"If You Can Meet With Triumph and Disaster...

...and treat those two impostors just the same".

are words from Kipling's "If", those that adorn the threshold to the Centre Court, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London SW19.

Never have those words meant more than in Last Sunday's epic Men's final between Roger Federer (Switzerland) and Rafael Nadal (Spain). It is of interest to note that Rafael Nadal does not read his lines, but has seemingly memorised them, as opposed to Roger Federer, who merely reads his (admittedly, the longer portions, but nevertheless........)

It went to five sets, was the longest ever final, was the latest final ever to finish at 21.15, and most commentators agree it was the most dramatic ever, and the BBC very wisely asked the two players to recite poem to be broadcast prior to their fantastic battle. Four hours Forty-Eight minutes of absolute delight cannot be condensed into one video, so the poem is presented here.

I may add that having seen it BEFORE the match, there was still a tear in my eye.

THIS is theatre as only the BBC know how to do.....