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Federer hails "deserving champion" Nadal

07/07/2008

Following his first-ever grand slam final defeat, Roger Federer was typically magnanimous in congratulating new Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal.

After losing an epic battle that went to five sets and was won by the Spaniard 9-7 in the decider, Federer described it as "the hardest loss by far" in his career.

However, he said Nadal was a "deserving champion" and praised the way he has developed his game to be able to live with the very best on grass.

"He's definitely improved his game [since last year]," the Swiss world number one said.

"Since the beginning of the year he's been playing well, very consistent.

"He's playing better on the quicker courts. I don't think he really needed a match like this today to really prove himself. But for some, only trophies count.

"He's a great competitor, a great player to play against - he did very well to win."

When asked how it felt to have been involved in such a marathon encounter - arguably the greatest final Centre Court has ever witnessed - Federer said he had mixed feelings.

"I'm happy we lived up to expectations," he added.

"But right now it's not much of a good feeling."