Rafael Nadal claimed his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros 2005, a couple of days after his 19th birthday. The Spaniard secured four consecutive titles in Paris to write history books and become one of the most successful clay-court players at 22 years old.
Hungry for more, Nadal worked hard on his improvements on other surfaces. He lost back-to-back Wimbledon finals to Roger Federer between 2006 and 2007, with two great rivals setting up another All England Club title clash in 2008.
Rafa emerged on top in one of the most extraordinary encounters in tennis history, calling it his most cherished Majors victory. Nadal scored a memorable 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 triumph in four hours and 48 minutes for his first Grand Slam title outside of Paris.
Thus, Rafa became the first player since Bjorn Borg with a «Channel Slam», adding the fifth Major to his tally just after his 22nd birthday and carving his way to tennis immortals. Nadal won five more points than Federer in a thrilling battle and fended off 12 of 13 break chances to pressure the other side.
The Spaniard won four breaks to prevail and emerge victorious in one of the most significant moments in tennis history. Rafa kept in touch with a five-time defending champion on the shortest points down to four shots, which was crucial to his success.
The Spaniard improved his opening shot to match Roger’s level and delivered incredible tennis while facing break points. Federer gave his best to come back in sets three and four, and there was nothing to separate them in the decider.
Rafael Nadal ousted Roger Federer after an epic battle at Wimbledon 2008.
Nadal took the lead in the third game of the opener and survived a serve scare at 5-4 to avoid two break chances and clinch it. Federer carved out a 4-1 lead in set number two before breaking at 4-2 to put Nadal back in contention.
With momentum on his side, Rafa grabbed another break at 4-4 with a forehand winner and fended off a break point in the next to carve out a two-sets lead. Like a true champion, Roger rallied in set number three to extend his chances.
The Swiss remained competitive in the fourth and prevailed in a tiebreaker after being 5-2 down to force a decider and gain momentum. The players left the court due to the rain in the fifth game of the final set and returned half an hour later to continue with an incredible encounter.
Roger created a break chance with a forehand down the line winner at 4-3, and Nadal denied it with a big winner to stay alive. The Spaniard leveled the score at 4-4 with a forehand winner to add to the excitement. Rafa earned two break chances with a forehand down the line winner at 5-5.
He failed to convert any or take an extra step two games later. The Spaniard seized more chances on the return at 7-7 and secured a break after a colossal forehand error from the Swiss. Rafa hit a serve winner at deuce in game 16 and came out on top after Roger’s forehand error to celebrate one of his most glorious victories.
