45:32 - Start of first set tie-break 56:35 - Federer wins first set 59:06 - Start of second set 1:36:13 - Nadal breaks to win second set 1:38:38 - Start of third set 2:24:20 - Start of third set tie-break 2:30:46 - Federer wins third set 2:34:49 - Start of fourth set 3:07:38 - Nadal wins fourth set 3:10:51 - Start of fifth set 3:45:30: Federer wins fifth set and match
At the time, the 2007 final was regarded as the best tennis match for years, which shows how amazing the 2008 final was - a sequel that is regarded as better than the original. As a Federer fan, I prefer 2007! The forehand up the line which gave him the break in the fifth set was one of the all-time great shots. It was the moment Federer knew that he had Nadal where he wanted him.
Yeah, people forget that Nadal sort of choked that match and it's amazing quality because of being overshadowed by the more dramatic 2008 final. Fed saved set point in the first, taking it in a difficult tiebreak, lost the 2nd, won the third in a tight set with a tiebreak, got badly beaten in the fourth 6-2, saved SIX break point in the 5th set at 0-0 15-40, 1-1 15-40, 2-2 15-40, broke Nadal at 2-3 in an AMAZING rally at 3-2 40-15, and broke Nadal in a very difficult game for the championship.
@v R I'll admit he was the better player, but it wasn't like Fed didn't have his opportunities. Nadal won the first set, Federer didn't have a chance that set. Fed was up 4-1 in the second though. The third set, Federer deserved. He won the tiebreak, and it really wasn't close in that tiebreak. The fourth set, Nadal should have won, being 5-2 up, with 2 serves in the tiebreak. The fifth set, Fed should have won, (up 4-3 and had two break points on Nadal's serve).
Difference between the 2007 and 2008 finals were that Federer did not have the mental block against on grass, despite match-up problems against Nadal. But when Federer lost the the 2008 final Wimbledon, then Federer had no confidence to beat Nadal on Grand slams for almost decade after that. Which he lost after the 2008 French open beat down.
@@andrewkarlsson8621 There was no mental block on Federer’s part, it’s just Nadal has gotten better in 2008. It’s obvious, just look at Nadal’s results against Federer on grass from 06-08, he took a set during the first encounter, 2 in the next, then finally won on the third attempt. Nadal was turning into a monster that Federer eventually couldn’t handle.
The 2 greatest players of all time, what a pleasure it was being blessed by their grace and presence. Tennis definitely isn’t the same anymore now without these 2 legends.
@@rehangrover3514 I’m talking about greatness in terms of their popularity and influence and what they did for the sport. Djokovic is obviously the greatest when it comes to the numbers.
Federer was so happy that he won his 5th straight Wimbledon he put his tracksuit bottoms back to front and wore them that way when he went to lift the trophy. Lol!!!
The chase for Slams doesn’t quite measure the greatness of this trio of Tennis Legends Novak included. To have 20 slams is one thing but to have 20 slams in an era where 2 other legends have 20 or so slams just shows the level these 3 play at. Some of their loses at a slam would have been good enough to win at any other time but against a Roger Rafa or Novak.
They were and still are dominating so much, because tennis is an unavailable sport for most people and also very financially demanding. There are many Federer's who never even stepped on a tennis court because they never got a chance. Anybody can play soccer, basketbal or even table tennis etc. But not tennis, and that's why there are not many exceptional athletes and players in the sport.
Exactly. The first 20 years of the 21st century was a golden age for men's tennis because we had 3 historical greats. (Anyone who makes a top 10 list of all time greatest men's tennis players that doesn't have all 3 of Fed, Rafa and Djoker on it needs to be taken to the nearest looney bin at once.) Not to mention all the other extremely good players right below them who kept them sharp, Wawrinka and Roddick and Cilic and Murray and Safin and Berdych...
The day of this match, I was packing to move. I remember telling myself I'd just have it playing in the background while I packed. I never packed a single thing that day. I couldn't stop watching, and afterwards I needed a few drinks to calm down. It was the most stupendous tennis I'd ever seen... and now there are probably 3-4 matches better than this one in terms of quality and drama!
Whats those 3-4 matches tho? The one i could think of is Djo-nadal ao 2012, djo fed uso 2011, djo fed wimbledon 2014 (or 2019 tbh), and fed nadal 2009 wimbledon
In terms of narrative, dramatic and emotional importance, the 2008 final is the one to remember, but in terms of technical brilliance and the quality of both players, I believe this is the better match.
+Emiliano Rodriguez Have to disagree there .... there are far more brilliant and epic rallies in the 2008 final than 2007, far far more ... technically 2008 is definitely on a higher level than 2007 ... (2007 is still great though, it just lacks the brilliance of the breath-taking shots of 2008)
As a Federer fan I liked this match better because it went the way I wanted, but I think it is still a close call. In 2008 Federer was not at his best, but here he was
88feji I would argue 2007 was better because both players played their best for the entire match as opposed to 2008 where Federer did not play very well in the first two sets but came back very strong in the third and fourth and Nadal played very well in the first three sets but choked in the fourth set tiebreak
@@viksinha5410 Although Federer didn't bring his best level in the 2008 Wimbledon final, he played well, including the first 2 sets. Likewise, Nadal didn't choke in the 4th set tiebreak (even if he committed a double fault in his first match point); it was Federer who came with the proceedings and took it away.
This match shows the versatile Nadal.He seems to be a natural grass court player. Roger and Rafa pleasing to watch their matches 2007 and 2008 .Great talents
Nadal was a "natural court" player. He didn't like hard in general. He was good on grass, but he played a very prime Federer in 2006/2007, and when Federer was not at his best, and Nadal had reached his peak, he finally got what he deserved and had wanted his whole life.
@@aranighosh3945 No, that's wrong imo, he was peak from 2004-2007, he was prime in 2009 and early 2010 as well as part of 2012. 2017/early 2018 is an anomaly.
One sadly called it a day a few weeks ago. I think Nadal is probably 1-2 years away from that at most. Gosh, we're lucky to have seen these 2 + Djokovic in the same era!
This match often gets overshadowed by *that* Wimbledon final, but imo it’s just as impressive from a technical standpoint. Both players made some excellent rallies and some great shots were made. Federer was also a bit better here as well compared to the 08 final. Rafa actually outplayed him for most of the first four sets before Federer took charge in the deciding set. Quite the opposite of the 2009 AO final, actually. Quality-wise, this final may just tie the 08 final, but the drama and the historical significance of the latter is the tiebreaker between the two. Amazing matches all-around!
I agree... the level of tennis here was great (if not better than 2008) but in 2007 it was somewhat "expected" of Federer to beat Rafa (21) "clay court specialist" (at the time) on grass... so there weren't as much attention... while 2008 final was different because of what happened in 2007 and what have been gradually been happening... In 2007 Rafa were on par with Federer for majority of that final... Rafa crushed Federer in the 2008 French Open (unlike previous 2 closely contested FO finals)... so when 2008 Wimbledon final came around... tennis fans/media everyone thought it might be the "changing of the guards" in terms of #1 player in tennis... Federer's brilliance since he won his first grand slam in 2003 (12 slams up till the 2008 final) was undoubtedly phenomenal he's never lost a slam final except against Nadal on clay, and like in every sport, the "underdog story" drum up excitement... I even remember at the time thinking... Nadal have a real shot here to beat Federer on grass I think that's why there were so much attention/importance to the 2008 final. Writing in 2020... 2008 wimbledon will for me still go down as one of the greatest match as well as the importance of that match that changed tennis history forever... for me Rafa winning 2008 final was the start of Rafa's greatness. It was THE match that changed Rafa's career and Federer's career. Rafa gained SO MUCH confidence winning that wimbledon final, not only beating the #1 player in the world at the time, but the player that was supposedly going on to be the greatest of all time... Nadal knew he could do it after that... his game improved dramatically on all surfaces since... went from only 3rd/4th/QF (1 SF) in Australia and US open... to first winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, to winning AO 6 months later... with a small injury inbetween he went onto win FO, W and USO in 2010... and now 19 slams. While Federer's career in my opinion also changed in that final... and subsequently the 2009 AO final as well... he went from 12 slams in 5 years, on top of the world undoubtedly the best player on tour... to having someone of equal to him... those 6 months changed Federer's career... I don't think mentally he ever really recovered... slams looked harder and harder for him to win by the year since 2008... he was 26 at the time? I remember people thought Federer would go on to win 25-30 slams comfortably back in 2007.
''Rafa actually outplayed him for most of the first four sets'' Rafael did play a little better in the first four sets; but I wouldn't totally use the word ''outplay''.
@@den_525 The start of Rafael's greatness was during the 2005 clay court season. ''I don't think mentally he ever really recovered'' Mate, by 2012, he had alredy recovered. Any spectator knows.
@@den_525 This is why I believe 2017 was one of Roger's most important seasons ever. He won AO and Wimbledon once again, after many speculations that he would no longer win more GS, that he was about to retire, he proved people wrong.
@@Vaisin Yh because he never had to face his true rapist and worst match up that is Djokovic, not Nadal. Nadal lost thrice at Wimbledon to Federer but Djokovic ended Federer's career on grass.
@@Ttjam1It wouldn't, because if tiebreaks weren't a thing, Federer would know he couldn't rely on them and adapt his game accordingly as all great champions do
So many of the great tennis matches that I've watched have faded in my memory over time, or blur together. This match is the exception. We all knew as we were watching that we were witnessing something special, something for the ages. Surely the greatest match ever played.
Conor McGregor 2008 is overrated due to the historical importance, but it wasn’t that great in terms of the tennis played. Sure there were some amazing shots and rallies but there were also a lot error filled parts all over the match, especially from Roger.
The Wimbledon finals have had so many epic matches. Fed vs Andy Roddick, Fed vs Andy Murray, Murray vs Novak, Nadal vs Fed twice. Fed vs Novak. So many epics. And that is just in the time I have been watching. I was too young before that.
@@DevenderKumar-mh6flIt did, in I think the second round in 2007, the very year this took place. Can't be called an epic though as Federer dispatched Delpo in straights.
His peak was absolutely incredible. In the six calendar years 2004-2009, he won 14 of the 24 Grand Slams and 13 of the 18 that are played on a real surface instead of that joke red clay. And even on the joke surface he STILL was so good that only Nadal could beat him -- from 2005-2009 he was 30-0 in the French Open against all opponents except Nadal.
The greatest era and players, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, tennis has ever seen or will ever probably ever see. We have been privileged to be alive to see it.
100% agreed, and let's not forget the crop of excellent players right below them which kept the Big 3 having to train hard and maintain their skills. Wawrinka, Cilic, del Potro, Berdych, Hewitt, Safin, etc., were all capable of taking down any of the Big 3 if the Big 3 player was just a whisker off on that day.
I don't know what it is about the camera angle switches in this match but it makes it almost feel like we're watching a movie. Especially with the close-up angles during play. 6:34 is a great example. We never see that anymore, the close-ups are always shown after a point has been played and never during the rally. I liked it better this way and I wish they stuck with it.
There are some differences as they have made adjustments. Especially Rafa. He’s more aggressive overall these days. Also his stroke mechanics (apart from the buggy whip ) is slightly different
Centre Court was beautiful without the roof, remind Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium. Roger and Rafa fighting like gladiators in this match with Roger coming on top with insane tennis is fifth set was amazing . The level of tennis has gone up after this final. After this match it took 10 years for Roger to beat Rafa in a grand slam match.
The ambiance in this court, in that moment where Federer finally won and lifting the trophy is just glorious.That sun, the green grass, Federer's glorious look is just perfect. Its like crowning of a glorious king.A year later, its' loomy and dark.....
Roger won five consecutive Wimbledon titles and five consecutive US Open titles! That is amazing! Both Novak Djokovic and Rafeal Nadal did not do that! Roger also won the French Open and the Australian Open to cement his career grand slam credentials! They are truly the three musketeers of tennis world champions!
I have 3 similar things with Rafa: 1) we are both left handed 2) We are both playing with Babolat racquet 3) We are changing serve technique every year :D
Lmao sometimes is forehand take back changes every other year . Look at slow motions videos for every year he’s played and it looks different. Novak and Fed are pretty much the same. Fed is just more compact these days.
Prime Federer: Speedy, powerful, serve and volley, tactical, 9/10 for all of his skills! After 30 Federer: less powerful and pace but more skillful, magical tactics, still play top class of tennis!
The young nadal who reached so far and lost could have been demotivated. But he didn't let this get to him, decided to get back up and work even more harder. Eventually became one of the best players after that.
I started watching tennis in 2012 because of these two. I was finally ready to watch the famous 2008 final, known as 'the greatest match in history,' after Nadal’s retirement announcement, because it marks the end of an era. We still have one of the Big 3 left, but these two were always on a different level. The greatest, most graceful, and noble rivalry isn’t just in tennis, but in all of sports history from my point of view. I've been surrounded by Nadal content across the internet, and Federer is a big part of it. I even rewatched the last days of Federer to prepare myself for the great Davis Cup finale and to find the strength one more time to say a final big goodbye. I am here after reading lines from Nadal’s 2011 biography. Thirteen years of being a passionate part of this journey are flashing before my eyes, and I’m contributing to these archives to fill in the gaps. I never realized how much I love this sport and how passionate a fan I am.
This is the best tennis. By the way there is good, intelligent commentary on the DailyMotion version of this, including details about Nadal's grip, and other statistical analyses.
This match shows the versality of Nadal competing prime Federer at Wimbledon, Nadal would have won many Wimbledon if he had the same flair and game he had till 2010
Notice during Nadal's younger years he was standing closer to the baseline in order to return serves than he is today. And that is quite obvious even from their very first h2h match (2004 Miami Open) when Nadal was just 17. But I think what we've been seeing from Nadal today, proves that he has declined from his Vintage form. And that, to me, is one of the reasons why Federer is winning their h2h rivalry, during the last couple of years.
@qudzzie dfjb Nadal wasn't staying too far away from the baseline, back then, compared to the way he's been doing from since 2015. That's what I am saying. And I think that's the main reason why he isn't having much success against Federer, in the more recent years of their rivalry. By standing so far away from the baseline as Nadal has been doing, he is taking less time away from his opponent (especially one like Federer, who easily finishes off points as winners).
@@Hypocrisy.Allergic Hey, it's the name of the game. The tables have turned. And I'm happy for Fed. But I think I provided a valid reason as to why Fed had been winning his H2H rivalry against Rafa in the more recent years. I'm a Fedal fan. But Djokovic will likely go down as the GOAT.
There was such a contrast between grass and clay then. They had some great matches on both. It was the way they had do adapt to the best surface of the other player that made these matches so compelling.
After being critically wounded in Anbar Providence Iraq 2007, I watched this match from a hospital bed in Landstuhl Air Force Base Germany on a 7 inch screen. It was broadcast on All 7 channels this thing had, and Every single channel was in German and I only speak English and a small group of Arabic dialects picked up whilst serving. The Icing on the cake was it had every damned subtitle Except English. It had a wired remote with just an arrow up and arrow down for channel surfing the SEVEN channels. The volume was forever set at Max volume with no buttons anywhere on the frame of the tv that was mounted in this steel box Very reminiscent of Fort Knox. And no way of turning it off. The power cable ran through the swivel arm mounted on the wall. I learned a lot about tennis when I was conscious and coherent even though the language barrier. Those guys' impeccable game play, how they laid it all on the line from the 1st to the last touch of the racquet.
45:32 - Start of first set tie-break
56:35 - Federer wins first set
59:06 - Start of second set
1:36:13 - Nadal breaks to win second set
1:38:38 - Start of third set
2:24:20 - Start of third set tie-break
2:30:46 - Federer wins third set
2:34:49 - Start of fourth set
3:07:38 - Nadal wins fourth set
3:10:51 - Start of fifth set
3:45:30: Federer wins fifth set and match
3:45:41 line judge is happy with the victory :)
@@travisbickle5279 3:45:41 he almost applauds
Geez!!! Spoiler Alert!!!😉
Spoiler alert
Not kewl
At the time, the 2007 final was regarded as the best tennis match for years, which shows how amazing the 2008 final was - a sequel that is regarded as better than the original. As a Federer fan, I prefer 2007! The forehand up the line which gave him the break in the fifth set was one of the all-time great shots. It was the moment Federer knew that he had Nadal where he wanted him.
Yeah, people forget that Nadal sort of choked that match and it's amazing quality because of being overshadowed by the more dramatic 2008 final. Fed saved set point in the first, taking it in a difficult tiebreak, lost the 2nd, won the third in a tight set with a tiebreak, got badly beaten in the fourth 6-2, saved SIX break point in the 5th set at 0-0 15-40, 1-1 15-40, 2-2 15-40, broke Nadal at 2-3 in an AMAZING rally at 3-2 40-15, and broke Nadal in a very difficult game for the championship.
@v R I'll admit he was the better player, but it wasn't like Fed didn't have his opportunities. Nadal won the first set, Federer didn't have a chance that set. Fed was up 4-1 in the second though. The third set, Federer deserved. He won the tiebreak, and it really wasn't close in that tiebreak. The fourth set, Nadal should have won, being 5-2 up, with 2 serves in the tiebreak. The fifth set, Fed should have won, (up 4-3 and had two break points on Nadal's serve).
Difference between the 2007 and 2008 finals were that Federer did not have the mental block against on grass, despite match-up problems against Nadal.
But when Federer lost the the 2008 final Wimbledon, then Federer had no confidence to beat Nadal on Grand slams for almost decade after that. Which he lost after the 2008 French open beat down.
@@andrewkarlsson8621 There was no mental block on Federer’s part, it’s just Nadal has gotten better in 2008. It’s obvious, just look at Nadal’s results against Federer on grass from 06-08, he took a set during the first encounter, 2 in the next, then finally won on the third attempt. Nadal was turning into a monster that Federer eventually couldn’t handle.
@@armstrongtixid6873 4 balle de break a 1-1 15-40 et 2-2 15-40 pas au premier jeu
The last final without the roof...the most beautiful one. Roger Federer forever!!!
2009 final also
The last final without the roof was 2008. After that epic final the roof was installed.
it does look a lot different than 2008! i also prefer the open sky look. makes it more epic in my opinion.
@@randominternetuser2 they started the process of building the roof in 2007 that's why it looks stripped down here
11.5 years later and they're ranked 2nd and 3rd in the world
2nd and 7th now, but I guess that doesn't have the same ring to it
@@evergreen3273 Federer is not playing clay season this year.
No it's nadal #2 and Federer #3 after nadal victories at Rome and RG
No. Nobody cares about novak
Rafa 1st!!!!
The 2 greatest players of all time, what a pleasure it was being blessed by their grace and presence. Tennis definitely isn’t the same anymore now without these 2 legends.
What about Novak Djokovic
@@rehangrover3514nadal and federer are to of the greatest players and Djoko is the greatest player aka GOAT
@@rehangrover3514 I’m talking about greatness in terms of their popularity and influence and what they did for the sport. Djokovic is obviously the greatest when it comes to the numbers.
@@rehangrover3514What about him? This match had nothing to do with Djokovic.
Federer was so happy that he won his 5th straight Wimbledon he put his tracksuit bottoms back to front and wore them that way when he went to lift the trophy. Lol!!!
The chase for Slams doesn’t quite measure the greatness of this trio of Tennis Legends Novak included. To have 20 slams is one thing but to have 20 slams in an era where 2 other legends have 20 or so slams just shows the level these 3 play at. Some of their loses at a slam would have been good enough to win at any other time but against a Roger Rafa or Novak.
They were and still are dominating so much, because tennis is an unavailable sport for most people and also very financially demanding. There are many Federer's who never even stepped on a tennis court because they never got a chance. Anybody can play soccer, basketbal or even table tennis etc. But not tennis, and that's why there are not many exceptional athletes and players in the sport.
@@ha-qg2ug Novak Djokovic's family was poorer than most in his early years in a war-torn country.
Exactly. The first 20 years of the 21st century was a golden age for men's tennis because we had 3 historical greats. (Anyone who makes a top 10 list of all time greatest men's tennis players that doesn't have all 3 of Fed, Rafa and Djoker on it needs to be taken to the nearest looney bin at once.) Not to mention all the other extremely good players right below them who kept them sharp, Wawrinka and Roddick and Cilic and Murray and Safin and Berdych...
@@ha-qg2ugIt’s sad but it’s true.
The day of this match, I was packing to move. I remember telling myself I'd just have it playing in the background while I packed. I never packed a single thing that day. I couldn't stop watching, and afterwards I needed a few drinks to calm down. It was the most stupendous tennis I'd ever seen... and now there are probably 3-4 matches better than this one in terms of quality and drama!
Whats those 3-4 matches tho? The one i could think of is Djo-nadal ao 2012, djo fed uso 2011, djo fed wimbledon 2014 (or 2019 tbh), and fed nadal 2009 wimbledon
Out of all the days to move lol
Just passing through on my journey to watch every Federer match.
He's played a good 1,500 matches.
winning at wimbledon would be nice, but there's nothing quite like eating spicy chicken wings at 2 AM and watching it instead
lmao
I felt this comment in the depths of my soul
best muchies best hour
right on target! :)
Wimbledon in 20th ct: strawberries and cream
Wimbledon in 21st ct: spicy chicken wings
In terms of narrative, dramatic and emotional importance, the 2008 final is the one to remember, but in terms of technical brilliance and the quality of both players, I believe this is the better match.
and their 2009 Australian open final tops everything, the first 4 sets
+Emiliano Rodriguez
Have to disagree there .... there are far more brilliant and epic rallies in the 2008 final than 2007, far far more ... technically 2008 is definitely on a higher level than 2007 ...
(2007 is still great though, it just lacks the brilliance of the breath-taking shots of 2008)
As a Federer fan I liked this match better because it went the way I wanted, but I think it is still a close call. In 2008 Federer was not at his best, but here he was
88feji I would argue 2007 was better because both players played their best for the entire match as opposed to 2008 where Federer did not play very well in the first two sets but came back very strong in the third and fourth and Nadal played very well in the first three sets but choked in the fourth set tiebreak
@@viksinha5410 Although Federer didn't bring his best level in the 2008 Wimbledon final, he played well, including the first 2 sets. Likewise, Nadal didn't choke in the 4th set tiebreak (even if he committed a double fault in his first match point); it was Federer who came with the proceedings and took it away.
Nadal is 22 and fed is 26 when this happened...and see today gen players....still finding places among these. Guys
* Nadal is 21
Nadal 21 Federer 25
@@KG-ph2wl Same age as Borg and McEnroe @Wimbledon final 1980.
@@MrBjorn6 no..borg was 24 at wimbledon80.
jez I'm 23 this year...what the heck am I doing with my life :|
3:58:22, Rafael watching and becoming even more motivated to win at Wimbledon the following year
He said he cried for that loss.
This match shows the versatile Nadal.He seems to be a natural grass court player. Roger and Rafa pleasing to watch their matches 2007 and 2008 .Great talents
Nadal was a "natural court" player. He didn't like hard in general. He was good on grass, but he played a very prime Federer in 2006/2007, and when Federer was not at his best, and Nadal had reached his peak, he finally got what he deserved and had wanted his whole life.
Fed was at his peak till Jan 2010
@@aranighosh3945 No, that's wrong imo, he was peak from 2004-2007, he was prime in 2009 and early 2010 as well as part of 2012. 2017/early 2018 is an anomaly.
@@armstrongtixid6873 Federer was at his peak. Its just Nadal is equally good if not better
@kal Ke Peak Federer is the most hyped up thing ever though… The minute Nadal came into the picture, his “peak” ended. 😂😂
It Would be nice if we could see the scores on the screen
Yeah, it pisses off when they don't show the score
this was before the first iphone haha..I remember watching this with my extended family on vacation on anna maria island in florida. great match
insane final, i will miss both when they retire, they gave the sport so much!
Greats!
One sadly called it a day a few weeks ago. I think Nadal is probably 1-2 years away from that at most. Gosh, we're lucky to have seen these 2 + Djokovic in the same era!
Watching this after 2021 Wimbledon,and I want Roger Federer to win at least one Wimbledon hereafter
in 2016 they said he is finished then he came back in 2017 to shut them.......trust me bro he will be back next year....
@@souvikjha8242 delusional Fed fans 🤣
wow thank you for sharing this epic match and merry christmas to all tennis fans ^.^
Ten years after this they were still number 1 and 2. Legends!
This match often gets overshadowed by *that* Wimbledon final, but imo it’s just as impressive from a technical standpoint. Both players made some excellent rallies and some great shots were made. Federer was also a bit better here as well compared to the 08 final. Rafa actually outplayed him for most of the first four sets before Federer took charge in the deciding set. Quite the opposite of the 2009 AO final, actually.
Quality-wise, this final may just tie the 08 final, but the drama and the historical significance of the latter is the tiebreaker between the two. Amazing matches all-around!
I agree... the level of tennis here was great (if not better than 2008) but in 2007 it was somewhat "expected" of Federer to beat Rafa (21) "clay court specialist" (at the time) on grass... so there weren't as much attention... while 2008 final was different because of what happened in 2007 and what have been gradually been happening... In 2007 Rafa were on par with Federer for majority of that final... Rafa crushed Federer in the 2008 French Open (unlike previous 2 closely contested FO finals)... so when 2008 Wimbledon final came around... tennis fans/media everyone thought it might be the "changing of the guards" in terms of #1 player in tennis... Federer's brilliance since he won his first grand slam in 2003 (12 slams up till the 2008 final) was undoubtedly phenomenal he's never lost a slam final except against Nadal on clay, and like in every sport, the "underdog story" drum up excitement... I even remember at the time thinking... Nadal have a real shot here to beat Federer on grass I think that's why there were so much attention/importance to the 2008 final.
Writing in 2020... 2008 wimbledon will for me still go down as one of the greatest match as well as the importance of that match that changed tennis history forever... for me Rafa winning 2008 final was the start of Rafa's greatness. It was THE match that changed Rafa's career and Federer's career. Rafa gained SO MUCH confidence winning that wimbledon final, not only beating the #1 player in the world at the time, but the player that was supposedly going on to be the greatest of all time... Nadal knew he could do it after that... his game improved dramatically on all surfaces since... went from only 3rd/4th/QF (1 SF) in Australia and US open... to first winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, to winning AO 6 months later... with a small injury inbetween he went onto win FO, W and USO in 2010... and now 19 slams. While Federer's career in my opinion also changed in that final... and subsequently the 2009 AO final as well... he went from 12 slams in 5 years, on top of the world undoubtedly the best player on tour... to having someone of equal to him... those 6 months changed Federer's career... I don't think mentally he ever really recovered... slams looked harder and harder for him to win by the year since 2008... he was 26 at the time? I remember people thought Federer would go on to win 25-30 slams comfortably back in 2007.
''Rafa actually outplayed him for most of the first four sets''
Rafael did play a little better in the first four sets; but I wouldn't totally use the word ''outplay''.
@@den_525 The start of Rafael's greatness was during the 2005 clay court season.
''I don't think mentally he ever really recovered''
Mate, by 2012, he had alredy recovered. Any spectator knows.
@@den_525 This is why I believe 2017 was one of Roger's most important seasons ever. He won AO and Wimbledon once again, after many speculations that he would no longer win more GS, that he was about to retire, he proved people wrong.
@@Vaisin Yh because he never had to face his true rapist and worst match up that is Djokovic, not Nadal. Nadal lost thrice at Wimbledon to Federer but Djokovic ended Federer's career on grass.
Classic match ever in present Era...Both players are great🙏
Nadal improved gradually - 06 final- won 1 set, 07 final- won 2 sets, 08 final- won 3 sets !
And if tiebreaks weren’t a thing Nadal would have won in 2008 in 3 sets. But if they had a final set tiebreak, Fed would have won in 5!
@@Ttjam1if tiebreaks weren't a thing, Nadal would have won in 2007
@@syednoorerasul of course and maybe Wimbledon 2019 too and Wimbledon 2008 would be an easy three sets
@@Ttjam1It wouldn't, because if tiebreaks weren't a thing, Federer would know he couldn't rely on them and adapt his game accordingly as all great champions do
Damn at 21 Nadal was a freak of nature.
Young Nadal was the goat.
So many of the great tennis matches that I've watched have faded in my memory over time, or blur together. This match is the exception. We all knew as we were watching that we were witnessing something special, something for the ages. Surely the greatest match ever played.
Come on, it was a great match, but 2008 final was better, let's be honest here...
Conor McGregor 2008 is overrated due to the historical importance, but it wasn’t that great in terms of the tennis played. Sure there were some amazing shots and rallies but there were also a lot error filled parts all over the match, especially from Roger.
Full Wimbledon matches; well done Wimbledon!!!! Not 24 minute highlights or 2 minute highlights. Take note Australian Open and French Open.
And US Open
Nadal's serve and volleys are better now but his mobility, defence and shots on the run were mindblowing back then. Look at 24:20.
Mobility doesn’t win matches.
I watched this with my old friend in middle school, it's the best memory of tennis for me.
gotta say this is super relaxing and enjoyable to watch without any commentating or other distractions. wish there was more content like this!
The Wimbledon finals have had so many epic matches. Fed vs Andy Roddick, Fed vs Andy Murray, Murray vs Novak, Nadal vs Fed twice. Fed vs Novak. So many epics. And that is just in the time I have been watching. I was too young before that.
federer vs delpotro
@@pablosole3700 never happened
Nadal vs Djokovic 2018
@@DevenderKumar-mh6flIt did, in I think the second round in 2007, the very year this took place. Can't be called an epic though as Federer dispatched Delpo in straights.
@@Ben6164 I was talking about finals
Those two points from Roger @4-5 3rd set 40-40.....😍
Those golden times 😍😍
I remember this match as it was yesterday. Federer is always gonna be the real GOAT.
His peak was absolutely incredible. In the six calendar years 2004-2009, he won 14 of the 24 Grand Slams and 13 of the 18 that are played on a real surface instead of that joke red clay. And even on the joke surface he STILL was so good that only Nadal could beat him -- from 2005-2009 he was 30-0 in the French Open against all opponents except Nadal.
@@dentonyoung4314’real surface’ 😂😂😂. Man yall fanbois cry so much
The greatest era and players, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, tennis has ever seen or will ever probably ever see. We have been privileged to be alive to see it.
100% agreed, and let's not forget the crop of excellent players right below them which kept the Big 3 having to train hard and maintain their skills. Wawrinka, Cilic, del Potro, Berdych, Hewitt, Safin, etc., were all capable of taking down any of the Big 3 if the Big 3 player was just a whisker off on that day.
1:57:33 it's weird - look how small the stadium seems (for being one of the biggest tennis stadiums), yet look how far away the court seems!
I don't know what it is about the camera angle switches in this match but it makes it almost feel like we're watching a movie. Especially with the close-up angles during play. 6:34 is a great example.
We never see that anymore, the close-ups are always shown after a point has been played and never during the rally. I liked it better this way and I wish they stuck with it.
Feels right seeing Fed with that trophy. Forever my goat
3-2 , 40-15 that point which broke nadals serve, shows the kind of player roger is. Unmatched brilliance 🙏🙏
3:34:15 for those who are curious 😉
No one ever made the game look so sublime
Something about that open roof......beautiful 💯
Federer's last serving game was AMAZING!!! 3:35:13
Tennis will lose its charm once these 2 retire😭😭
sorry not set point, but essence of my statement remains... :)
3 retire(+Djokovic,and he's legend of tennis)
Tell that in Asia.
@@ex-yukaraoke.v.246 ******
juneaug Lok actually people in Asia really love and appreciate Nole,he is so popular there,even in Australia.
the day I fell in love with tennis
its amazing how different they used to play than they do now
There are some differences as they have made adjustments. Especially Rafa. He’s more aggressive overall these days. Also his stroke mechanics (apart from the buggy whip ) is slightly different
Centre Court was beautiful without the roof, remind Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium. Roger and Rafa fighting like gladiators in this match with Roger coming on top with insane tennis is fifth set was amazing . The level of tennis has gone up after this final. After this match it took 10 years for Roger to beat Rafa in a grand slam match.
This match is underrated
Only Ever Player to Bagel Nadal on All 3 Surfaces... That's Huge... 💪💪💪 #ProudFedFan
Only player to defeat him 6 times in rolland garros 🔥#ProudRafan
Cool stat. But I'd rather have the ''defeated him at his backyard, but never lost against him at his own backyard'' stat.
Bageled at your Favorite Surface haha...ahm.. there's more..bageled in all surfaces
Nadal defeated him on every court...nadal is best...
@@noshadarshad3822 Federer beat him on every court.
This match is a treat for the eyes
What a masterpiece!! Thanks
A lot of people talk about 2008 match being the greatest match ever .But this match had it all and more and Federer won.GOAT
Peak level of Sampras and Federer both... Best Players of all time. Grandslam numbers won't change that.
Wrong, peak Nadal on clay is the best tennis player of all time.
The ambiance in this court, in that moment where Federer finally won and lifting the trophy is just glorious.That sun, the green grass, Federer's glorious look is just perfect. Its like crowning of a glorious king.A year later, its' loomy and dark.....
Facts. Cause it was Rafa's turn.
3:20:00 Forehand Comparisons!!!
2:42:11 The challenge
3:34:38 Great Forehand
3:41:25 Greatest return of the match!
2:42:53 - The ball hit exactly where and how the challenge showed.
@@ledepi34 looked really like out actually
Roger won five consecutive Wimbledon titles and five consecutive US Open titles! That is amazing! Both Novak Djokovic and Rafeal Nadal did not do that! Roger also won the French Open and the Australian Open to cement his career grand slam credentials! They are truly the three musketeers of tennis world champions!
Prime Federer was different.
Stop lying Federer fan. Djokovic has also won 5 consecutive Australian open from 2019 to 2023.Rafa has won every French open between 2010 to 2014
2019 : They still managed to capture the crowd and kept mesmerised with their magic!
Those were the days ♥️
I have 3 similar things with Rafa:
1) we are both left handed
2) We are both playing with Babolat racquet
3) We are changing serve technique every year :D
Lmao sometimes is forehand take back changes every other year . Look at slow motions videos for every year he’s played and it looks different. Novak and Fed are pretty much the same. Fed is just more compact these days.
golden time of tennis. its sad that next generations will not be able to witness this quality live..
Prime Federer: Speedy, powerful, serve and volley, tactical, 9/10 for all of his skills!
After 30 Federer: less powerful and pace but more skillful, magical tactics, still play top class of tennis!
should have switched his racket earlier
This 2 gentlemen makes the tennis to reach its heights...
Federer the king of tennis beyond a shadow of doubt
No excuse for 2019 though. Be honest lol.
Even the sound alone expresses the climax of both players technical feel and ability.
The young nadal who reached so far and lost could have been demotivated. But he didn't let this get to him, decided to get back up and work even more harder. Eventually became one of the best players after that.
great match. How beautiful the stadium was without the roof.
Thanks, the best present of the 2018!🎾🏆
TWO LEGENDS .
2:43:32 Federer’s famous “how in the world was that ball in??” vent
Wimbledon the classic! Even better Federer won! 😀😀😀😀😀!
Watched in 2007 and now watching in 2022.....still❤❤❤❤
I started watching tennis in 2012 because of these two. I was finally ready to watch the famous 2008 final, known as 'the greatest match in history,' after Nadal’s retirement announcement, because it marks the end of an era. We still have one of the Big 3 left, but these two were always on a different level. The greatest, most graceful, and noble rivalry isn’t just in tennis, but in all of sports history from my point of view. I've been surrounded by Nadal content across the internet, and Federer is a big part of it. I even rewatched the last days of Federer to prepare myself for the great Davis Cup finale and to find the strength one more time to say a final big goodbye. I am here after reading lines from Nadal’s 2011 biography. Thirteen years of being a passionate part of this journey are flashing before my eyes, and I’m contributing to these archives to fill in the gaps. I never realized how much I love this sport and how passionate a fan I am.
Such a great match , I enjoyed every minute , Roger & Rafa are the best all the time ❤️ 🎾 Glory days.
I think this final is the most underrated final
This was just as good if not a better played match then there famous '08 encounter
In my opinion, this match is lot better than 2008 men's wimbledon singles final.
Yes, it is.
For federer fans of course
@@TheDazzler420 lool
@@TheDazzler420 Quality wise,this one is.Although fed shouldnt have won this match.Nadal played 3 days in a row.
@@aleksamilosevic8792 5 days in a row
This is the best tennis. By the way there is good, intelligent commentary on the DailyMotion version of this, including details about Nadal's grip, and other statistical analyses.
This match shows the versality of Nadal competing prime Federer at Wimbledon, Nadal would have won many Wimbledon if he had the same flair and game he had till 2010
To see Federer play is magical.❤
And Nadal!
Please upload full wimbledon 2012 final. Pleaseeeeeeee
Abdullah Sheheryar Ranjha And Wimbledon 2014 final
Djokovic-Federer 3:2
and 2012semifinal Federer vs Djokovic
I and a million people would like to see the 2006 Wimbledon Final.
Notice during Nadal's younger years he was standing closer to the baseline in order to return serves than he is today. And that is quite obvious even from their very first h2h match (2004 Miami Open) when Nadal was just 17. But I think what we've been seeing from Nadal today, proves that he has declined from his Vintage form. And that, to me, is one of the reasons why Federer is winning their h2h rivalry, during the last couple of years.
@qudzzie dfjb
Nadal wasn't staying too far away from the baseline, back then, compared to the way he's been doing from since 2015. That's what I am saying. And I think that's the main reason why he isn't having much success against Federer, in the more recent years of their rivalry. By standing so far away from the baseline as Nadal has been doing, he is taking less time away from his opponent (especially one like Federer, who easily finishes off points as winners).
Interesting how 6 year older Federer is winning h2h with Nadal😂.
@@Hypocrisy.Allergic
Hey, it's the name of the game. The tables have turned. And I'm happy for Fed. But I think I provided a valid reason as to why Fed had been winning his H2H rivalry against Rafa in the more recent years. I'm a Fedal fan. But Djokovic will likely go down as the GOAT.
The rivalry ended 24-16 to Nadal. Nadal owned Federer in the H2H.
チャンピオンシップポイント決めた後に倒れ込むロジャーめっちゃ好きです！
Alle Sportler sind gleich!! Respekt!! Die Welt ist bloß schneller und aggressiv geworden!! Hut ab!! 👍❤️
Tanks Merry Xmas Wimbledon ☺️
Nadal's backhand strokes in this match were beastly and accurate.
60 grandslams between the 3(Fed, Nadal & Novak). That's total dominance by 3 for last 15 years!
3:45:42 - Doing everything to keep yourself from applauding at this incredible moment. Well executed, Mr. Line Judge.
2008 never happened. 2014, 2015 and 2019 doesn't exist. 2003-07, 2009, 2012, 2017 and 2020. That's what will keep me going till my end of days.
2008Never happend ? 2014,2015 and 2019 don't * exist ?! Cry baby 🤫😭😂
Tushar Singh
What the hell man
@@blagoje7 it's sarcasm isn't it?
Be humble in defeat.
I was only 7 years old but remember it like it was last week
There was such a contrast between grass and clay then. They had some great matches on both. It was the way they had do adapt to the best surface of the other player that made these matches so compelling.
Imo in terms of quality, this was the greatest match ever
After being critically wounded in Anbar Providence Iraq 2007, I watched this match from a hospital bed in Landstuhl Air Force Base Germany on a 7 inch screen. It was broadcast on All 7 channels this thing had, and Every single channel was in German and I only speak English and a small group of Arabic dialects picked up whilst serving. The Icing on the cake was it had every damned subtitle Except English. It had a wired remote with just an arrow up and arrow down for channel surfing the SEVEN channels. The volume was forever set at Max volume with no buttons anywhere on the frame of the tv that was mounted in this steel box Very reminiscent of Fort Knox. And no way of turning it off. The power cable ran through the swivel arm mounted on the wall. I learned a lot about tennis when I was conscious and coherent even though the language barrier. Those guys' impeccable game play, how they laid it all on the line from the 1st to the last touch of the racquet.
2007 08 09 17 gs finals between them are of unbelievable level
3:41:24 Bit of an OK forehand.
Here after 2021 quarterfinals and I can only cry
Roger Federer to me is the people's champion ❤️
This is the 1st ever tennis match I watched hard to believe it was 15 years ago
Oh I miss this player so much.
My king, I love Federal, Bangladesh.
Classic match, loved it - but why was this uploaded, taken down and then re-uploaded today of all days?
The power in these strokes is astonishing
55:47: History's most aggressively picked wedgie
this is about to happen on friday.