"My dream come true": how Rafa won Wimbledon in his own words
The new Wimbledon champion has flown to Stuttgart after winning a final of such quality that it is already being ranked among the greatest the game has ever seen.
Rafa eventually overcame Roger Federer, the five-time champion, in a match that went deep into Sunday evening and to celebrate his first Wimbledon title, we've compiled this post to look back at the highlights of a memorable fortnight at SW19, including all the best bits from Rafa's Wimbledon diary. 
Sunday, June 22
On the eve of the championships Rafa writes his first blog post for Times Online.
Rafa said: "I'm looking forward to the start of the competition, my competition!"
From The Times
Neil Harman: Nadal eager to erase Wimbledon heartbreak
Manuel Santana says 'I see Rafa playing tennis I do not believe'
Tuesday, June 24
Rafa overcomes German qualifier Andreas Beck in the first round.
Rafa said:"I won my first round match at Wimbledon and that, for me, it is great news"
Thursday, June 26
Rafa drops the opening set of his second-round match with Ernests Gulbis, before coming through 5-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-3.
Rafa said: "I always watched Wimbledon since I was a kid. I always wanted to play the finals. Actually to win it. "
From The Times
Giles Smith: Nadal rolls up his sleeves to subdue Gulbis
Saturday, June 28
Rafa beats Nicolas Kiefer 7-6 6-2 6-3 in the third-round.
Rafa said: "I just came from defeating Nicolas Kiefer in my 3rd round match at Wimbledon. Lot of questions about a potential final here at Wimbledon, but not from last year... They ask me about this year! Already!"
From the Sunday Times
Andrew Longmore: Nadal barely breaks a sweat to go through to fourth round
Sunday, June 29
Spain win Euro 2008.
Rafa said: "Well I suppose you all guess what I am going to say first... right?... VIVA ESPAÑA!!!"
Monday, June 30
Rafa survives an injury scare to come through his fourth round match with Mikhail Youzhny, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Rafa said: "Having to retire on the second game of the match in the 2nd week at Wimbledon is not precisely what you dream about"
From The Times
Owen Slot: Nadal finds Youzhny in obliging mood during moments of need
Wednesday, July 2
Rafa destroys Andy Murray in straight sets, in front of a partisan centre court to reach the semi-finals.
Rafa said: "I hope that those of you fans of Andy are not too upset. I think I played my absolute best tennis on half of the first set and the whole 2nd set. I felt really good today,"
From The Times
Simon Barnes: Rafael Nadal spells despair, not disgrace, for Andy Murray
Kevin Eason: Nadal muscles Murray out of Wimbledon
Neil Harman: Murray beaten up in own backyard
Friday, July 4
Rafa beats Rainer Schüttler to reach his third consecutive Wimbledon final
Rafa said: "One thing that did surprise me yesterday was the eight paparazzi waiting for me at a restaurant. I didn't tell anyone I was going out and when I arrived they sort of attacked me."
From The Times
Neil Harman: Bloodied Nadal stumbles on path to repeat showdown
Saturday, July 5
Rafa warms up for Sunday's final with a practice match with a former great of SW19.
Rafa said: "I practiced with John McEnroe the other day. I wish it was him tomorrow in the final and not Roger..."
From The Sunday Times
Hugh McIlvanney: D-day for Rafael Nadal, the pirate of pizazz
Sunday, July 6
Rafa beats Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 to win his first Wimbledon title.
Rafa said: "My final post: goodbye, everyone"
From The Times
Neil Harman: Relentless Rafael Nadal stays strong for 'dream title'
Simon Barnes: Burden of history too much even for Federer as his bid to better Borg fails
Barry Flatman: Nadal shows superhuman spirit
hi rafa......1 unusual Q to u...Do u offen watch english movies frm HOLLYWOOD?
Posted by: eyesa | 27 Aug 2008 15:40:28
Hi,Rafa.Nice to meet you.
Much English is not proud, but I want to convey a word message by all means and write it.
Even if there are a lot of mistakes, please do not laugh.
Congratulations on championship!!! I was impressed.
I am very happy.Because I was able to watch a splendid match.
It is grace of you and Federer. Thank you very much.
Is the knee all right? Please be careful about an injury.
I look forward to activity in U.S.Open Championships.
Ponga el amor de Japón.Lo ama Rafa.
Posted by: kei | 8 Jul 2008 22:00:45
Rafa,
Congratulations for your first wimbledon title!
I was so happy for you that you won, you fought so hard for every point and when it became two two in sets I was actually so scared that your hard work wouldnt pay out in the end, but..it did!! You kept fighting back, keeping the confidence and then there was the relieve on your face when you felt down on the ground and thats when I had tears in my eyes. What a moment!
You are an amazing person, you inspire people and your attitude on and outside the court in just fantastic!
This match writes history and you can be so proud that you are the winner of it!
Much proud support and a big hug from
Nicole from the Netherlands
Posted by: Nicole | 8 Jul 2008 20:03:32
For sure you will be world n°1 because you are the best! Vamos Rafa!!!
Posted by: ANNA | 8 Jul 2008 10:02:51
I was traveling in India in January this year when you played that great match against Carlos Moya, another epic tennis match you played though the Bangalore Open is nothing in stature in comparison to yesterday's Wimbledon Championship. However, I admired your unyielding and never quitting spirit that pulled you out of certain defeat against Moya on that night. How much a champion like you think of those hard-fought games while playing a close match or to prepare in an important match like yesterday's Wimbledon championship? Congratulations on winning Wimbledon by playing the best tennis match that anybody has ever seen.
Posted by: Pinaki | 8 Jul 2008 05:19:55
rafa! i almost had a heartattack during the finals. I was praying for you so badly at every point and almost didnt want to watch the 5th set because i was so nervous. but you won and that was all that mattered!. in fact, if not for the rain delays you would've won in less than 5 sets i presume!..for your skill, perseverance, fighting spirit, humility you deserve to go far with tennis and be up there with one of the greats! both you and federer represent very different aspects of tennis and the match was a great treat. well the better man won (: keep fighting rafa and god bless.
Posted by: susie | 8 Jul 2008 03:40:05
Congratulations to you Rafa for a very deserving hard fought win against a player hailed to be one of the greatest player to play the game...You've shown to everyone that you're a true champion in your own right...You've played an awesome match notwithstanding the late comeback Roger was trying to do...You really are an example of how to appreciate hardwork and talent with humility , which you shared with Roger..That was a truly awesome finals..Hope you'll get the No 1 position you truly deserved......Congratulations and enjoy your new crown plus the well deserve break...Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!
Posted by: lana | 7 Jul 2008 23:45:08
What I witnessed yesterday was the most exciting sporting event I had ever seen. Rafa you are a champion, a warrior and a hero. The world is proud of you for you showed us that anything is possible. You achieved your dream. Enjoy the moment and stay focused, I expect to see you play for a long time.
Veronica
Posted by: veronicaromm | 7 Jul 2008 23:38:01
congratulations nadal! brilliant match. i've never been able to stand tennis and usually refuse to watch wimbledon but i couldn't tear my eyes away yesterday. a fabulous display of tennis. well done :D
Posted by: chloe | 7 Jul 2008 22:24:09
Rafa. I must say that you are my most favorite player in the world. You are so humble that you never failed to acknowledge Roger as the best tennis player in the world..You really deserve the title because you worked very hard for every point. I love you so much. I stayed 'till 11:30 at night here in Israel to watch the epic battle, and woke up the next day with tears in my eyes, smiling..I'm so happy, happier than happy actually, to see you lifting and biting your trophy! I want to name my first child after you, Rafael. VAMOS RAFA! congratulations! More Wimbledon trophies to come!
Posted by: DAISY ARA CARONONGAN | 7 Jul 2008 20:37:36
Hey rafael nadal my name is jyoti and im 12 years old. I myself play tennis and want to become like you! I watched yourrr wimbeldon tournament AND OMGGG I was so happy you won!!!?! you are my number 1 fan! I wish i can meet u! Maybe at the Rogers Cup not this year but next year!!!! I watch you all the time on tc your games etc....!!!?! I want to stay in touch with you sooo email me jyoti_tennisfan@hotmail.com
i want to meet u and get your autographh badly Lol! CONTINUEE ONNN WID THISS JOURNEY EVERYONE IS PROUD OF U anddd nowww u r the NEW KINGGGG = D! well i hope u can reply!= D! I hope you become number 1 in the worlddd!
Posted by: Jyoti | 7 Jul 2008 19:42:00
I really liked Rafa's game yesterday. Well Done! I think he wont disappear for a while from todays tennis.
http://uk.video.yahoo.com/watch/3049615/8703000
Posted by: Mary Burnes | 7 Jul 2008 18:32:54
Congrats Rafa! you deserved the win! You pushed Federer to the edge, and you played every point like it was match point! You've worked hard every year, and all your hard work paid off! the true champion won! Your won step closer to number 1!! You were a delight to watch!!
Posted by: Marissa | 7 Jul 2008 18:02:35
NADAL you are a great player. You deserve the title. I watched you in the whole Wimbledon tournament .During the last hit of the ball and finally you are the winner ,I cannot control my tears. I cried and my husband asked me why I cried. I cried because I'm very happy that you win because you deserve it. You played very well againts Federer. Keep it up and I consider you as the most humble tennis player that's why I'm your supporter. God bless you .
Posted by: Josephine | 7 Jul 2008 17:21:57
congratulations nadal .You deserve the victory eventhogh you kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the epic final.
Posted by: OLU DOSUNMU | 7 Jul 2008 15:59:28
Well done, Nadal! I watched you play last year in the final and I felt for you when you didn't win. This time I watched each and every second of the game praying that you would lift that cup as you surely deserved to win. When you finally did, I can't really explain the feeling I had. All I can say is the best guy with the great bod, truly goodlooking, lovable and humble bacame the new king of Wimbledon.
Posted by: Dee | 7 Jul 2008 15:38:47