Nadal dominates
July 4, 2010
Spain's Rafael Nadal reclaimed the Wimbledon men's singles title on Sunday, beating Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in the final.
The 24-year-old world tennis champion appeared untroubled throughout the match as he dominated his Czech opponent at the All England Club.
Nadal's eighth Grand Slam title places the Mallorca-native on a par with players Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Fred Perry and Ken Rosewall. The Olympic gold-medallist first won at Wimbledon in 2008, ending Swiss champion Roger Federer's 2003-2007 reign.
"It is more than a dream for me," said Nadal, who could not defend his 2008 Wimbledon title last year due to chronic tendinitis in his knees.
"It was always my dream to play this court. It was amazing to play the final this time because last year I couldn't be here," he said.
"It was one of the toughest moments in my career to miss Wimbledon last year," said the naturally right-handed player, who now plays with his left hand because his coach believed him it would give him an edge.
Nadal said he would keep his 2010 trophy in his bedroom, close to the first one.
The champion's opponent Berdych remained a gentleman about losing his first Grand Slam final. "It was a great two weeks for me," Berdych said of the Wimbledon Championships.
Berdych called his opponent "really strong." Nadal, he added, had shown "in the last few months that he is a real champion and he deserved to win."
Author: David Levitz (AFP/AP/Reuters)
Editor: Sonia Phalnikar