>Rafael Nadal Reclaims Wimbledon

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Rafael Nadal has claimed his eight Grand Slam, second Wimbledon title and completed his second Roland Garros-Wimbledon double after beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. Both players produced some incredible winners, displaying their amazing power, but it was Nadal’s slice backhand that found a weakness in the devastating Berdych forehand.

There have been some fairly significant changes, flows and ebbs in the life of Rafa Nadal since he last played a Wimbledon final two years ago. Probably the most significant, and ongoing, issue for the Spaniard is the separation of his parents, evident in his box as his girlfriend, Xisca Perello, and his sister, Maria Isabel, sat between Sebastian and Anna Maria. Also in his box was Miguel Angel Nadal, Rafa’s uncle and former professional football player and of course coach Uncle Toni.

Tomas Berdych showed no signs of early nerves, coming out firing, using his incredible forehand to create winners and push Nadal around as the Spaniard struggled to find his first serve in the opening two games. Nadal tried to use his forehand to get into points on Berdych’s serve but he lacked depth of shot and Tomas showed beautiful touch at the net.

At 3-3 Nadal struck. A wild backhand from Tomas gave Nadal a 0-30 lead before an incredible forehand down the line brought up triple break point. A brilliant backhand return from Nadal sealed the break on his second attempt. After drawing first blood Rafael seemed inspired as Tomas tried too hard to make up for the break, ultimately being broken again in the ninth game, allowing Nadal to take the first set 6-3 in just 34 minutes.

For the second time in two matches Nadal had an immediate lull after winning the set, despite having the advantage of serving first. However, it seemed Nadal couldn’t get a first serve in, serving two double faults at critical points and being forced to rely on his vicious spin on his second serve. After nearly ten minutes Nadal held the opening game of the second set having fended off three break points as Berdych struggled to put enough depth on his returns on the important points. Rafa was lucky to survive, having hit eight unforced errors in that one game.

Both players lifted their first serve percentage, holding relatively comfortably, however Nadal used his slice backhand well to make Berdych create his own pace. Trying to serve for a tie break Berdych fumbled, pushing balls wide all over the court, Nadal breaking to love to take the second set 7-5 and with it the advantage of serving first in the third set.

The world number one continued to serve intelligently, mixing up the speed and placement just enough to keep Berdych off guard and uncomfortable.

Tomas had another break point chance in the third game of the second set but was unable to convert, the defenses of Nadal too strong. As Xisca continued to get some serious air time on TV screens around the world, Rafa continued to press Berdych. Tomas began to show signs of irritation, kicking the dust, as he pushed balls wide and Nadal tortured him with his slice backhand followed by forehand winners.

At 5-4 Rafa decided he’d had enough and wanted his title back. He started thumping forehands down the line and scrambling around the court, heaping pressure on his opponent, who to his credit handled it extremely well but Nadal continued to crush his forehand. Berdych pushed a forehand approach shot long, giving Rafa championship point. A forehand cross court passing shot gave Nadal his title back.

As Rafa celebrated his long time girlfriend Xisca wiped away tears of joy and jumped up from her seat along with his family. Within one minute of reclaiming the title, Nadal’s name was on the champions board for a second time.

Before the match Nadal made it clear just how much he wanted the Wimbledon title after his disastrous year last year. “The first time I did it, I think I was not realizing everything. So I think that if I have the chance to lift it tomorrow it will also be a different sensation, maybe even bigger! Amazing for me, amazing.”

Nadal winning should show the organizers of Wimbledon that they shouldn’t mess with the rankings, and that Nadal, when he wants it, will still win even if they do snub him in the rankings.