2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's Singles 2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's Singles Rafael Nadal defeated the five-time defending champion Roger Federer in the final, 6–4, 6–4, 6–7, 6–7, 9–7 to win the Gentlemen's Singles tennis title at the 2008 Wimbledon Championships. It was the longest championship match in Wimbledon history with play lasting four hours and 48 minutes, and with two rain delays. The event stretched over seven hours ending just before nightfall, and is widely considered to be the greatest match in tennis history. Roger Federer "(Final)" Gaël Monfils withdrew due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced in the draw by Lucky Loser Ilija
2014 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles final years prior when he had won Wimbledon in 2012. In 2013, Federer failed to reach any of the major finals for the first time since 2002, and some commentators doubted whether he would ever appear in a major final again. Federer was asked if he felt that he could still win a major, "I'm just really pleased that I'm back strong at Wimbledon. Last year I didn't even come close. I was very deflated leaving Wimbledon on that note. I'm happy I'm sort of physically back where I can put myself in contention." Upon reaching the final, Federer was bidding