Ladies' Final 1978 and 1993

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0:00:03 > 0:00:05These are two of the most iconic trophies in sport

0:00:05 > 0:00:08and this is Wimbledon's world-famous Centre Court.

0:00:08 > 0:00:11Coming up, the ladies are centre stage.

0:00:11 > 0:00:14Welcome to Wimbledon Classics.

0:00:37 > 0:00:40The Ladies' Singles Championships at Wimbledon have produced some

0:00:40 > 0:00:44memorable finals and we're going to relive two of the very best.

0:00:44 > 0:00:46Later on, we'll see the 1993 final

0:00:46 > 0:00:49between Steffi Graf and Jana Novotna.

0:00:49 > 0:00:50But first, it's back to 1978

0:00:50 > 0:00:54and the clash between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

0:00:54 > 0:00:58This would be the first of five Wimbledon finals between the two,

0:00:58 > 0:01:03during an epic rivalry that spanned 15 years and 80 matches.

0:01:06 > 0:01:09We join it from the start. Chris Evert to serve.

0:01:09 > 0:01:13Commentary comes from John Barrett, Winnie Wooldridge and Dan Maskell.

0:01:13 > 0:01:15UMPIRE: Miss Evert to serve.

0:01:17 > 0:01:19DAN MASKELL: And so here we go.

0:01:19 > 0:01:21First set.

0:01:22 > 0:01:23Play.

0:01:51 > 0:01:53APPLAUSE

0:01:58 > 0:01:590-15.

0:01:59 > 0:02:02Well, that's a remarkable start, a 14-stroke rally.

0:02:02 > 0:02:04The very first rally of this final.

0:02:17 > 0:02:19APPLAUSE

0:02:22 > 0:02:2415-15.

0:02:40 > 0:02:4215-30.

0:03:01 > 0:03:03Out. 15-40.

0:03:26 > 0:03:28APPLAUSE

0:03:34 > 0:03:37Game to Miss Navratilova. First game.

0:03:37 > 0:03:40Well, that's a wonderful start for Miss Navratilova,

0:03:40 > 0:03:42with a break of service.

0:03:42 > 0:03:44And after that opening rally of 15 strokes,

0:03:44 > 0:03:47when the girls looked as though they'd already been

0:03:47 > 0:03:49playing for a half-dozen games at least,

0:03:49 > 0:03:52Miss Evert suddenly lost control.

0:03:54 > 0:03:57JOHN BARRETT: A very, very confident start by Martina there but,

0:03:57 > 0:04:02Winnie Wooldridge, it seems to me that Miss Evert is nervous.

0:04:02 > 0:04:05She certainly looked it in that first game and that did surprise me

0:04:05 > 0:04:08because if anyone should have been nervous, it should have been

0:04:08 > 0:04:12Martina because it's her first appearance in a singles final here.

0:04:15 > 0:04:16Chris there.

0:04:18 > 0:04:22It's her third... Trying to win her third title.

0:04:22 > 0:04:25And she seems to be very keen,

0:04:25 > 0:04:28having missed a lot of tournaments at the beginning of the year.

0:04:33 > 0:04:37So now Martina Navratilova serving.

0:04:37 > 0:04:381-0 up, first set.

0:04:58 > 0:04:590-15.

0:05:09 > 0:05:10Let.

0:05:22 > 0:05:24Out. 0-30.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56APPLAUSE

0:06:00 > 0:06:0115-30.

0:06:15 > 0:06:17GROANING

0:06:17 > 0:06:1815-40.

0:06:20 > 0:06:22And the server rather clumsy there.

0:06:24 > 0:06:27First time she'd put her first service in and she wasted a chance.

0:06:45 > 0:06:47APPLAUSE

0:06:52 > 0:06:55The game to Miss Evert. One game all, the first set.

0:06:55 > 0:06:58SUE BARKER: So an early break for both players.

0:06:58 > 0:07:00A case of Wimbledon finals nerves, perhaps.

0:07:00 > 0:07:02But any nerves quickly settled

0:07:02 > 0:07:04as the next three games went with serve.

0:07:08 > 0:07:12So Martina Navratilova serving 2-3. First set.

0:07:26 > 0:07:29Out. 0-15.

0:07:41 > 0:07:42Out.

0:08:00 > 0:08:02APPLAUSE

0:08:06 > 0:08:080-30.

0:08:08 > 0:08:10Miss Evert having a lot of time

0:08:10 > 0:08:13and a lot of room to make that two-handed pass.

0:08:13 > 0:08:16The Czech girl didn't really come in with great conviction then.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43APPLAUSE

0:08:46 > 0:08:4715-30.

0:08:47 > 0:08:51A well-timed volley on the 11th stroke of the rally.

0:08:56 > 0:08:57Out.

0:09:03 > 0:09:05Quite a wind getting up into the Centre Court.

0:09:12 > 0:09:14APPLAUSE

0:09:17 > 0:09:1830-30.

0:09:28 > 0:09:30APPLAUSE

0:09:30 > 0:09:3230-40.

0:09:35 > 0:09:38So the serve volley coup failed there

0:09:38 > 0:09:40and so it's break point for Miss Evert.

0:09:45 > 0:09:48APPLAUSE

0:09:50 > 0:09:52Deuce.

0:10:00 > 0:10:01Out.

0:10:16 > 0:10:19Advantage, Miss Evert.

0:10:19 > 0:10:20That very good return

0:10:20 > 0:10:22gives Miss Evert her second break point here.

0:10:29 > 0:10:30LINE CALL: Net.

0:10:30 > 0:10:31UMPIRE: First service.

0:10:40 > 0:10:41LINE CALL: Net.

0:10:42 > 0:10:43UMPIRE: First service.

0:10:52 > 0:10:55APPLAUSE

0:10:55 > 0:10:56Deuce.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11Advantage, Miss Evert.

0:11:11 > 0:11:14Miss Evert has a third break point and each one has been

0:11:14 > 0:11:17because the server has failed to make the volley

0:11:17 > 0:11:20coming in behind it, behind the service.

0:11:24 > 0:11:25Fault.

0:11:40 > 0:11:41APPLAUSE

0:11:48 > 0:11:50Game to Miss Evert.

0:11:50 > 0:11:52Miss Evert leads by four games to two, first set.

0:11:55 > 0:11:58And Miss Navratilova really has got to find a way of getting this

0:11:58 > 0:12:00first service into court more often.

0:12:00 > 0:12:04She only put three in in that long game. 4-2.

0:12:09 > 0:12:11LINE CALL: Out.

0:12:11 > 0:12:12UMPIRE: 0-15.

0:12:26 > 0:12:27Fault.

0:12:37 > 0:12:3715-15.

0:13:14 > 0:13:15APPLAUSE

0:13:19 > 0:13:2030-15.

0:13:21 > 0:13:24Forehand approaching the net.

0:13:41 > 0:13:42That's a weak one. 40-15.

0:13:47 > 0:13:49Miss Evert getting a very easy point there.

0:13:49 > 0:13:54A very undecided Navratilova in the backhand corner.

0:13:57 > 0:13:58LINE CALL: Out.

0:13:58 > 0:13:59UMPIRE: Game to Miss Evert.

0:13:59 > 0:14:00APPLAUSE

0:14:03 > 0:14:05Change of balls, please.

0:14:09 > 0:14:12Miss Evert leads by five games to two, first set.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16Certainly the Czech girl really has to find her game

0:14:16 > 0:14:18and string it together.

0:14:18 > 0:14:20Her service is not going too well

0:14:20 > 0:14:22and she's missing really very easy shots.

0:14:22 > 0:14:26That backhand in the backhand corner was utterly indecisive.

0:14:26 > 0:14:29I have the feeling that she is already beginning to feel

0:14:29 > 0:14:33the relentless pressure, as everybody playing Evert does,

0:14:33 > 0:14:36of those ground strokes. Evert is not giving anything away.

0:14:36 > 0:14:40This girl is having to make all the pace

0:14:40 > 0:14:42and is trying to take the attack to her, as she knows she must on

0:14:42 > 0:14:46grass, and knows that if she does it well enough then she can beat her.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49But she is treading a tightrope all the time.

0:14:54 > 0:14:59And we have the usual teams of supporters in the Players' Box.

0:14:59 > 0:15:01In the top left-hand corner of your picture, there,

0:15:01 > 0:15:04just attending to her hair, Chris Evert's mother.

0:15:06 > 0:15:08The father not here this year, Jimmy.

0:15:08 > 0:15:10He coached her from the beginning.

0:15:10 > 0:15:12And two away, Stephanie Tolleson,

0:15:12 > 0:15:16a member of Chris's team, the Los Angeles Strings.

0:15:16 > 0:15:20They both play for the LA Strings in team tennis.

0:15:20 > 0:15:22Time for a change of balls, then.

0:15:22 > 0:15:24Navratilova to serve. 2-5, first set.

0:15:26 > 0:15:2715-0.

0:15:27 > 0:15:28APPLAUSE

0:15:45 > 0:15:46APPLAUSE

0:15:49 > 0:15:5130-0.

0:15:51 > 0:15:52That's much more like the form.

0:16:19 > 0:16:21APPLAUSE

0:16:27 > 0:16:2940-0.

0:16:29 > 0:16:33And certainly Martina Navratilova has come with a rush,

0:16:33 > 0:16:35playing her best tennis on those last three points.

0:16:40 > 0:16:41CROWD GASP

0:16:41 > 0:16:43APPLAUSE

0:16:43 > 0:16:4540-15.

0:17:10 > 0:17:11LINE CALL: Out.

0:17:11 > 0:17:13UMPIRE: 40-30. APPLAUSE

0:17:25 > 0:17:26Fault.

0:17:26 > 0:17:27Just a fault.

0:17:37 > 0:17:38Oh, I say!

0:17:44 > 0:17:47Deuce. INDISTINCT

0:17:47 > 0:17:49Bit hard. Both of these girls friends.

0:17:49 > 0:17:52Remember they won the 1976 doubles title here.

0:18:02 > 0:18:04LINE CALL: Net. Out.

0:18:04 > 0:18:07UMPIRE: Advantage Miss Evert.

0:18:07 > 0:18:10And set point to Miss Evert.

0:18:24 > 0:18:25Yes.

0:18:25 > 0:18:26APPLAUSE

0:18:37 > 0:18:41Game and first set to Miss Evert. Six games to two.

0:18:41 > 0:18:45Well, a 27-minute set there, in which Miss Evert

0:18:45 > 0:18:47was calling the tune most of the time.

0:18:47 > 0:18:49Quiet, please.

0:18:49 > 0:18:52And her opponent trying hard to find her best game.

0:18:54 > 0:18:55LINE CALL: Net. Fault.

0:19:02 > 0:19:03LINE CALL: Fault.

0:19:03 > 0:19:04UMPIRE: 0-15.

0:19:23 > 0:19:2415-15.

0:19:44 > 0:19:45APPLAUSE

0:19:49 > 0:19:5015-30.

0:20:14 > 0:20:15APPLAUSE

0:20:19 > 0:20:2215-40.

0:20:22 > 0:20:24Martina Navratilova really counterattacking

0:20:24 > 0:20:28on the forehand to a blistering two-hander from Miss Evert.

0:20:38 > 0:20:39APPLAUSE

0:20:45 > 0:20:47Game to Miss Navratilova.

0:20:50 > 0:20:53So, Martina serving, 1-0 up, second set.

0:20:54 > 0:20:5515-0.

0:21:07 > 0:21:0830-0.

0:21:08 > 0:21:09APPLAUSE

0:21:21 > 0:21:23APPLAUSE

0:21:25 > 0:21:2630-15.

0:21:35 > 0:21:36NAVRATILOVA: Watch the ball!

0:21:38 > 0:21:3930-30.

0:21:52 > 0:21:53LINE CALL: Out.

0:21:55 > 0:21:56UMPIRE: 40-30.

0:22:05 > 0:22:06LINE CALL: Fault.

0:22:18 > 0:22:19Deuce.

0:22:22 > 0:22:25Although a good return, she isn't at all secure,

0:22:25 > 0:22:28Miss Navratilova, on her first volley behind the service.

0:22:35 > 0:22:36Fault.

0:22:52 > 0:22:53Yes.

0:22:53 > 0:22:54APPLAUSE

0:22:58 > 0:23:00Advantage Miss Evert.

0:23:07 > 0:23:08Fault.

0:23:24 > 0:23:26APPLAUSE

0:23:28 > 0:23:29Deuce.

0:23:32 > 0:23:34So, it was 40-0 once in this game.

0:23:40 > 0:23:42LINE CALL: Out.

0:23:42 > 0:23:44UMPIRE: Advantage, Miss Navratilova.

0:24:00 > 0:24:01APPLAUSE

0:24:05 > 0:24:06Deuce.

0:24:06 > 0:24:09One doesn't usually get away with a point with a volley that

0:24:09 > 0:24:12drops around the service line against Miss Evert.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23Well played.

0:24:23 > 0:24:24APPLAUSE

0:24:28 > 0:24:30Advantage Miss Navratilova.

0:24:30 > 0:24:33So much a better low volley that time behind the service.

0:24:40 > 0:24:42APPLAUSE

0:24:45 > 0:24:47Deuce.

0:24:47 > 0:24:52Hard game for the server. They've had four deuces in this game.

0:24:55 > 0:24:56Fault called.

0:25:29 > 0:25:30Oh, dear.

0:25:33 > 0:25:35Advantage Miss Evert.

0:25:37 > 0:25:40And Miss Navratilova getting a bit caught up close to the volley

0:25:40 > 0:25:42with the backhander.

0:25:46 > 0:25:47APPLAUSE

0:25:51 > 0:25:52Deuce.

0:26:01 > 0:26:02Net.

0:26:15 > 0:26:16CROWD GASP

0:26:16 > 0:26:17That's incredible.

0:26:24 > 0:26:26Advantage Miss Evert.

0:26:26 > 0:26:27I can't remember...

0:26:29 > 0:26:32I cannot remember in a final seeing an air shot

0:26:32 > 0:26:35played like that off a comparatively easy ball.

0:26:35 > 0:26:36That was a quite easy lob.

0:26:38 > 0:26:41She said to herself a few moments ago, "Watch the ball."

0:26:41 > 0:26:42Perhaps she wasn't then.

0:27:01 > 0:27:02APPLAUSE

0:27:09 > 0:27:12Game to Miss Evert. One game all. Second set.

0:27:19 > 0:27:21After that extraordinary miss...

0:27:23 > 0:27:26..now, can the Czech girl settle down?

0:27:30 > 0:27:31LINE CALL: Net.

0:27:31 > 0:27:32UMPIRE: First service.

0:27:46 > 0:27:47APPLAUSE

0:27:51 > 0:27:530-15.

0:27:53 > 0:27:55To her eternal credit, she didn't funk the issue then

0:27:55 > 0:27:56when she had one overhead.

0:28:10 > 0:28:11That's more like it.

0:28:11 > 0:28:12APPLAUSE

0:28:18 > 0:28:190-30.

0:28:42 > 0:28:43CROWD GASP

0:28:43 > 0:28:45APPLAUSE

0:28:45 > 0:28:4615-30.

0:28:48 > 0:28:51And the volley of Miss Evert gave her opponent a chance there.

0:28:51 > 0:28:53The left-hander usually good on a running forehand

0:28:53 > 0:28:57and she's already made one or two in this match, Miss Navratilova.

0:29:13 > 0:29:14Well played.

0:29:14 > 0:29:15APPLAUSE

0:29:21 > 0:29:2315-40.

0:29:23 > 0:29:26Beautifully conceived point, that.

0:29:26 > 0:29:28That's the tennis that she can play

0:29:28 > 0:29:31if she can build up enough confidence.

0:29:37 > 0:29:38Fault.

0:29:52 > 0:29:54APPLAUSE

0:30:02 > 0:30:03Game to Ms Navratilova.

0:30:03 > 0:30:06Navratilova kept up the pressure as we approach the latter

0:30:06 > 0:30:08stages of the second set.

0:30:08 > 0:30:11We pick it up with Martina leading 4-3.

0:30:16 > 0:30:18LINE CALL: Out. UMPIRE: 15-0.

0:30:34 > 0:30:35She tried.

0:30:35 > 0:30:36APPLAUSE

0:30:39 > 0:30:4030-0.

0:30:45 > 0:30:48Just waiting for Miss Evert to come back into receiving position.

0:30:48 > 0:30:51It just shows how wide that volley took her out of court.

0:30:57 > 0:30:58APPLAUSE

0:31:00 > 0:31:0130-15.

0:31:25 > 0:31:26Out.

0:31:26 > 0:31:27CROWD MURMUR

0:31:27 > 0:31:30Oh, that was a nasty kicking serve for Miss Evert

0:31:30 > 0:31:32and that seems to be an extremely doubtful decision.

0:31:32 > 0:31:3340-15.

0:31:36 > 0:31:39Well, Jeremy Shales, the umpire, confirms the call of out.

0:31:43 > 0:31:46NAVRATILOVA: Did you see it? Did you see it?

0:31:46 > 0:31:48It was too close for me to judge from here. What?

0:31:48 > 0:31:50It was too close for me to judge from here.

0:31:50 > 0:31:53I shall have to take the linesman's word for it.

0:31:53 > 0:31:54INDISTINCT

0:31:54 > 0:31:58You think it was out? You think it was in. Fine.

0:31:58 > 0:32:0030-30.

0:32:00 > 0:32:01APPLAUSE

0:32:15 > 0:32:18Sorry, can you play a let? That's... Could you replay the point?

0:32:18 > 0:32:22You see... I think this is the right decision, to play a let because...

0:32:22 > 0:32:24Could you replay the point, please?

0:32:24 > 0:32:28The linesman called it out. I thought it was in.

0:32:28 > 0:32:29LAUGHTER

0:32:31 > 0:32:33Ladies.

0:32:33 > 0:32:34What's the score?

0:32:34 > 0:32:36LAUGHTER

0:32:36 > 0:32:41The score was 30-15 so you replay that point. Replay the point.

0:32:41 > 0:32:42Replay the point.

0:32:44 > 0:32:45INDISTINCT

0:32:45 > 0:32:47Miss Navratilova.

0:32:47 > 0:32:51If you wish to concede the point...

0:32:51 > 0:32:52INDISTINCT

0:32:54 > 0:32:5530-15.

0:32:57 > 0:32:58APPLAUSE

0:32:58 > 0:33:01Well, I think Jeremy Shales has finally decided that's

0:33:01 > 0:33:04the correct way to play it because the ball was called out,

0:33:04 > 0:33:06Miss Navratilova didn't play.

0:33:06 > 0:33:09If it was a wrong decision and that's been corrected then

0:33:09 > 0:33:10they must play a let.

0:33:17 > 0:33:18APPLAUSE

0:33:21 > 0:33:2240-15.

0:33:58 > 0:33:59CROWD GASP

0:33:59 > 0:34:01Oh, it's too far back to play a drop shot.

0:34:01 > 0:34:04You see, she's still standing outside the baseline.

0:34:04 > 0:34:0540-30.

0:34:06 > 0:34:09And there's quite a bit of wind in the Centre Court now

0:34:09 > 0:34:12and that's a dangerous shot to play.

0:34:12 > 0:34:13But she's still 40-30.

0:34:23 > 0:34:25APPLAUSE

0:34:31 > 0:34:33Game to Miss Navratilova.

0:34:33 > 0:34:34Change the balls, please.

0:34:36 > 0:34:39Miss Navratilova leads by five games to three in the second set.

0:34:39 > 0:34:41Having lost the first 2-6.

0:34:41 > 0:34:44Miss Navratilova there making use of that heavy sliced left-handed

0:34:44 > 0:34:47service to take her player,

0:34:47 > 0:34:49- her opponent - once again right outside the doubles line.

0:34:52 > 0:34:57Maybe we'll see her use that shot a little more often.

0:34:57 > 0:34:583-5.

0:35:14 > 0:35:16Out.

0:35:16 > 0:35:17APPLAUSE

0:35:19 > 0:35:2015-0.

0:35:34 > 0:35:3530-0.

0:35:57 > 0:35:59APPLAUSE

0:36:05 > 0:36:0640-0.

0:36:06 > 0:36:08It's just out.

0:36:14 > 0:36:16Game to Miss Evert.

0:36:16 > 0:36:17APPLAUSE

0:36:23 > 0:36:26Miss Navratilova leads by five games to four in the second set.

0:36:26 > 0:36:28Miss Evert leads by one set to love.

0:36:28 > 0:36:33Martina Navratilova coming back to serve for the second set, 5-4 up.

0:36:39 > 0:36:40Fault.

0:36:54 > 0:36:5615-0. APPLAUSE

0:37:08 > 0:37:09Out.

0:37:09 > 0:37:12APPLAUSE

0:37:12 > 0:37:1330-0.

0:37:23 > 0:37:24CROWD GASP

0:37:24 > 0:37:26Now that really was a great return.

0:37:26 > 0:37:28Early ball, wonderful angle.

0:37:28 > 0:37:2930-15.

0:37:39 > 0:37:40Out. Oh, beautifully judged.

0:37:43 > 0:37:4440-15.

0:37:44 > 0:37:46Maybe a bit too close for comfort but it was out

0:37:46 > 0:37:49and it gives the server two set points.

0:37:58 > 0:37:59CROWD GASP

0:38:01 > 0:38:0340-30.

0:38:03 > 0:38:04Well, that was a chance.

0:38:09 > 0:38:11But it's still set point.

0:38:16 > 0:38:17Yes, wonderful judgment again.

0:38:17 > 0:38:19APPLAUSE

0:38:33 > 0:38:36Game and second set to Miss Navratilova.

0:38:36 > 0:38:38Six games to four.

0:38:38 > 0:38:39APPLAUSE

0:38:45 > 0:38:47Final set. Miss Evert to serve.

0:38:47 > 0:38:48WOMAN: Come on, Martina!

0:38:48 > 0:38:51So, the issue well and truly joined after 63 minutes in this final.

0:38:51 > 0:38:53SHOUTS FROM CROWD UMPIRE: Quiet, please.

0:38:53 > 0:38:56A few extroverts in the crowd want to get in on the act.

0:38:58 > 0:39:00Miss Evert serving.

0:39:15 > 0:39:16APPLAUSE

0:39:19 > 0:39:2015-0.

0:39:44 > 0:39:48APPLAUSE

0:39:48 > 0:39:5015-15.

0:40:10 > 0:40:1115-30.

0:40:15 > 0:40:16A third double fault.

0:40:36 > 0:40:37Out!

0:40:37 > 0:40:3915-40.

0:41:04 > 0:41:05Out.

0:41:05 > 0:41:06Just out.

0:41:06 > 0:41:08APPLAUSE

0:41:14 > 0:41:18Game to Miss Navratilova, first game, final set.

0:41:18 > 0:41:22So, first blood to Navratilova in the third and deciding set.

0:41:22 > 0:41:25Now, the question was whether the 21-year-old

0:41:25 > 0:41:29could hold her nerve to clinch a first Grand Slam singles title.

0:41:35 > 0:41:39Martina Navratilova serving, 2-1 up, third set.

0:41:45 > 0:41:47Out. 15-0.

0:41:51 > 0:41:54The wind really is getting into the Centre Court now.

0:41:54 > 0:41:56You can see their hair and their skirts blowing around,

0:41:56 > 0:42:00and above the Royal Box, the awning is blowing around a bit.

0:42:01 > 0:42:04Nothing like they had at Eastbourne two weeks ago, of course.

0:42:06 > 0:42:07A glorious volley.

0:42:07 > 0:42:08APPLAUSE

0:42:11 > 0:42:1230-0.

0:42:24 > 0:42:2630-15.

0:42:36 > 0:42:39Yes, a slightly late call, but a correct one, I'm sure.

0:42:40 > 0:42:42Tremendous swerve on that service.

0:42:54 > 0:42:5630-30.

0:43:10 > 0:43:11CROWD GASP

0:43:11 > 0:43:12Is it in or out?

0:43:14 > 0:43:1530-40.

0:43:18 > 0:43:19It's out.

0:43:25 > 0:43:26First service.

0:43:42 > 0:43:43Deuce.

0:43:47 > 0:43:51Chris Evert badly needs a break of service here. She really does.

0:44:28 > 0:44:30Advantage Miss Navratilova.

0:44:43 > 0:44:44Deuce.

0:44:44 > 0:44:47Well, Miss Evert really stretching the server there,

0:44:47 > 0:44:50first with the volley and then that well-disguised lob.

0:44:52 > 0:44:53Deuce.

0:45:16 > 0:45:17Oh! say no more.

0:45:17 > 0:45:20APPLAUSE

0:45:25 > 0:45:26Advantage Miss Evert.

0:45:26 > 0:45:29That must surely have been over-anxiety there.

0:45:29 > 0:45:33A player of this class can't play two shots in succession like that.

0:45:39 > 0:45:41Deuce.

0:45:43 > 0:45:45The service was a really very good one,

0:45:45 > 0:45:46but if Miss Evert could've returned that,

0:45:46 > 0:45:49who knows what would have happened.

0:45:49 > 0:45:52It really was a very well-placed Czech service, that.

0:46:01 > 0:46:03It's out.

0:46:03 > 0:46:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

0:46:12 > 0:46:15Advantage Miss Evert. And play worthy of a champion.

0:46:15 > 0:46:19Miss Evert really at her best in that crisis, that rally.

0:46:37 > 0:46:40APPLAUSE

0:46:48 > 0:46:50Game to Miss Evert.

0:46:50 > 0:46:53Two games all, final set.

0:46:53 > 0:46:57Well, twice, Miss Navratilova had a chance to win that game.

0:46:57 > 0:47:01She had the game point, but a great recovery by Miss Evert,

0:47:01 > 0:47:04so 2-2, and that could be the turning point, perhaps,

0:47:04 > 0:47:05in the match.

0:47:24 > 0:47:2515-love.

0:47:44 > 0:47:46Out! 15-all.

0:48:05 > 0:48:0730-15.

0:48:41 > 0:48:4230-30.

0:49:07 > 0:49:1140-30. An early ball returned by Chris Evert.

0:49:11 > 0:49:14Low over the net, in fact, just clipped the top of the net.

0:49:14 > 0:49:1540-30.

0:49:27 > 0:49:30APPLAUSE

0:49:39 > 0:49:42The crowd now beginning to get behind Chris Evert,

0:49:42 > 0:49:44seeing this recovery. Love a recovery.

0:49:44 > 0:49:46Now 2-3, Navratilova.

0:50:03 > 0:50:040-15.

0:50:17 > 0:50:20APPLAUSE

0:50:23 > 0:50:250-30.

0:50:31 > 0:50:35Oh, I say! What another lovely return.

0:50:37 > 0:50:400-40.

0:50:40 > 0:50:42Two glorious returns of service.

0:51:41 > 0:51:42Oh, a magnificent rally!

0:51:42 > 0:51:45APPLAUSE

0:52:03 > 0:52:05Game to Miss Evert.

0:52:05 > 0:52:08Miss Evert leads by four games to two, final set.

0:52:08 > 0:52:12And by far the finest rally of the entire final.

0:52:24 > 0:52:260-15.

0:52:46 > 0:52:4715-15.

0:52:50 > 0:52:51Shot.

0:53:14 > 0:53:1515-30.

0:53:32 > 0:53:35CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

0:53:39 > 0:53:4015-40.

0:54:00 > 0:54:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

0:54:14 > 0:54:17Game to Ms Navratilova. Change the balls, please, boys.

0:54:17 > 0:54:21So, yet more twists and turns in this topsy-turvy battle.

0:54:21 > 0:54:24Who would finish the stronger and emerge victorious?

0:54:24 > 0:54:27We rejoin the action at five games all.

0:54:49 > 0:54:500-15.

0:55:14 > 0:55:150-30.

0:55:29 > 0:55:31APPLAUSE

0:55:34 > 0:55:390-40. Twice the forehand approach stroke has gone astray. 0-40.

0:55:50 > 0:55:5115-40.

0:56:18 > 0:56:20Game to Miss Navratilova.

0:56:20 > 0:56:24Miss Navratilova leads by six games to five, final set.

0:56:25 > 0:56:28And what an extraordinary set this is. What a fluctuating set.

0:56:30 > 0:56:33Well, having achieved that break, Martina Navratilova

0:56:33 > 0:56:36within four points of the biggest prize of her life.

0:56:37 > 0:56:43So, Ms Navratilova serving for the match, 6-5 up, third set.

0:56:48 > 0:56:50APPLAUSE

0:56:50 > 0:56:5215-0.

0:57:05 > 0:57:08CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

0:57:16 > 0:57:1730-0.

0:57:17 > 0:57:19Relief there from Navratilova as she makes the drop volley.

0:57:32 > 0:57:3340-0.

0:57:35 > 0:57:38Three championship points, Ms Navratilova.

0:57:48 > 0:57:51That's it! She's done it!

0:57:51 > 0:57:53CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

0:58:15 > 0:58:20APPLAUSE DROWNS SPEECH

0:58:33 > 0:58:37And that's the famous silver gilt salver.

0:59:13 > 0:59:18So, she has her medal, the runners-up award.

0:59:26 > 0:59:29What a match, and the start of a Wimbledon love affair

0:59:29 > 0:59:31for Martina Navratilova,

0:59:31 > 0:59:34who would go on to win nine Wimbledon singles titles,

0:59:34 > 0:59:38including that run of six starting in 1982.

0:59:38 > 0:59:42She would win an amazing 20 Wimbledon titles in total.

0:59:42 > 0:59:46Well, next up, another great of the women's game, Germany's Steffi Graf,

0:59:46 > 0:59:50and her 1993 final against Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic.

0:59:50 > 0:59:54Graf came in as a four-time Wimbledon singles champion,

0:59:54 > 0:59:57but was looking for her third straight title.

0:59:57 > 0:59:58In the commentary box for this one,

0:59:58 > 1:00:02the 1969 Wimbledon winner Ann Jones alongside John Barrett.

1:00:17 > 1:00:1815-0.

1:00:32 > 1:00:33First service.

1:00:59 > 1:01:02APPLAUSE

1:01:09 > 1:01:1015-15.

1:01:10 > 1:01:13Carrying on where she left off against Navratilova.

1:01:15 > 1:01:18But being very patient before seeking the net position.

1:01:36 > 1:01:3715-30.

1:01:58 > 1:02:0030-30.

1:02:22 > 1:02:24Ah, well played.

1:02:30 > 1:02:3130-40.

1:02:36 > 1:02:38So, quick thinking there.

1:02:57 > 1:02:59Game, Miss Novotna. First game.

1:02:59 > 1:03:01APPLAUSE

1:03:05 > 1:03:08An encouraging start, then, from the underdog Novotna,

1:03:08 > 1:03:11in temperatures that reached a wilting 40 degrees.

1:03:11 > 1:03:15The Centre Court crowd settled in for an exhausting battle.

1:03:30 > 1:03:33So, still with the break in hand, 2-1.

1:03:45 > 1:03:4615-0.

1:04:20 > 1:04:2115-15.

1:04:59 > 1:05:02APPLAUSE

1:05:06 > 1:05:09And Jana getting into the net on the Graf backhand

1:05:09 > 1:05:11and certainly not expecting the speed

1:05:11 > 1:05:13of that crosscourt passing shot.

1:05:29 > 1:05:3030-30.

1:05:33 > 1:05:35You're seeing that backhand pass just now,

1:05:35 > 1:05:38but often it was a shot that Pavel Slozil, her former coach,

1:05:38 > 1:05:40the Czech, encouraged her to play,

1:05:40 > 1:05:43and in practice she plays it so beautifully all the time.

1:06:06 > 1:06:0730-40.

1:06:09 > 1:06:11Jana misjudging the heavy slice

1:06:11 > 1:06:14that Steffi put on that backhand crosscourt.

1:06:14 > 1:06:17Her first serve percentage is very, very low,

1:06:17 > 1:06:1825% at the moment, too.

1:06:53 > 1:06:54Deuce.

1:07:23 > 1:07:25Advantage, Miss Novotna.

1:07:30 > 1:07:33Yes, that was really one of those unforced errors

1:07:33 > 1:07:35which she'll have to eliminate.

1:08:03 > 1:08:07APPLAUSE

1:08:08 > 1:08:11And this point shows the increased confidence

1:08:11 > 1:08:13of Steffi Graf's net play.

1:08:13 > 1:08:17She fades that one away, and angles it beautifully,

1:08:17 > 1:08:20outmanoeuvring her opponent, but Steffi had such good feel

1:08:20 > 1:08:23on the racket with that backhand volley.

1:08:40 > 1:08:41Advantage Miss Graf.

1:08:44 > 1:08:45Made simpler, that pass,

1:08:45 > 1:08:48by the fact that the service return was so good.

1:09:06 > 1:09:07Deuce.

1:09:13 > 1:09:16So, living a little dangerously, surviving two break points

1:09:16 > 1:09:17thus far in this game.

1:09:20 > 1:09:22When she relaxes a little more,

1:09:22 > 1:09:24perhaps we'll see a few more first serves go in.

1:09:34 > 1:09:35Advantage Miss Novotna.

1:09:58 > 1:09:59Let!

1:09:59 > 1:10:00First service.

1:10:19 > 1:10:20Let!

1:10:20 > 1:10:21First service.

1:10:40 > 1:10:41Let!

1:10:41 > 1:10:42First service.

1:11:02 > 1:11:04APPLAUSE

1:11:06 > 1:11:10The longer this game goes on, the more important it becomes.

1:11:10 > 1:11:13Jana failing to get that serve onto Steffi's backhand

1:11:13 > 1:11:15and suffered the consequences.

1:11:39 > 1:11:40Out! Advantage Miss Graf.

1:11:49 > 1:11:53Well, suffering there, and another superb service return

1:11:53 > 1:11:55and it's produced a third break point.

1:12:02 > 1:12:04Game, Miss Graf.

1:12:04 > 1:12:05APPLAUSE

1:12:12 > 1:12:14Two games all, first set.

1:12:14 > 1:12:16Back on level terms.

1:12:16 > 1:12:20Graf went on to break Novotna to lead 5-3 and serve for the set.

1:12:20 > 1:12:22But Novotna refused to buckle,

1:12:22 > 1:12:25breaking straight back and forcing a first-set tie-break.

1:12:25 > 1:12:27We join it midway through.

1:12:28 > 1:12:29Jana, so athletic,

1:12:29 > 1:12:31so quick around the court.

1:12:33 > 1:12:36Probably second only to Graf in speed around the court.

1:12:37 > 1:12:40In fact she may even be quicker.

1:12:40 > 1:12:41Certainly a fine mover.

1:12:43 > 1:12:44So 3-3.

1:12:54 > 1:12:56Out.

1:13:12 > 1:13:14APPLAUSE

1:13:17 > 1:13:20Well, if you want to play your best tennis, I suppose

1:13:20 > 1:13:224-4 in the tie-break is the best place to do it.

1:13:24 > 1:13:26Jana stretching in every direction

1:13:26 > 1:13:28and managing to keep her eye strictly on the ball

1:13:28 > 1:13:30to make that easy kill.

1:13:30 > 1:13:33It's so easy to get distracted at such a vital time in the match.

1:13:39 > 1:13:403-4.

1:13:48 > 1:13:50Now that's clever.

1:13:50 > 1:13:51APPLAUSE

1:13:55 > 1:13:575-3, Miss Novotna.

1:13:57 > 1:13:59Not a fully-committed forehand

1:13:59 > 1:14:00from Graf.

1:14:00 > 1:14:04Giving Jana the time she really shouldn't have been allowed.

1:14:18 > 1:14:19APPLAUSE

1:14:24 > 1:14:265-4, Miss Novotna.

1:14:33 > 1:14:35So these two service points could clinch it.

1:14:49 > 1:14:51Let! Out!

1:15:06 > 1:15:075-5.

1:15:09 > 1:15:12Ha-ha! The little grin telling all.

1:15:12 > 1:15:13Yes, it was a chance.

1:15:15 > 1:15:19And somehow in those vital moments of a match

1:15:19 > 1:15:21the elbow just seems to tighten a little bit

1:15:21 > 1:15:23as you go to play the shot.

1:15:29 > 1:15:30Out!

1:15:41 > 1:15:436-5, Miss Novotna.

1:15:45 > 1:15:48So the first set point to Novotna.

1:15:48 > 1:15:50The Graf forehand failing her

1:15:52 > 1:15:53just when she most needed it.

1:15:58 > 1:16:00SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

1:16:02 > 1:16:04Quiet please, thank you.

1:16:13 > 1:16:15APPLAUSE

1:16:21 > 1:16:23This is what it looked like to Novotna.

1:16:24 > 1:16:27Too late with the swing - the ball was already past.

1:16:27 > 1:16:30One of Steffi's better serves at 95mph.

1:16:32 > 1:16:35Total symmetry on the scoreboard. Not for long.

1:16:56 > 1:16:587-6, Miss Graf.

1:16:59 > 1:17:02And this time, the puff of chalk

1:17:02 > 1:17:05not accompanied by the bleep from Cyclops

1:17:05 > 1:17:09so a set point now, to Graf.

1:17:27 > 1:17:28Yes!

1:17:28 > 1:17:30Game and first set, Miss Graf, 7-6.

1:17:34 > 1:17:36And if Peter Graf is happy,

1:17:36 > 1:17:39you'd never have guessed it, looking at him.

1:17:39 > 1:17:43But I'm sure there must be a deep satisfaction down deep inside

1:17:43 > 1:17:48that Steffi came through with that lovely pass.

1:17:48 > 1:17:51So a tight first set went the champion's way

1:17:51 > 1:17:54and Graf was now an even bigger favourite to defend her title.

1:17:54 > 1:17:56How would Novotna respond?

1:18:07 > 1:18:080-1, second set.

1:18:19 > 1:18:200-15.

1:18:41 > 1:18:43And from here we can see

1:18:43 > 1:18:45one of these beautiful lobs of Jana Novotna's.

1:18:45 > 1:18:46No clue that it's going to come -

1:18:46 > 1:18:49she just gets the racket head underneath it,

1:18:49 > 1:18:51excessive topspin and an outright winner.

1:18:51 > 1:18:530-30.

1:19:22 > 1:19:23Oh, well.

1:19:28 > 1:19:33Well, Steffi Graf's reactions at the net were always a little bit slow

1:19:33 > 1:19:36but now she's there more often, and not quite so surprised.

1:19:36 > 1:19:38They've certainly speeded up.

1:19:51 > 1:19:5215-40.

1:19:53 > 1:19:57Yes, a little nod of annoyance.

1:19:57 > 1:19:58Rather rushed the forehand.

1:19:58 > 1:20:00Two break points.

1:20:07 > 1:20:0830-40.

1:20:08 > 1:20:10APPLAUSE

1:20:21 > 1:20:22Graf ahead of Novotna on aces

1:20:22 > 1:20:24which is something of a surprise.

1:20:31 > 1:20:32Game, Miss Novotna.

1:20:32 > 1:20:34APPLAUSE

1:20:38 > 1:20:40Miss Novotna leads 2-0, second set.

1:20:43 > 1:20:45Come on, Jana!

1:20:56 > 1:20:58Let. First service.

1:21:35 > 1:21:37Jana's athleticism coming to the fore.

1:21:37 > 1:21:39She slows that approach down to give herself time

1:21:39 > 1:21:41to get into the net

1:21:41 > 1:21:43and backs up beautifully for the overhead

1:21:43 > 1:21:47and the racket head producing the speed and the angle she needed.

1:21:51 > 1:21:52Out!

1:22:06 > 1:22:0730-0.

1:22:10 > 1:22:13Mid-court forehands are normally bread-and-butter shots

1:22:13 > 1:22:15that are dispatched for winners.

1:22:25 > 1:22:2740-0.

1:22:46 > 1:22:48Game, Miss Novotna. New balls, please.

1:22:53 > 1:22:56Miss Novotna leads 3-0, second set.

1:22:56 > 1:22:58And the crowd, I think, warming to Novotna now,

1:22:58 > 1:23:02this strong challenge in the second set

1:23:02 > 1:23:03as Graf serves, 0-3.

1:23:10 > 1:23:1115-0.

1:23:28 > 1:23:2930-0.

1:23:43 > 1:23:44Fault!

1:23:57 > 1:23:58APPLAUSE

1:24:23 > 1:24:25APPLAUSE

1:24:29 > 1:24:31Jana again in full cry in this rally.

1:24:31 > 1:24:35The slice this time down the line to the forehand.

1:24:35 > 1:24:38Jana reads it well, stretches across and just controls it,

1:24:38 > 1:24:40putting it out of Steffi Graf's reach.

1:24:40 > 1:24:43That pulls her back to 30-30.

1:24:43 > 1:24:440-3, 30-30.

1:24:47 > 1:24:48Fault!

1:25:05 > 1:25:06Out! 30-40.

1:25:27 > 1:25:29Game, Miss Novotna.

1:25:29 > 1:25:30APPLAUSE

1:25:39 > 1:25:41Miss Novotna leads 4-0, second set.

1:25:42 > 1:25:44Well, quite suddenly,

1:25:44 > 1:25:47the match has taken a new turn.

1:25:47 > 1:25:52It was Novotna doing no more than playing good, disciplined tennis

1:25:52 > 1:25:53keeping the ball as deep as she can,

1:25:53 > 1:25:57but the errors from Graf have really been responsible.

1:26:11 > 1:26:120-15.

1:26:41 > 1:26:4215-15.

1:26:46 > 1:26:49At so many points of this present season,

1:26:49 > 1:26:52we've seen this happen to Steffi.

1:26:52 > 1:26:54the forehand just losing control,

1:26:55 > 1:26:57but she's always been able to recover,

1:26:57 > 1:26:59or usually been able to recover.

1:27:09 > 1:27:1030-15.

1:27:19 > 1:27:21Fault!

1:27:31 > 1:27:3240-15.

1:27:49 > 1:27:5040-30.

1:28:08 > 1:28:09Game, Miss Novotna.

1:28:09 > 1:28:11APPLAUSE

1:28:18 > 1:28:21Miss Novotna leads 5-0, second set,

1:28:21 > 1:28:22first set, Miss Graf.

1:28:23 > 1:28:27Graf did hold serve at last in the sixth game of the set

1:28:27 > 1:28:30but Novotna only needed to hold serve next, to level the match.

1:28:51 > 1:28:520-15.

1:29:05 > 1:29:06Let! First service.

1:29:19 > 1:29:21Fault!

1:29:31 > 1:29:3215-15.

1:29:53 > 1:29:5530-15.

1:30:26 > 1:30:27Fault! 40-15.

1:30:27 > 1:30:31So still out of range with that forehand

1:30:31 > 1:30:34ever since, really, the end of the first set.

1:30:37 > 1:30:38So two more set points.

1:30:44 > 1:30:47Game, second set, Miss Novotna.

1:30:47 > 1:30:496-1.

1:30:49 > 1:30:50one set all.

1:31:00 > 1:31:03Now we had a classic match on our hands.

1:31:03 > 1:31:06A brilliant champion intent on keeping her crown

1:31:06 > 1:31:08and an inspired challenger

1:31:08 > 1:31:11determined to write her name into the history books.

1:31:12 > 1:31:15We're now 2-1 ahead in the Wimbledon final, final set.

1:31:21 > 1:31:2315-0.

1:31:41 > 1:31:43APPLAUSE

1:31:47 > 1:31:4830-0.

1:32:07 > 1:32:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

1:32:14 > 1:32:17Jana stretching for that high one.

1:32:17 > 1:32:18I thought it could possibly have gone out.

1:32:18 > 1:32:23But the topspin backhand of Steffi Graf still being reliable.

1:32:25 > 1:32:28Rather graphic picture we get from that camera at the far end.

1:32:51 > 1:32:5240-15.

1:32:57 > 1:32:59Steffi, so annoyed with herself.

1:32:59 > 1:33:02That point would have made an enormous difference.

1:33:26 > 1:33:27Ah, at last!

1:33:28 > 1:33:35And really, the first decent forehand for a number of games.

1:34:00 > 1:34:02Fault! Game, Miss Novotna.

1:34:10 > 1:34:13Miss Novotna leads 3-1, final set.

1:34:13 > 1:34:20So the failings of the 1993 season coming back to haunt her again.

1:34:20 > 1:34:27The forehand, so much depended upon but simply not functioning today.

1:34:43 > 1:34:45CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

1:34:52 > 1:34:5315-0.

1:35:22 > 1:35:22APPLAUSE

1:35:28 > 1:35:31And from the far end, Steffi really in trouble at this point.

1:35:31 > 1:35:34She's stretching Jana Novotna but Jana is equal to it.

1:35:34 > 1:35:36Such an athletic bounce.

1:35:36 > 1:35:38She was going the wrong way, actually, Jana.

1:35:38 > 1:35:39Still managed to reach it.

1:36:00 > 1:36:0115-30.

1:36:09 > 1:36:11Jana, sensibly taking her time.

1:36:11 > 1:36:14Some punishing rallies in this game. Thank you.

1:36:15 > 1:36:18Regrouping herself, very sensibly.

1:36:24 > 1:36:26Fault!

1:36:43 > 1:36:45Good stop there by Novotna.

1:36:45 > 1:36:48The serve too short, taking advantage of it.

1:36:48 > 1:36:52So here are two break points for a 4-1 lead.

1:36:52 > 1:36:54Desperate times for Graf.

1:36:54 > 1:36:55Thank you.

1:37:14 > 1:37:16Fault! Game, Miss Novotna.

1:37:17 > 1:37:19New balls, please.

1:37:27 > 1:37:29Miss Novotna leads 4-1, final set.

1:37:32 > 1:37:36Well, the last remaining question is, as she serves

1:37:36 > 1:37:41with the new balls, does this young lady really have the belief?

1:37:41 > 1:37:44If she does, she has it in her power to take the title

1:37:44 > 1:37:45for the first time.

1:37:59 > 1:38:000-15.

1:38:17 > 1:38:19Fault! 15-15.

1:38:34 > 1:38:35Let! First service.

1:38:51 > 1:38:5230-15.

1:39:09 > 1:39:11APPLAUSE

1:39:16 > 1:39:18Jana electing, this time,

1:39:18 > 1:39:20to serve to the backhand.

1:39:20 > 1:39:22And it was severely punished.

1:39:24 > 1:39:25Where's your forehand, Steffi?

1:39:51 > 1:39:53Oh, that's brilliant. Really is.

1:39:53 > 1:39:54APPLAUSE

1:39:58 > 1:40:01I think this gives you some indication now of the eagerness

1:40:01 > 1:40:02within Novotna.

1:40:02 > 1:40:04I think the belief is here.

1:40:04 > 1:40:10At moments like this in the past, she's tended to choke on her leads

1:40:10 > 1:40:12but I don't think it's going to happen today. We'll see.

1:40:28 > 1:40:30Deuce.

1:40:34 > 1:40:35Come on, Steffi!

1:40:51 > 1:40:52Advantage Miss Graf.

1:40:58 > 1:40:59SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

1:41:06 > 1:41:08Come on, Steffi! Thank you.

1:41:19 > 1:41:21Game, Miss Graf.

1:41:21 > 1:41:22APPLAUSE

1:41:28 > 1:41:32Miss Novotna leads 4-2, final set.

1:41:34 > 1:41:37Just as I thought that she had got the belief, I think she showed us

1:41:37 > 1:41:39that it is wavering.

1:41:39 > 1:41:41Quiet please, thank you.

1:41:41 > 1:41:44Rather the same sort of thing in the first set

1:41:44 > 1:41:47against Navratilova when she had two breaks and lost one of them.

1:41:50 > 1:41:5215-0.

1:42:11 > 1:42:1315-15.

1:42:49 > 1:42:5015-30.

1:42:52 > 1:42:55Steffi's been given a great deal of encouragement.

1:42:55 > 1:42:58If only she could raise her game now, she could be

1:42:58 > 1:43:00well back into this match.

1:43:00 > 1:43:03Too many unforced errors still, though.

1:43:16 > 1:43:17APPLAUSE

1:43:23 > 1:43:2515-40.

1:43:25 > 1:43:27That was such an important point, that last.

1:43:40 > 1:43:4230-40.

1:44:04 > 1:44:06CROWD GASPS

1:44:11 > 1:44:13Deuce.

1:44:13 > 1:44:16Such an important moment, this, an instinct saving Graf here.

1:44:16 > 1:44:18It's a very, very deep approach indeed.

1:44:18 > 1:44:19Good footwork, good shoulder turn

1:44:21 > 1:44:24and trusting everything on that flat backhand.

1:44:26 > 1:44:2715-40, back to deuce.

1:44:42 > 1:44:43Advantage Miss Graf.

1:45:02 > 1:45:04Game, Miss Graf.

1:45:04 > 1:45:05APPLAUSE

1:45:11 > 1:45:14Miss Novotna leads 4-3, final set.

1:45:14 > 1:45:18Still with a service break in hand.

1:45:18 > 1:45:22The match, very, very close. 4-2, final set.

1:45:27 > 1:45:2815-0.

1:45:47 > 1:45:5015-15.

1:46:15 > 1:46:1830-15.

1:46:18 > 1:46:21Waiting for the call that never came.

1:46:21 > 1:46:23The perfect length volley from Novotna.

1:46:48 > 1:46:50APPLAUSE

1:46:54 > 1:46:57And this is pure instinct. Steffi stepping around,

1:46:57 > 1:46:58playing her favourite shot.

1:46:58 > 1:47:01Feet in position, racket head flying through.

1:47:03 > 1:47:06Maybe Jana's given her one too many chances.

1:47:11 > 1:47:12Fault!

1:47:21 > 1:47:23Fault. 30-40.

1:47:27 > 1:47:30Once chance too many, certainly one double fault too many.

1:47:32 > 1:47:34Five now.

1:47:34 > 1:47:35And break point.

1:47:36 > 1:47:38Thank you.

1:47:46 > 1:47:48APPLAUSE

1:47:53 > 1:47:55Deuce.

1:48:11 > 1:48:13Fault!

1:48:24 > 1:48:25Fault!

1:48:25 > 1:48:27Advantage Miss Graf.

1:48:28 > 1:48:32Well, fighting the inner demons of doubt here.

1:48:32 > 1:48:35Two double faults have given...

1:48:35 > 1:48:40Graf two chances in this crucial game.

1:48:40 > 1:48:42And I wonder if she can take this second one.

1:48:51 > 1:48:53Let. First service.

1:49:08 > 1:49:09Fault!

1:49:18 > 1:49:20Fault! Game, Miss Graf!

1:49:29 > 1:49:314-4.

1:49:31 > 1:49:32Final set.

1:49:33 > 1:49:35So it appears that,

1:49:35 > 1:49:37at the moment at least,

1:49:37 > 1:49:40she doesn't believe strongly enough.

1:49:40 > 1:49:41All of her own doing.

1:49:43 > 1:49:44In the end, though,

1:49:44 > 1:49:47one or two key moments from Graf,

1:49:47 > 1:49:49that steely forehand return.

1:49:51 > 1:49:524-4.

1:50:09 > 1:50:1115-0.

1:50:44 > 1:50:47APPLAUSE

1:50:49 > 1:50:5130-0.

1:50:51 > 1:50:54Extraordinary how, in these moments of crisis,

1:50:54 > 1:50:58she finds just the instinctive

1:50:58 > 1:51:01sting to the forehand, and kept it very low.

1:51:10 > 1:51:1140-0.

1:51:21 > 1:51:23CROWD: Come on, Steffi! Come on, Jana!

1:51:24 > 1:51:26Come on, Jana! Steffi!

1:51:26 > 1:51:27Quiet, please. Thank you.

1:51:35 > 1:51:37Game, Miss Graf.

1:51:37 > 1:51:41CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

1:51:47 > 1:51:51Miss Graf leads, five games to four. Final set.

1:51:51 > 1:51:53Well, what a fascinating battle this is.

1:51:53 > 1:51:56For the first time since game one of this set,

1:51:56 > 1:51:58Graf in the lead once more.

1:52:01 > 1:52:02CROWD SHOUTS OUT

1:52:02 > 1:52:05Quiet, please. Thank you. CROWD MEMBER: Come on!

1:52:05 > 1:52:064-5.

1:52:13 > 1:52:140-15.

1:52:30 > 1:52:31Net!

1:52:31 > 1:52:32First service.

1:52:59 > 1:53:000-30.

1:53:02 > 1:53:04What a clever ploy that was,

1:53:04 > 1:53:08sensing the increasing anxiety in Novotna's arm and racket,

1:53:08 > 1:53:13forcing her to make the pass, just darting to the net behind her.

1:53:13 > 1:53:15Quiet, please. Fairly ordinary approach.

1:53:15 > 1:53:16CROWD MEMBER: Come on, Steffi!

1:53:16 > 1:53:180-30.

1:53:47 > 1:53:50CROWD MEMBERS SHOUT OUT

1:53:54 > 1:53:57Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Quiet, please. Thank you.

1:54:17 > 1:54:1815-40.

1:54:20 > 1:54:24And the fluency of the middle set has gone.

1:54:24 > 1:54:27The tension very much in evidence.

1:54:29 > 1:54:30Two Championship points.

1:54:43 > 1:54:44Quiet, please. Thank you.

1:54:55 > 1:54:56That's it!

1:54:56 > 1:55:00Game, set, match, Miss Graf. Two sets to one.

1:55:00 > 1:55:037-6, 1-6, 6-4.

1:55:03 > 1:55:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

1:55:10 > 1:55:14And relief and delight in the Graf camp.

1:55:15 > 1:55:22For a marvellous, if at one time seemingly improbable, victory.

1:55:22 > 1:55:261-4 down in the final set, Steffi Graf the champion here.

1:55:28 > 1:55:33And, really, that has been a tremendous performance,

1:55:35 > 1:55:39to pull her game together when all had seemed lost.

1:55:39 > 1:55:42The instinct for survival was paramount.

1:55:44 > 1:55:48And I think a word of sympathy for Jana Novotna,

1:55:48 > 1:55:54who had everything going for her, but, contrary to what I believed,

1:55:54 > 1:55:57didn't really have the inner belief

1:55:57 > 1:56:01that she had the stature of a champion.

1:56:01 > 1:56:04Because that's what it's all about when you're 4-1 ahead

1:56:04 > 1:56:08in the final set. Steffi off, I think, to greet the family.

1:56:10 > 1:56:14Shades, here, Pat Cash making his dash...

1:56:15 > 1:56:17..to greet her family. And here she goes.

1:56:21 > 1:56:25Ready for her father, Peter, mother, Heidi.

1:56:27 > 1:56:28And Klaus Hofsass.

1:56:30 > 1:56:32What a marvellous moment.

1:56:38 > 1:56:41And how well she played at the moments in the match

1:56:41 > 1:56:42when she had to.

1:56:54 > 1:56:58And just holding up the presentation ceremony for a moment.

1:56:58 > 1:57:00APPLAUSE

1:57:00 > 1:57:04And, traditionally, it'll be the defeated finalist who comes forward.

1:57:06 > 1:57:11Jana Novotna in her first Wimbledon final, certainly not disgraced.

1:57:11 > 1:57:16And overcome with the emotion of it all.

1:57:16 > 1:57:19Which I'm sure is the reason she lost

1:57:19 > 1:57:22after being 4-1 ahead in the final set.

1:57:23 > 1:57:25And the Duchess,

1:57:27 > 1:57:31who has seen the champions for so many years now

1:57:31 > 1:57:35and knows just how acutely the defeated finalist

1:57:35 > 1:57:39feels her defeat.

1:57:43 > 1:57:49But I'm sure that the improvement that she's shown

1:57:49 > 1:57:53will one day allow her to hold a rather larger plate above her head

1:57:53 > 1:57:54than that silver salver.

1:57:59 > 1:58:03Heartbreaking to watch - such emotion there from Jana Novotna,

1:58:03 > 1:58:06who would enjoy much happier times here five years later,

1:58:06 > 1:58:09when she beat France's Nathalie Tauziat in the final,

1:58:09 > 1:58:12to win her only Grand Slam singles title.

1:58:12 > 1:58:14So there you have it - four outstanding players,

1:58:14 > 1:58:16two great matches.

1:58:16 > 1:58:19Well worthy of the title of Wimbledon Classics.