Lukas Rosol was almost lost for words after his astonishing five-set victory over Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon.
Nadal gracious in defeat
Lukas Rosol was almost lost for words after his astonishing five-set victory over Rafa Nadal in the second round at Wimbledon.
Rosol, a little-known journeyman from Brno in the Czech Republic, had never even played an ATP Tour match on grass before Queen's this year.
The 26-year-old lost in the first qualifying round for Wimbledon in each of the last five years, but against Nadal on Centre Court he made a mockery of his world ranking of 100, stunning the world No.2 with a series of booming serves and bullet winners off both flanks to claim a 6-7 (9-11) 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 win.
Rosol, who faces Philipp Kohlschreiber next, said: "It is a miracle for me - I never expected this.
"There are so many emotions. He is a superstar but I played unbelievable. I hope I can play one more match like this.
"He played a good match but I was better. I am very sorry for him but I hope I can play one more match like this. I played my best match ever. It means so much for me."
Disappointed
It was the first time Nadal had lost before the third round of a Grand Slam since he was beaten by Gilles Muller in the second round at Wimbledon in 2005 and Rosol is the lowest ranked player to beat him in any of the four Slam events.
Nadal was generous in defeat: "In the fifth set he played more than unbelievable. In the first three sets I didn't play well but I never want to make an excuse after a match.
"The only thing I can do is go back home and rest, and I need and deserve it.
"I'm very, very disappointed. It's not a tragedy, it's only a tennis match."
