It may have lacked for the drama, intensity and passion of the men’s finals that have become expected of Wimbledon but in the champion, Rafael Nadal, the All England Club can be justly proud of his favoured Spaniard. Nadal, who could not return to defend his 2008 crown last year more than made up for that deep loss on Centre Court yesterday.
The world No.1 defeated Tomas Berdych, of the Czech Republic, a gallant but ultimately hapless opponent 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in the quickest final in five years. You got the sense that Berdych, who moves up to a career high ranking of No 8 with a place in on finals day, was more than content with his runners-up plate and that really did sum