Set 5: Federer vs Nadal : 9-7 Rafael Nadal

Rain again delayed the fifth set by 30 minutes, but without taking away any momentum from both players, who firmly held onto their serves. In the battle of Gotham between an unstoppable force(Rafael Nadal) and an immovable object(Roger Federer), it was light that played a major role in breaking the impasse.

In near darkness and amidst camera flashes that apparently distracted Federer, at 7-7, Nadal finally broke through Federer’s serve. However, nothing came easy for Nadal as Federer battled back in the next game to take it to deuce. Finally, on fourth championship point, Federer netted his return and handed Nadal one of the most memorable wins of his career.

A supremely talented player finally beat the king of grass on his turf. Nadal became the first player after Bjorn Borg to win French open and Wimbledon in the same year.The match marked a shift in the regime and later in the year, Nadal replaced Federer on top of the rankings, which he held for a long time thereafter. Many consider this as the greatest match ever played and will tell fables about this for a long time.