Rafael Nadal savoured his greatest ever victory but insisted that dethroned All England Club king Roger Federer was still the best player in the world.
LONDON: Newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal savoured his greatest ever victory but insisted that dethroned All England Club king Roger Federer was still the best player in the world.
Nadal shattered Federer's dream of a record sixth successive Wimbledon title with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-7 (8/10), 9-7 triumph in the longest final in the tournament's history to add a first title here to his four French Opens.
"He's still the number one. He's still the best. He's still the five-time champion here. Right now I have just one," said Nadal, the first Spanish men's winner since Manolo Santana in 1966.
Despite losing what will comfortably be regarded as the greatest final in Grand Slam history, Federer will remain the world number one for the 231st week when the new rankings are released on Monday.
Nadal will stay at number two for the 155th week.
But after his ruthless demolition of Federer four weeks ago in the French Open final to claim a fourth successive Paris crown, and becoming only the third man to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year, it is the 22-year-old Spaniard who is now widely seen as the world's top player.
He ended Federer's 65-match, six-year winning streak on grass, a significant psychological blow with the Swiss still without a French Open title to add to his 12 Grand Slam trophy collection.
"It's more of a surprise to win here than the French," admitted Nadal.
"It's my most emotional win and probably the best."
Nadal went through emotional turmoil in the four hour, 48 minute final where he wasted three match points before celebrating his victory by clambering over the scoreboard and into the Royal Box where he was warmly embraced by Spanish Crown Prince Felipe.
Federer had his opportunities but could only convert one of 13 break points while sending down 52 unforced errors to the world number two's 27.
Nadal also shattered the myth that Spaniards don't like to play on grass.
"I love playing on this surface. Sometimes if your opponent serves very well it can be a little boring," said Nadal of a final which finished in the gloom of Centre Court at 0145 IST after two rain delays.
He also admitted that he felt for Federer after pulling off his 12th win in 18 meetings with the world number one, especially after losing the last two finals to the Swiss here.
"I know how tough it is lose a final like this," said Nadal.
"He is a great champion. His attitude always is positive when he loses, when he wins.
"We are not close friends but I always have a lot of respect for him. I admire him a lot. At the same time I am very happy for me, but sorry for him because he deserves his title, too."
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