Five memorable moments from Wimbledon 2010

The 124th Wimbledon Championships will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent history.

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams were crowned singles champions as the fine weather ensured there were no rain delays for the first time since 1995.

The Sport Review takes a look back at five highlights from this year’s tournament at SW19.

The Isner-Mahut marathon

This epic contest will remain forever cemented in Wimbledon history. John Isner and Nicolas Mahut took three days to complete their first-round match, spending a staggering 11 hours and five minutes on Court 18.

Numerous records were beaten, including the most games in a set (138 in the fifth set), the most games in a match (183 in total), the longest set (surpassing 8 hours and 11 minutes), the most aces in a match (John Isner hit 113), total aces in a match (added to Mahut’s 106) and consecutive service games held (an incredible 168 games went to serve).

Wimbledon officials recognised the phenomenon by presenting both players with a rose bowl and champagne flutes to commend their efforts.

Roger Federer almost falls at the first hurdle

The snipers had been out in force before Roger Federer commenced the defence of his Wimbledon crown.

A quarter-final exit at Roland Garros and a defeat to Lleyton Hewitt in the grass-court tournament in Halle had again sparked questions over whether Federer’s dominance was at an end.

And in the first round at Wimbledon, Alejandro Falla stunned the Centre Court crowd by seizing a two-set lead. The unseeded Columbian then found himself 0-40 up on Federer’s serve at 4-4 in the third set.

But in typical Federer fashion the top seed recovered to take the third set and then the match.

The Queen visits Wimbledon for the first time in 33 years

The Queen’s visit, her first since 1977, sent the All England Club into a royal frenzy.

During her visit she met some of tennis’ elite including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic as well as young British prospects for the future.

Unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova defeats Venus Williams

One of biggest the shocks of the fortnight came when five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams was defeated in straight sets by the former world No.82 Tsvetana Pironkova.

The unseeded Bulgarian had never previously progressed past the second round of a Grand Slam.

But the 22-year-old capitalised on an out-of-sorts Williams. The 2009 champion made a numerous unforced errors throughout the two-set affair. After her victory, Pironkova admitted Wimbledon has been ‘like a religion’ to her.

Rafael Nadal tumbles with joy

An injury-ridden 2009 season saw Rafael Nadal absent from the Wimbledon draw, but the rejuvenated Spaniard returned to SW19 and stormed to a second title at the All England Club.

It is testament to Nadal’s popularity that he still retained the support of the British crowd despite efficiently disposing of home favourite Andy Murray in the semi-final.

Driven, humble and at times irresistibly charismatic Nadal has all the qualities of a true champion.

And his celebratory forward roll on Centre Court following his win over Tomas Berdych in Sunday’s final produced smiles throughout the packed arena.