Federer ties Borg with 5th straight Wimbledon crown

Cynthia Lum/WireImage.com Roger Federer in flight over Wimbledon … again.

The Swiss' 11th Slam title was certainly his most difficult to date. He had never been taken to a fifth set before, nor looked like he was the lesser player on the day for much of the match. He served wonderfully at times and dictated with his forehand. But Nadal was into Federer's backhand all day long with his slice and kick serves as well as his own heavy forehand. Until he injured his knee ahead 4-0 in the fourth set, the Spaniard appeared to be moving better, too. The Swiss was certainly more composed and focused during the tiebreaks, but didn't look like a dominant player from the back court until after Nadal has let go off his final break-point opportunity in the fifth set.

In the end, Federer was the better player, but only by a loose hair on his cream colored jacket.

"From the baseline, he kind of had the upper hand towards the end of the match," Federer said. "But I served well and played smart, took the right decisions. So that's what it comes down to. I was so happy when I came out of it because I knew that now he probably missed his chance. If I'll get one, I'll probably make it. That's exactly what happened."

So now the greatest rivalry in sport goes onto US hard courts, where Federer will be aiming to win his fourth straight US Open. Neither man will show up in North America until the Canadian Open, but there will be a lot at stake for the Spaniard.

Had Nadal won Wimbledon, he clearly would be ahead when it comes to Player of the Year honors. But, with Federer's victory at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, despite Nadal's three Tennis Masters Series crowns, the Swiss has a slight edge.

Nadal has yet to show his best stuff in New York, but given how much improvement he's made with his attacking game, he should (if his knee injury isn't serious) be able to gain a major final once again this year. At the US Open, he could establish himself as the most feared player on tour with a victory.

"I am better player than last year, sure," Nadal said. "Maybe, well, compared with Roger right now is not possible yet because he has 11 Grand Slams, me three. But, well, I am young. I am improving every season and try continuing improving every day, practice with [clarity]. Today was tough for me. But, at the same time, it's good watch me playing one final like this against the best of the world on grass, playing at similar level. I'm happy about my game and happy about my season right now. I have to continue."

Just three Slams behind Pete Sampras now for the all-time mark, the gutsy Federer may end up going down as the most feared player in history. With a number of great Wimbledon champions on site to watch his attempt to tie Borg's record, Federer didn't play freely until the end of the match. The pressure of the occasion was enormous, and he came through with the Wimbledon colors of green and purple flying by his side.

"It was a huge occasion for me, huge pressure," Federer said. "Bjorn Borg sitting there, Jimmy Connors sitting there, John McEnroe sitting there, Boris Becker sitting there. … It's a big moment for me. Then in the end, to lift the trophy, it's a very, yeah, special memory. I'll have it for all my life."

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