Wimbledon: Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer in 2008

The final between the pair was one of the most anticipated contests – but few could have predicted what would go down in a five-set seven-hour rain-delayed match that would go down in history.

Nadal enters the Wimbledon final on a 23-match winning streak, a run that includes the Queen’s title and his fourth consecutive French Open victory.

He stormed into a two-set lead, picking up exactly where he stood against the Swiss in Paris.

After his first break on Federer’s serve in the third game, the Spaniard saved two break points to win the match 5-4.

And when he fought back 4-1 in the second, he took complete control, winning five games in a row to take two games.

“I started playing well in the last game – first I was well prepared, the second set was a bit strange and Roger made a couple of mistakes,” reflected Nadal.

“But as the game began to reach a higher level, Roger raised his level of tennis. He was more and more aggressive.”

Going 0-40 on serve at 3-3 in the third set, Federer appeared on the ropes but recovered with five straight points to hold. Then at 16:51 local time Federer led 5-4 when the rain started to fall.

“To be honest, I was ready to continue. I was sure that I wouldn’t fail. Roger could beat me, but I wouldn’t fail,” Nadal said.

“If he plays better than me, fine, but I can’t lose my mind. That was my real goal.

“I returned to the court determined to be 100% ready to fight to the end.”