand shot is a matter of concern.

The fifth set - Rafa pressurized Roger in the beginning with 4 breakpoints in 2 games. But this is when the champion showed why he is the best. He won the big points as he had the tie-breakers. Whenever he was in trouble he resorted to his best weapon - big serve. And those aces made his game. Once Rafa was broken, Roger never looked back.

Rafa had just 1 ace to Roger's 24. He also lacked speed. But he is getting used to grass. Only 40 odd matches on grass and he has got into the Wimbledon final twice. And the second time, nearly winning it. If he improves his serve and backhand, he can surely win the prestigious title. Hats off to both of them for an exciting match.