Tennis

Match of the decade: Sport needs great rivalries and the epic 2008 Wimbledon final between five-times winner and defending champion Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal encapsulated the flair, passion and athleticism the two players have brought to the game.

Nadal, who had looked like crushing Federer in straight sets, finally prevailed in near darkness after four hours 48 minutes of intense combat, punctuated by rain breaks and dazzling brilliance from two players at the peak of their powers.

Nadal's victory prevented Federer becoming the first man since the 1880s to win six consecutive Wimbledon singles titles.