THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON, 2007

The 2007 Wimbledon Championships provided the second instalment of the gripping Roger v Nadal trilogy. Roger had once again come very close to completing his career Grand Slam at the French Open but was defeated in the final by Nadal for the second year running. The rivals were locked at 1-1 in sets, before the Spaniard pulled away to repeat his four set victory from the previous year. Entering his favourite tournament, on the grass of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Roger was hoping for another chance of redemption. His famous gold sneakers would, in 2007, feature four Swiss flags denoting the years of his previous Wimbledon victories.

Looking to equal Borg’s Open Era record of five Wimbledon titles in a row, Roger defeated some of tennis’ stellar names on another unrelenting march to the final, including Juan Martin del Potro, Marat Safin, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Richard Gasquet. Meanwhile, Nadal as second seed, was also making light work of his side of the draw and would beat Djokovic in the semi-final to set up a thrilling showpiece.

It certainly did not disappoint. The rivals produced one of the great Wimbledon matches in a 3 hour 45 minute, five set epic, that captivated the Centre Court crowd. Roger took the opening set in a tiebreak and Nadal responded to take the second 6-4. The defending champion went ahead in the third, winning a tense tiebreak, but was then pegged back again by the Spaniard. For the first time in his career, Roger was taken to a deciding set in a Grand Slam final. After saving four break points on his serve, he clinched the decider 6-2 with a thumping smash, falling to his knees in celebration. The camera immediately panned to Bjorn Borg who joined the applause, knowing his record had been equalled.