You Can't Script This Stuff

It's around 4:45pm as I begin this post. I've been watching the Championships Wimbledon for over five hours now. . .and I didn't even watch from the beginning.

Rafael Nadal, the adorable 22 year old Spaniard just defeated Roger Federer, the 5-time defending Wimbledon champion from Switzerland, in five sets. The two are the premier men's players on the circuit with a rivalry for the ages. Most recently Nadal defeated Federer at the French Open a few weeks ago.

At 4 hours and 48 minutes, it is the longest Wimbledon final in history. In addition to that playtime, throw in a couple of rain delays and the impending darkness that could have halted the match until tomorrow.

That's drama people. That's some damn drama.

The short version:

I come in at the 3rd set - Nadal has won the first two sets 6-4. Federer is battling back, has a little momentum, and then RAIN. Stupid rain.

Match is delayed for 45 mins or so, and Federer comes back with a vengeance. He easily takes the 3rd set - well, as easily as it would come for him. He wins a tiebreaker to take it 7-6 without much challenge.

Fourth set is more of the same. No one breaks. Tiebreaker #2. Nadal has the match in his hands serving 5-2 in the tiebreaker. He's two points away - two serving points away from victory. Federer robs him - takes three points in a row and then goes on to steal the 4th set.

Fifth set opens up on serve. Three games in, another RAIN delay. It's around 8pm London time; apparently there are no lights on Centre Court, so they can't really play past 9:30.

Twenty minutes later, the men are back on the court warming up. Nadal has a couple of breakpoint opportunities, taking Federer to Deuce several times. He just can't seem to clinch it.

The commentators repeatedly stress that there are no tiebreakers in the fifth set. We will play this match until someone breaks serve. Holy Cow. We could be here for.ev.er.

Darkness is closing in. Federer is serving, set is tied 7-7. Nadal wins two points, Federer battles back with aces. It comes to Deuce. Nadal gets the advantage. Federer aces. It seems we really will be here forever.

FINALLY - Nadal breaks Federer. The championship is in his clutches. We are told this is the last game of the evening. Nadal must win it now, or go to bed "To Be Continued" until tomorrow.

Federer earns Nadal's first service point. They trade a couple of points. Then Nadal wrestles the dragon and puts the game in the bag. He falls to the ground before climbing the stands to reach his family. He does not even try to contain his tears. It's beautiful really. And also devestating to watch Federer - who battled back so fiercely - only to lose in the last moments.

John McEnroe repeatedly professed that it was the most incredible match he'd ever witnessed. He has, of course, seen far more matches than I have, but I concur. I've watched my fair share of Wimbledon and I've seen some awesome stuff. But these two guys. . .unbelievable. They can play some f-ing tennis. The athleticism itself was phenomenal. Combine their playing skills with everything else, and you've got a match of epic proportions.

If you catch a replay and have a spare few hours, watch it. Watch it. Watch it. I don't care who you are, this real-life sports battle far surpasses the movies. With a couple of hot guys playing lead, what more can you ask for?

Rafa collapses on the court after the final shot pronounces him Wimbledon Gentlemen's Champion. I almost did the same on my living room floor, because let's face it, I have a bit of a crush on the kid.