ESPN Wimbledon 2008

Editor's note: For the third consecutive year, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will clash in the Wimbledon final. Federer came out victorious in each of the last two, but last year's five-set thriller at the All England Club, coupled with his Spanish compatriot's burgeoning grass-court game and unassailable confidence, could spell the end of an historical run by the world's No. 1 player.

If Federer is able to upend Nadal again, he would become the first player in the Open era to win six straight titles at any Grand Slam event. A Nadal win would make him the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to pull off the French Open-Wimbledon double.

Don't miss a second of this championship battle. Ravi Ubha will be providing instant analysis through the duration of the match.

Fifth set
For the first time since 1979 and 1980, we have back-to-back Wimbledon finals that go to a fifth set.

How will, or can, Nadal rebound from squandering two match points?

Seemingly crucially, Federer gets to serve first and somewhat fortunately takes a 15-0 lead, Nadal misfiring on a backhand smash. At 30-15, Federer has the entire court open, but a drop shot finds the net. Now 40-30 with another good serve, and he holds for 1-0.

Early danger for Nadal, who falls behind 0-15 when a forehand sails wide.

Pivotal for Nadal to hold here.

At 15-all, a Nadal forehand that seemed destined to go long stays in. Federer challenges, without success. Nadal holds at 30, Federer letting him off the hook by sending a forehand long. 1-1.

Federer races out to a 15-0 lead, whiffs on a forehand, gets to 30-15, sends a drive volley long, then gets to 40-30 with a service winner. A double fault, his second, sends it to deuce.

No break points since the second set and Nadal blows a chance to set up one, hitting a forehand long. Deuce No. 2 when Nadal hits a drop winner.

Maybe he could have used that shot on his second match point.

Federer regains the advantage and then holds for 2-1, both times Nadal unable to cope with second serves to his backhand.

"I can only imagine how hard it is for Nadal not to think about those (match points),'' Henman says.

Nadal loses the first point on his serve yet again, a routine backhand going wide. Nadal is living dangerously -- his cross-court forehand finds the back of the line for 15-all.

A missed chance for Federer. A poor drop shot gives Federer ample time to line up a forehand, but he mishits it, and it's driven way long. Nadal showing some guts, and holds for 2-2.

Federer quickly races out to a 30-0 lead, let off the hook when a makeable backhand pass is hit long. Nadal pulls back to 30-all with a cross-court forehand -- an unsuccessful challenge ensues.

Federer getting the breaks now, too. Nadal hits a shot plum on the line, which is called out. Federer was in an awkward position. He then hits an ace to make it 40-30.

Nadal wins a net exchange to take it to deuce.

Guess what happens next?

The rain falls and the players are off the court at 7:54 p.m.

After a third rain delay, we're back yet again, at 8:23 p.m.

And we have about an hour of light remaining, assuming no more rain.

Federer shows no sign of nerves -- hitting two aces to take a 3-2 lead. Now up to 20 aces.

Every point is vital now, and Federer has a good chance on the opening point of the sixth game, a short forehand waiting to be hit. He directs it straight at Nadal, however, and a forehand pass follows. That settles Nadal, and he's up 40-0 after a forehand wide. A good first serve forces a forehand wide at 40-15, and it's 3-3.

We've hit the four-hour mark.

Federer now serving with new balls.

Federer is continuing to have success with second serves to Nadal's backhand, another one prompting a short reply that Federer takes advantage of. Two points later, a first serve to the backhand does the job, and an ace makes it 4-3.

Now only two more games needed for Federer. And it's 0-15, a routine cross-court forehand going just wide. He challenges, but Hawk-Eye confirms the call. A good first serve -- to the forehand -- leads to an error, and it's 15-all.

Nadal works his way up to 30-15 by pounding the Federer backhand, but Federer claws back to 30-all, after he angles a backhand, getting Nadal to hit into the net.

Danger now for Nadal, and a forehand down the line from a tentative Nadal allows Federer to unleash a forehand down the line. The first break chance since the second set ensues -- and Nadal saves it. He shows no fear, going for a forehand down the line, and forcing a pop up reply. Nadal puts away the smash for deuce.

That's 1-for-13 on break points.

Nadal gets to ad on a wide forehand and closes out the game, a serve out wide followed by a forehand into the corner doing the job. 4-4.

Federer elects to serve and volley on a second serve to start the game, and it pays off: Nadal nets another backhand. Now to 15-all when Federer sends a forehand long, though he rises to 30-15 thanks in large part to another serve to the backhand, and clubs his 22nd ace for 40-15.

Nadal clearly has no answer to the Federer's serve with his backhand, as he sends back a mishit. Federer, though, hits a forehand long, making amends on the next point with a cross-court backhand that puts Nadal out of position. He holds for 5-4. One game away.

A wonderful serve by Nadal -- an ace on the second delivery as Federer was leaning the wrong way. It's No. 6.

A gust of wind helps Federer on the next point, a backhand dying and forcing Nadal to hit long. Now 15-all, and three points to a sixth straight title for Federer.

A Federer return sails long for 30-15, but Federer pummels a forehand cross court for 30-all. Two points to win.

A huge point, obviously, won by Nadal, and set up by a good first serve. A Federer lob goes long, and Nadal yells, "come on.'' He holds, the serve helping again, and it's 5-5.

Nadal wins the opening point of the next game on an error, though Federer pulls back to 15-all. A great return by Nadal keeps him in the next point, and he eventually unfurls a pass that falls to Federer's feet. It's 15-30, and now 15-40, a tremendous running forehand pass doing the job. First one saved with ace No. 23.

The second one saved, another good serve forcing a short reply. Federer, though, hits a short ball straight to Nadal, but, hit with pace, Nadal has little chance.

Deuce, and Federer holds on, a backhand hitting the net.

Federer's serve doing the business. 6-5.

How important is it for Nadal to win the first point? Huge.

He bosses Federer around for 15-0, a forehand down the line forcing an error. A forehand long makes it 30-0, though it's 30-15 when a forehand down the line misses.

Nadal earns a little breathing space by forcing an error, then hits a great second serve to make it 6-6. No tiebreaks, just to remind, and both players now get three challenges each.

Nadal hits a venomous backhand cross-court return on the first point, forcing Federer to misfire on a forehand, and he works Federer around on the second one, pummeling a forehand into the corner for 0-30.

Federer, though, gets just what he needs, an ace, and another good serve sets up the point to make it 30-all. An ace makes it 40-30.

But we get to deuce. Nadal scrambles as per usual and makes Federer hit that extra shot, and he misses an easy volley for deuce.

Another miss for Nadal from his backhand, and again, on a second serve, gives Federer the advantage, which he squanders when a forehand, with Nadal out of position, sails wide.

Federer gets to the advantage once more, the serve coming to his aid, and Nadal nets a backhand. Federer leads 7-6.

We're approaching 9 p.m. local time, and light must be running out. The match has just passed the four hour, 30-minute mark.

Federer takes the initiative, taking advantage of a short backhand to send a forehand into the corner -- 0-15 and three points away. Nadal scrambles back to 15-all when a forehand this time goes along, and a great serve into the body makes it 30-15.

Again, Nadal staying alive, working his way to 40-15 when a Federer forehand finds the net.

Federer getting some luck to pull back to 40-30, a second serve return clipping the top of the net. Nadal scampers to chase it, but Federer is waiting.

Some unbelievable tennis we're seeing.

Nadal holds for 7-7. He thunders down a smash at the net, but Federer sticks out his racket and the ball lands near the back of the court. Nadal has to hit another smash, does so, and later gets the point.

For the third straight game on Federer's serve, Nadal has a chance, at 0-30.

And this time there's no ace. But Nadal is far too tentative on a couple of backhands, and Federer eventually takes advantage.

Here we go again. Two more break points after a backhand fizzed.

First saved with an ace out wide. Another chance goes begging and we're at deuce.

Nadal slips during the rally, and it seems to unfazed him, a backhand long.

The third break chance comes when a forehand sails long, and we'll call it an ace to get it to deuce, but Nadal earns a fourth break chance when a forehand finds the net.

Nadal finally breaks for 8-7, a forehand goes way long.

Can he do it this time?

Nadal slowly walks back to his service line, towels off, and takes his time.

New balls, which should help.

Maybe too much. A forehand flows long from Nadal, and it's 0-15 -- again.

Nadal with a great serve out wide, and he comes in behind it -- the first time the whole match. He puts away an easy volley for 15-all.

Nadal goes up 30-15, another good serve setting up the point. He ventures forward and puts away another easy volley.

Two points away.

Uh oh. Nadal makes a big blunder.

At the net, he elects to stick his racket out when a Federer pass looks for all the world like it's going out. The volley is long and it's 30-all. Another blown chance.

A framed Federer backhand gives Nadal match point No. 3.

Nadal elects to serve out wide, and Federer is waiting for it, unleashing a spectacular backhand return that's untouchable. Wow. Deuce.

Match point No. 4 after a serve out wide to the forehand forces an error. Toni Nadal is out of his chair, willing his nephew on.

It's over! Federer sends a short forehand into the net.

9-7 after four hours, 48 minutes.

What an epic. Federer loses for the first time on grass since 2002.

Rafael Nadal wins the Wimbledon championship 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7.

Nadal is in tears as he climbs into the players box, then walks on a roof that takes him to the Royal Box, exchanging hand shakes with the prince and princess of Spain, a Spanish flag draped around his neck.

How strange does this sound: "To the runner-up, Roger Federer,'' the runner-up trophy? That's how the postmatch ceremony presentation starts.

"Rafa is a deserving champion,'' Federer said.

Nadal reiterates that Wimbledon is his favorite tournament and salutes the fallen Federer, calling him the greatest of all time.

Maybe not at this precise moment. It's the first time since 2002 Federer hasn't won one of the first three majors of the campaign and Nadal appears closer than ever to taking over the No. 1 spot.

"It's a dream to play in this court,'' Nadal said. "But to win, I never imagined this.''

Fourth set
Not a good start for Nadal in the fourth. He falls behind 0-15 by looping an easy looking forehand long. He lets out a little yelp upon winning the next point for 15-all.

Federer again runs around to rip a backhand on a second serve, this time finding the net. A serve into the body seals the game at 15. 1-0 Nadal.

Yet another ace for Federer to begin the second game, and a service winner gives Nadal no chance to take it to 30-0. Federer is sizzling, another forehand winner flowing off his racket. Missing a routine volley is a temporary blip, and Federer makes it 1-1 on a cross-court forehand, which Nadal has to find a way to nullify.

A fantastic point to open the third game -- Nadal rifling a cross-court backhand for 15-0.

"Federer unleashing shots from side-to-side, and it's still not good enough,'' Henman says.

On the next point, a wicket backhand slice brings Nadal in, and later a forehand pass makes it 15-all. Now 15-30, Nadal netting a forehand. Federer is heating up.

Federer, perhaps, will question his shot selection on the ensuing point, a poor drop shot getting the treatment it deserves for 30-all. Nadal holds when a backhand slice return sails long. 2-1 Nadal.

Federer's first serve percentage has climbed in the previous set, now up to 70 percent. Points won behind it: 78 percent.

Federer's variety is surfacing -- he catches Nadal off guard by serving and volleying on a second serve, punching away an easy volley for 15-0.

His 16th ace takes it to 40-0, and it's 2-2. Federer changes rackets.

A good body serve has Nadal in front at 15-0, although he hands the initiative back with a drop shot that finds the net. Federer benefited from a mishit earlier in the rally.

Nadal is now mixing up his serve, not allowing Federer to run around and hit the forehand. He holds for 3-2 with a curled backhand pass.

A reminder that Federer is serving second in the set for the first time. Let's see how he responds now that we're in the middle of the fourth.

A rare early point for Nadal on Federer's serve, but three unreturnable serves make it 40-15. A Nadal forehand winner and a Federer forehand into the net, from a short reply, takes it to deuce. Nadal has a chance.

A good second serve pulls Nadal wide, Federer approaches on a cross-court forehand, and Nadal can't come up with the pass. Another unreturnable serve and it's 3-3.

Federer needs to start making some passes, also -- a makeable one on his backhand sails into the net and it's 15-0. Make that 30-0. Nadal uses the pace from a fierce return to hit a backhand low to Federer's feet as he rushes the net. He holds at love for 4-3, the pressure back on Federer.

No nerves on the first point. Nadal seems to have the upper hand in the rally, but it ends with a Federer forehand down the line. A 14-stroke rally on the next point sees Federer, worked around the baseline, deliver a backhand into the net.

A great second serve out wide by Federer gives Nadal little chance, and his backhand sails long. "Come on,'' Federer yells.

Federer serves and volleys on a second serve, his makeable volley going into the net. He reasserts himself for 40-30 with the serve and forehand punch, and holds for 4-4.

Now getting to crunch time.

A Nadal backhand slice sails wide, the wind once again kicking up.

Wow. What a shot from Nadal at a key time. He goes up 30-15 with a spectacular backhand pass from well behind the baseline -- something we've become accustomed to. It spurs him on, and he holds for 5-4.

Nadal is one game away from ending Federer's reign at the All England Club.

A great start by Nadal. This time he deals with that short backhand slice, coming up with a drop of his own. Federer gets there but nets his shot.

Danger now. 0-30, as Federer comes in behind nothing, really, and Nadal sends a cross-court backhand pass. Two points from the title.

Federer's serve got him out of trouble in the 2007 final, and it saves him here: One down the middle is unreturnable, and it's 15-30.

Nadal blows a chance at 30-all. Federer hits a short second serve, and he manages only a midcourt weak reply. Federer punishes it and then takes a 40-30 lead, Nadal sending a backhand long.

Is he tight?

Federer cranks a cross-court forehand to hold for 5-5.

"Got to take your hat off to Federer there,'' Henman says. "Two points away from relinquishing his title.''

Federer misses a chance at 30-15 in the 11th game. With a good look at a forehand down the line, he goes it but misses wide. Nadal holds for 6-5.

Federer serving to stay in it for a second time.

And again he loses the first point. Nadal manages to get his ball on the first serve, sending it into the corner. Federer misses wide. Nadal blows an opportunity to take a 0-30 lead, a forehand of his own wide.

Federer goes up 30-15 with an unreturnable serve, and the tiebreak looms. Federer gets a point closer with a stunning cross-court forehand, and eventually holds for 6-6 when a Nadal backhand goes long. Tiebreak.

"Come on,'' Federer yells again.

Federer wins the first point, chasing down a overhead-backhand smash and sending a forehand down the line. Federer did well to react to a popped up Nadal volley that hit the back of the line. 1-0 Federer.

A great return off a second serve sets up an easy forehand winner at the net for Nadal. 1-1.

Federer seems in control of the ensuing point, Nadal hanging in there. But Federer sends a forehand wide to trail 2-1.

An ace out wide for Nadal makes it 3-1.

Will he go to the backhand again? He doesn't, and goes to the forehand. The ball hits the back of the line and is unreturnable. 4-1 Nadal.

A must win point for Federer and he delivers. A good first serve again forces a short ball, Federer sending it to the corner. 4-2 Nadal as they change sides.

Uh oh for Federer. He continually runs around his backhand to hit a forehand, but Nadal eventually makes him hit from his weaker wing. A backhand error results. 5-2 Nadal.

Nadal is looking tight and delivers a double fault, the serve at 83 mph. 5-3 Nadal.

"That was one tight looking serve,'' Henman says.

Nadal is indeed feeling it, and hits a routine backhand into the net. Wow. 5-4.

A great Federer serve out wide sets up an easy forehand, and it's 5-5.

An unreturnable serve makes it 6-5 Federer. Unbelievable turn of events.

Federer has a good shot at a forehand pass and goes for it, rather than wait for an error from a clearly frazzled Nadal. It doesn't work -- a forehand goes wide and it's 6-6. One set point saved.

First match point for Nadal after Federer hits a forehand long. An unsuccessful challenge. 7-6 Nadal.

A service winner out wide saves it, and it's 7-7.

The shot of the match! Nadal sends a forehand pass down the line to make it 8-7, Federer with no chance. Second match point, first on Nadal's serve.

The shot of the match, part two. Nadal comes in behind a short forehand, forcing Federer to come up with a backhand pass, which he does down the line. 8-8.

Federer has his second point, and the first one on his own serve with a great forehand. 9-8.

And that's the set. Unbelievable. Nadal hits a second serve long and we're going to a fifth set. 10-8. That has to go down as one of the top tiebreakers in Wimbledon history.

Third set
How many times have we seen a stat like this for Federer: 1-for-8 on break points?

Federer tallied 15 winners, with just seven unforced errors, although he's getting outplayed on the big points.

As in the second set, Federer gets off to a good start in the third, holding at love for 1-0.

Nadal was broken in the first service game of the second and won't want to give Federer any hope early in the third. Yet that's what he does, and it's 0-15.

A quick recovery follows, mind you, and we're at 40-15. Federer has to try to do something different and goes for it, running around to hit a forehand off a second serve at 40-30. Unfortunately for him, it's wide. 1-1. The crowd is subdued.

We have trouble!

Nadal goes down as he scampers along the baseline, his right knee taking the brunt; remember against Mikhail Youzhny he went down in the second game and called for the trainer. He calls for the trainer again, Federer holding for 2-1.

Nadal is appearing to show no ill-effects from the fall, although he falls behind for 15-30, a backhand slice approach on the second shot going wide, aided by the wind.

Federer makes a good challenge off a Nadal first serve that would have been a service winner and claims the point, sending a drive volley forehand winner. Now 15-40 and two more break chances.

The first one saved with a wicked forehand winner cross court, a first serve helping. Nadal takes a chance on the next point, stopping play when there's no call on a Federer shot that wasn't called out. The Hawk-Eye challenge by Nadal confirms he was right, but not by much.

Nadal holds for 2-2, Federer squandering two more chances.

Federer, coachless, doesn't let it bother him, holding to love for 3-2. The clouds look ominous.

"If there is an interruption, who is Federer going to have a chat with?'' Henman asks.

Nadal's backhand has improved immensely in the last year, and he hits one cross court just inside the line to pass Federer, the crowd stunned. Later, though, two more break points arise for Federer when a backhand sails wide, Federer yelling, "come on.''

It's 1-for-9 now as a backhand return off a second serve goes well wide. Make that 1-for-10. Another second serve, and an even lamer return, sinking into the middle of the net.

Back to deuce. And yet another break point opportunity, thanks to a rifled forehand inside out.

Do we have to tell you what happens? Another chance missed, a backhand pass forcing Federer to miss a volley. Déjà vu, as Federer hits an inside out forehand.

Federer blows it again, missing a backhand that was sent deep by Nadal.

Federer challenges in desperation, Hawk-Eye confirming the ball was good.

Finally a game point for Nadal, which he converts by forcing an errant backhand.

Want some good news Federer fans? The last time he came back from two sets down, Nadal was on the other side of the net, in Miami in 2005. 3-3.

How will Federer respond?

Not good. Nadal rips a backhand pass for 0-15, and goes up 0-40 by winning a net exchange. An initial reprieve for Federer, as a Nadal backhand goes into the net.

A service winner makes it 30-40, and Federer is almost out of it.

Dare we say Nadal is getting tight as he sees the finish line? Nadal gets a meek second serve to the forehand and puts it into the net.

Federer holds for 4-3 and lets out a "come on.''

"Who knows whether in an hour and a half we look back and say that was the turning point,'' Henman says.

Now we'll see how Nadal responds following those three break points missed.

He takes a 30-0 lead with a drop volley, although Federer pulls it back to 30-15 when Nadal sends a backhand pass wide. A forehand mishit seals the eighth game, and it's 4-4. At two hours, 11 minutes it's the longest match Federer has played at Wimbledon this year.

A Federer double fault -- his first since the fourth round -- allows Nadal to pull back to 30-all, although two first serves help Federer escape. 5-4 Federer.

The predicted rain finally arrives and the players are sent to the locker room without a point being played in the 10th game. Perhaps a welcome respite for Federer.

We're back.

The players, forced off at 4:51 p.m., return to Centre Court just past 6 p.m. and take a five-minute warm-up. A few rays of sunshine pop up, which is a good sign.

Will Federer be able to turn it around?

Nadal is in a tricky spot, needing to hold serve to stay in the third set: Serving for the first and second sets, he faced break points.

Play resumes at 6:12 p.m. Nadal hits a serve into the Federer body, prompting a backhand error, then sends an ace down the middle.

Up 40-0, Nadal sends a backhand long, and Federer pulls to 40-30, a good return forcing a mistake. Some hope for Federer -- Nadal uncorks a double fault to send it to deuce.

Another mini-chance for Federer, but he can't take advantage. A serve into his backhand allows Nadal to dominate with the forehand, and a winner gets him to advantage. Back to deuce, another good return, followed by a stinging forehand.

Nadal holds for 5-5, a forehand cross court setting up a backhand error.

Federer, serving at 65 percent, gets a rare free point when a serve out wide is too hot to handle. Federer successfully challenges a fault call, which would have been a double, and succeeds. He eventually holds for 6-5.

Some crucial points ahead.

Nadal gets off to a good start, bullying Federer at the back of the court and forcing an error, doing the same on the second point for 30-0. A first serve catches Federer going the wrong way, although he sticks out his racket and gets it back, Nadal easily sending a winner cross court. An ace comes next, and it's 6-6 and a tiebreaker.

Neither player has lost a tiebreak this year at Wimbledon.

Federer begins with an ace down the middle. 1-0 Federer.

Federer has a chance on the next point, but sends a routine backhand long early in the rally. 1-1.

Federer guesses right when Nadal rifles a forehand cross court and comes in behind it, though a backhand pass finds the net. 2-1 Nadal.

Federer sends an approach deep, which is called long. He challenges and is successful, necessitating the point to be replayed. An ace. 2-2.

Federer serving big in the breaker, hitting a third straight ace. 3-2 Federer.

Awaiting a second serve, Federer runs around a second serve and goes for it on the forehand, crushing it and giving his opponent no chance. 4-2 Federer.

Federer upping his game, picking on a first serve -- that went to the forehand -- and later pummeling a forehand cross court. 5-2.

A wide Federer forehand -- unsuccessfully challenged -- makes it 5-3, although a good serve out wide makes it 6-3 and sets up three set points. The fans are firmly behind him, wanting more tennis.

Nadal saves the first, working around Federer and putting away a volley for 6-4.

A good first serve out wide catches Federer out of position for 6-5.

Federer continues his big serving, hitting another ace to win it 7-5 and take the set 7-6. Great serving. The fans are pumped.

Second set
Federer needs a good start in the second, and has the perfect one, holding to love. In fact, he hasn't been threatened on serve since getting broken. 1-0 Federer.

Nadal can't afford, then, to suffer a letdown, and he falls behind 0-15. Federer lures him in with a drop shot, Nadal offers a weak reply, and Federer taps away the volley. Now 0-30, Federer letting out a yell after sending a forehand winner down the line.

A good chance goes by the wayside on the next point -- Federer hits a second-serve return, off his forehand, into the net. Nadal gets the next point, chasing a short volley and depositing a backhand down the line.

Now the fourth break point for Federer. He picks on a second serve, the forehand this time doing the job and setting up the point.

Federer finally converts. Nadal hits a good first serve, a short reply follows, and Nadal comes in behind a forehand that's too short. Federer let rips on a forehand cross-court pass for 2-0.

Federer is rolling now. He's up 40-15. A Nadal backhand return thwarts Federer's serve and volley, albeit only momentarily. 3-0 Federer.

Nadal can kiss the set goodbye if he drops serve again, but he rushes ahead 30-0.

Could this be a crucial moment? Nadal, with an open court, hits a cross-court forehand wide. Maybe not. He recovers to win the next point, coming to the net and forcing an error, and closes it out thanks to an errant Federer forehand. 3-1 Federer.

Federer hits back-to-back aces to race out to a 40-0 lead and holds for 4-1. Nadal has claimed two points on Federer's serve in a quick second set -- 17 minutes thus far.

Anything short now and Federer is pouncing. Nadal gets on the defensive with a solid return and hits a backhand slice that stays high. Federer rips it cross-court for a winner. At 30-15, a cross-court Federer forehand has Nadal on the defensive, too. He's fortunate in that his reply stays into the corner, and breathes easier for 40-15.

Nadal peppers Federer's backhand with the forehand and holds. 4-2 Federer.

New balls now for Federer.

Nadal wins the first point on Federer's serve for the first time since the first set, although a fine serve out wide helps the Swiss make it 15-all.

Here's a chance for Nadal, who gets to 15-30 with a breathtaking forehand pass.

"Just don't think there's anyone better at turning defense into attack,'' Henman says.

From 30-all it's 30-40 when Federer sprays an easy forehand wide.

His first break point of the second and Nadal converts. Federer chooses to come in behind a backhand, although the approach is short. Nadal's backhand forces Federer to send the volley long. 4-3 and back on serve.

Needless to say, a key game upcoming, and Nadal takes a 15-0 lead when a forehand return balloons long.

What a point at 30-0. Great retrieving by both players, earning a standing ovation.

Nadal clubs a forehand cross-court during the 14-shot rally and Federer, seemingly out of position, lunges to get it back in play, which he goes. Nadal races to get to it, actually running around it, and succeeds in his reply. Later, though, he tries a drop shot that goes into the net. Now 30-all, a running forehand by Nadal from a few yards behind the baseline going just wide.

A key point next, and Nadal sends a serve down the middle. There's no call, and Federer challenges, unsuccessfully. A forehand error, however, takes it to deuce.

Federer earns a break chance when a Nadal forehand cross-court, a shot he'd make nine times out of 10, sails narrowly wide. A Hawk-Eye challenge fails.

The break point is saved when Nadal actually goes to the forehand, which breaks down, the ball hitting the net.

"Nice little change up there,'' Henman says.

Amazing miss by Federer, who sends a drive volley way long. Federer appears agitated by the crowd, prompting chair umpire Pascal Maria to ask the crowd for silence during the point. Might it be a turning point?

Nadal holds for 4-4.

Trouble for Federer, who sprays a forehand wide for 0-15. On the next rally, 20 strokes, Nadal consistently peppers Federer's backhand, and eventually crunches a forehand winner. Federer is frustrated and is even more so when he nets a forehand.

Three break points, the second converted with a punishing forehand winner cross court.

"Pure power,'' Henman says.

5-4 for Nadal.

A virtual must game for Federer, and he gets off to a good start, again the forehand cross court doing the job. Nadal gets to it, but is out of position on Federer's touch volley. 0-15. A serve into the body sends it to 15-all, and it's now 30-15, Nadal pummelling a clean forehand winner down the line. Getting close to the second set.

Not so fast.

Federer comes to the net and delivers a crisp volley, to which Nadal has no chance.

The first code violation time warning for Nadal from Maria -- and unlike when it happened in the Paris final, Nadal actually takes notice.

The crowd gasps, however, on the next point, when Nadal sets up a set point with an outlandish backhand slice winner.

Federer shows he can hit the slice, too, his backhand slice forcing an error to save the first set point. Deuce.

Federer gets a break point when Nadal, somewhat surprisingly, goes for a drop shot. The wind takes it and goes well wide.

What a point to save it. Federer seemingly has Nadal out of position as he approaches, though Nadal rips a backhand pass that Federer gets to. Nadal keeps the ball in play and eventually claims the point on an unforced error into the net.

A long forehand sets up a second set point. This time, he converts, a backhand going into the net.

Nadal wins the second set 6-4, and a mountain to climb for Federer.

First set
After two weeks of mostly fine weather, intermittent rain hit London early Sunday, accompanied by blustery winds. Somewhat fortunately, though, the players appear on Centre Court only 23 minutes late, at 2:23 p.m. local time.

Federer looks relaxed, letting out a smile, as he makes his way to what's coming to be known as his backyard. Manolo Santana, the last Spaniard to win the Wimbledon men's crown in 1966, shakes Nadal's hand.

Federer wins the toss, and, as usual, elects to serve first.

Federer has blitzed five of his six opponents in the first set at Wimbledon this year, so Nadal needs to hang in there; Federer took the opening set in each of the two previous two finals.

And we're off. And a what a good way to start, too.

A 14-stroke rally ending with Nadal unleashing a forehand winner that clips the back of the line. Nadal gets a second serve to look at on the second point again, but delivers a forehand wide to get Federer on the board. Federer takes advantage of short balls in the next two rallies to go up 40-15 and delivers his first ace to hold comfortably. 1-0 Federer.

"If Nadal wins this match, I feel it's almost inevitable he will be the No. 1 in the coming months,'' Tim Henman, calling the match for the BBC, said.

At 15-0 in the second game, Nadal has Federer pinned back following a cross-court forehand to the Federer backhand. Instead of coming in, though, like he has throughout the tournament, he stays back and pays the price, Federer later putting away a routine volley for 15-all. The first double fault -- into the net -- later makes it 40-30, although Federer sends a routine forehand wide. All five serves in play that game went to Federer's backhand, similar to the French Open final. 1-1.

The first real opportunity to break. At 15-all, Nadal sends back a good return off a first serve, forcing an error. Back to 30-all following a good second serve.

The first break chance arises when Federer nets a routine backhand -- and Nadal takes his chance. Nadal sends back a deep backhand return which Federer mishits.

Federer's first serve isn't working so far, and he's broken for the third time this tournament. 2-1 Nadal.

Great first point of the third game.

Nadal keeps Federer doing sprints along the baseline -- a la Roland Garros -- and eventually claims the point with a cross-court forehand winner from a low backhand slice. Nadal is looking sharp, subsequently uncorking a forehand down the line, and forehand cross court to go up 40-0.

First Hawk-Eye challenge, and successful, from Nadal, when a forehand is called long. Federer claims the next point and pulls back to 40-30, running around to hit a forehand on the return of serve for the first time. Back to deuce, Federer attacking.

Now the first break point for Federer, which could be crucial, even though it's early.

Saved. Federer is on the run and has a decent look on a running forehand, but it goes long. On game point, Nadal serves to Federer's forehand for the first time and pays the price, a solid return the catalyst to getting it back to deuce.

Nadal holds for 3-1, a Federer second-serve return going into the middle of the net.

The first love game ensues, Federer holding comfortably. 3-2 Nadal.

Federer crunches a forehand on the first point of the sixth game, only for it to come back down the line off a Nadal forehand. Nadal later sets up the point with a backhand down the line, forcing an error. At 15-all, Federer misses a good chance. With Nadal on the backfoot, he approaches on a short ball, only to send a cross-court backhand into the net. Lo and behold, the sun comes out.

A rosy shot for Nadal to go up 40-15 -- a forehand pass, the first passing winner of the final. Nadal holds for 4-2.

Like yesterday's women's final between Venus and Serena Williams, high-quality stuff so far. Nadal with six winners and one unforced error; Federer with seven and four, respectively.

The first serve-volley comes from Federer at 30-15 in the next game, and on a second delivery. He picks off a low return and hits a cross-court forehand volley winner. 4-3 Nadal.

Nadal will take the first set with two more holds, and we know how vital that is. Serving with new balls.

"He's got new balls to serve to the backhand," Henman says.

The wind picks up just prior to Nadal's serve at 15-0, when he intended to serve and volley. It's now 30-0, Federer sending a makeable forehand volley into the middle of the net.

An entertaining point at 40-0. Federer lures Nadal in with a drop shot, the Spaniard replies with a drop, Federer gets it and throws up a lob. Nadal scrambles and goes for the shot between the legs as a reply, the ball going out. Nadal holds for 5-3.

Federer cruises, holding at love, to put the pressure on Nadal. 5-4.

"It's the moment of truth in this set,'' Henman says.

Nadal takes a little bit of extra time preparing to serve, and he gets the result he wants. A Federer return goes wide for 15-0. Nadal has Federer on the defensive in the next point, though, once more, stays back. He later coughs up a forehand into the net for 15-all. A return that pins Nadal back allows Federer to onrush and put away a short ball for 15-30. Nadal goes back to old faithful, sending a forehand to the Federer backhand, forcing an errant stroke. Federer challenges the call long, to no avail.

And the first set point arrives: Again a forehand up high to Federer's backhand prompts a short reply -- Nadal crunches a clean forehand winner down the line.

First set point saved. Federer hangs with Nadal during a rally and sends a backhand winner cross-court off a let.

Federer earns his second break point of the set when Nadal sends a very makeable pass straight at Federer, who puts it away easily. Uh oh.

Federer squanders a huge chance. Again working Nadal around the baseline, he eventually comes in and pops up a volley long.

Nadal gets to his second set point with an ace -- pumping his fist -- though it's saved when a Federer forehand forces an error. Back to deuce.

A crucial game, no doubt, and Federer sets up a break chance, again a forehand cross court doing the damage. A first serve down the middle goes into the net, and a short second serve is sent back even tamer -- a backhand slice into the bottom of the net.

"That was painful to watch,'' Henman says.

Set point No. 3 arrives when a backhand sails long. And there it is.

Nadal claims the opener when a Federer backhand goes into the net.

Nadal has never lost a match at Wimbledon when winning the opener, 17-0.

Nadal wins the first set, 6-4.

Prematch
Before Wimbledon began, it seemed like the experts were 50-50 on who'd win the men's final, five-time defending champion Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal. Nadal thrashed the Swiss in the French Open final a month ago and followed it up by claiming his first title on grass at the Artois Championships.

As the current fortnight progressed, Federer appears to have gained in popularity.

He hasn't lost a set in six matches -- yes, he hasn't faced anyone in the top 25 -- to seemingly put the Roland Garros debacle behind him. Nadal looked sharp in routing the dangerous trio of Nicolas Kiefer, Mikhail Youzhny and Andy Murray, yet wasn't as convincing in a straight-sets semifinal victory over German veteran Rainer Schuettler who was coming off a five-hour quarterfinal spread over two days.

Nadal, while leading the overall series 11-6, has failed to top Federer on a surface other than clay since early 2006, including the past two Wimbledon finals. The first set figures to be vital. In their last 10 meetings, the first-set winner has prevailed nine times. Check these stats out, too: Nadal is 66-1 in Grand Slam play when taking the first set; Federer is 141-4. Both are undefeated at Wimbledon when doing so.

A reminder of what's at stake -- Federer is trying to become the first man in more than a century to win six straight Wimbledon titles, while Nadal is seeking to become the first man to win the French and Wimbledon in the same season since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Ravi Ubha is a frequent contributor to ESPN.com.