Federer Falls, Forfeits Crown

Prior to Sunday, Roger Federer was invincible. He had scored five consecutive Wimbledon titles, forty-one consecutive Wimbledon match victories, and tandem slayings of Rafael Nadal. No one was assuming. Everyone was expecting…

On Sunday, Nadal defeated Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7. Amidst rain and thrilling tennis, the epic consumed four hours and forty-eight minutes. “I am very happy for me, but sorry for him, because he deserved this title, too,” Nadal said.

The setback left Federer stating the obvious. “Probably my hardest loss, by far,” said Federer. “I mean, it's not much harder than this right now.”

During his career, Nadal has recorded five grand slam titles. He has registered seven grand slam finals appearances. “Rafa keeps you thinking, and that's what the best players do to each other in the end,” Federer said. “That's what we both do to each other.”

Conversely, Federer has amassed twelve grand slam titles. He has accrued sixteen grand slam finals appearances. Since February 2, 2004, he has been ranked number one. Is Federer finished? Pete Sampras won fourteen grand slam titles. Upon his thirteenth, he was twenty-nine. Federer is twenty-six.

For 1,614 afternoons, Federer has inspired fear. On this afternoon, Wimbledon’s crowd could sing… the old king is dead. Long live the king.