Eleven months and three weeks ago I sat down and watched one of the most intense and exciting sporting events of my life. If twelve months ago I had told myself that within three weeks the 2009 Wimbledon mens final would slide into my top 10 most memorable sporting events of all time I would have laughed at myself. I was never a massive Tennis fan growing up and my Tennis interest revolved around watching Wimbledon each July when I had the time, following whatever British player had an outside chance and when as a kid, watching it for a little bit before going out onto the street to try play it. Then in 2009 I got watching more Wimbledon than I probably should have allowed myself — though I didn’t go out on the street to play it — and got a hooked on the potential Federer v Nadal final and finally caved to the sports excitement when the final became a reality.

So understandably it was with great disappointment that I read today that Nadal has withdrawn from the championship due to injury. It opens the door for Federer to get his title back and even gives Andy Murray a massive chance to grab a final spot and who knows what. But the fact will remain that without the big-two match-up people will watch Wimbledon with excitement, maybe even claim some game to be the best ever, but come the end be left asking the obvious question: “Would he have won had Nadal been able to play?”

On the subject: Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon | ALL SUBJECTS |

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