Perhaps it is the experience of receiving several beatings at the hands of Roger Federer or maybe Rafael Nadal was really mourning a win yesterday.
Perhaps it is the experience of receiving several beatings at the hands of Roger Federer or maybe Rafael Nadal was really mourning a win yesterday.
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"Sorry for today Roger, I know how you feel right now is really tough," said the Spaniard who now owns six Grand Slam titles and has beaten Federer in the last three major finals they have played including the French Open and Wimbledon.
Friends and foes
The Spaniard and the Swiss may form the most legendary rivalry in men's tennis but the pair are extremely amicable off court.
On more than one occasion, Federer has invited Nadal to join him on holiday.u00a0 And even yesterday, Nadal consoled his teary-eyed friend.
"It was a tough moment for Roger today. I know how tough it must be for him, he's a great champion and very important to our sport.
"I'm sorry for him but at the same time I congratulate him for everything."
Federer remains stalled on 13 Grand Slam titles, still shy of the all-time mark of Pete Sampras.
"I love this game. It means the world to me, so it hurts when you lose," the former world No 1 said.
"In a fifth set, anything can happen. That's the problem. Not usually the better player always wins. It's just a matter of momentum sometimes."
Federer said he had nowhere to hide as he stayed on court for the painful prize-giving.u00a0 "You can't go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You are stuck out there. It's the worst."
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