Without Nadal, Wimbledon’s loss is Federer’s gain

Wimbledon has suddenly become eminently more winnable for Roger
Federer, and infinitely less interesting for tennis fans. That’s
because defending champion Rafael Nadal, the only player who can beat Federer consistently, won’t be at Wimbledon to challenge him this time.

Nadal announced Friday that he will skip the tournament, which begins on Monday, because of knee problems.

“I’m just not 100 percent,” Nadal said, acknowledging it
was one of the most difficult decisions in his career. “I’m better than
I was a couple of weeks ago, but I just don’t feel ready.”

And so, the No. 1-ranked player and the top seed will miss the
chance to defend the title he so magnificently won from Roger Federer
in the compelling 2008 final.

Nadal is the first men’s champion not to attempt a defense of his
title since Goran Ivanisevic in 2002, and only the second in 35 years.

Nadal had been selected as the top seed at Wimbledon, and would have been the primary roadblock in Federer’s bid to move past Pete Sampras and become the all-time men’s singles Grand Slam champion. Federer and Sampras are tied with 14 victories apiece in the four majors.

Federer earned that tie by winning the French Open, without having to face Nadal. He was uncharacteristically knocked out in the fourth round by Robin Soderling. Nadal had been the four-time champion of the French Open, beating Federer all four years including the previous three finals.

Nadal and Federer met in last year’s epic Wimbledon final, Nadal winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

If he collects No. 15 without a challenge from Nadal, Federer will be no less deserving. But will be it as sweet?

via Rafael Nadal is denied a defense of his Wimbledon title – ESPN