While you were watching the World Cup semi-final last night, and before that, while you were desperately trying to get out of work to go home and watch the World Cup semi-final, there was a day for ages playing out at Wimbledon, featuring, of course, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
In an odd-numbered year, the exit of Roger Federer in a five-set thriller, followed immediately by the triumph of Rafa Nadal in a five-set thriller on Centre Court, would have dominated the sports pages, but unfortunately for tennis fans, England had to go and get to and get beat to Croatia.
While the Federer exit, to South African Kevin Anderson, losing 13-11 in the final set, is what will sadden most viewers and grab what there are of tennis headlines today, Nadal coming from two sets to one down against perennial nearly man Juan Martin Del Potro produced perhaps the most amazing tennis of the day, and definitely the moment of the tournament.
Shattered, and defeated, having had victory in his grasp, the 29-year-old Argentinean collapsed to the ground, only for Nadal, to cross the net and go comfort the man he first played 11 years ago.
The victor and the vanquished. Sportsmanship at its finest.
After four hours and 47 minutes of pure theatre, @RafaelNadal shares a touching embrace with Juan Martin del Potro 👏#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/TykAQAPReH— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2018
It was a great moment to finish a match Andy Murray in commentary called the best of the tournament so far. Anyone watching seemed to share that sentiment. In fact, anyone who was seemed to the need to send out a public service announcement on Twitter to anyone who might be watching the World Cup.
I know the World Cup is happening but the Nadal v Del Potro match is bloody outstanding #wimbeldon2018 #ENGCRO
— becca (@beccachr) July 11, 2018
I know the World Cup is going on but the Nadal/Del Potro Match is the best tennis match i have seen in a few years. Woah.
— Jesse Heussner (@JdHeuss) July 11, 2018
Fuck the World Cup.. tune into the Nadal/Del Potro match
— Matt Dunn (@mattdunn_35) July 11, 2018
I KNOW THAT THERE'S A WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL GOING ON BUT MANNNNN, THIS NADAL VS DEL POTRO MATCH IS ALL KINDS OF AWESOME! 😭
— Michelle Barrera (@beingmich) July 11, 2018
Rafa Nadal now meets another old foe, Novak Djokovic, in the semi-final tomorrow.
You can watch highlights of an incredible match here:
SEE ALSO: Watch: Roger Federer Bows Out Of Wimbledon In Thrilling Circumstances
