My most emotional match ever: Nadal

LONDON (Reuters) - Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal said his victory over holder Roger Federer in Sunday's final was the most emotional of his career.

The 22-year-old also said he had never wavered in his quest for victory even though five times winner Federer came back from two sets down in a final twice interrupted by rain that finished in near darkness.

"It was the most emotional match I have played in my life," Nadal, also the French Open champion, said after a high quality final that lasted nearly five hours.

"To win here on grass is very special. To win Wimbledon for us Spanish is hard to imagine," he said of a victory he called a childhood dream.

"I love to play this surface...because you have options.

"You can't play very defensively, but you can go to the net, it is an interesting game.

"I think you have to understand this surface if you want good results here," Nadal, who has worked hard to adapt from his more familiar clay courts, said.

"Winning here will stay with me for the rest of my life. Of the four grand slams it is the most traditional," said Nadal, who was reduced to tears on court after his victory.

"When I won my first at Roland Garros I also cried," Nadal added.

He said he was congratulated afterwards by the only other Spaniard to win at Wimbledon, 1966 champion Manuel Santana.

"He was overcome with emotion just like me. I thanked him for his support during the whole week," Nadal said.

MOTIVATION HIGH

Asked whether the rain delays had affected his concentration and resolve, he said: "No. After losing the two previous finals (to Federer), my motivation was up in the clouds."

He suggested, however, that the delays may have been more beneficial to Federer, who was staring a three-set defeat in the face before the first one.

"The players who serve best are those that don't need so much match rhythm...although the delays are for both.

"Federer saved many situations with his service."

Nadal paid tribute to his great rival, saying: "Well, it is disappointing for me I am in the same time as the best player in history, Roger Federer.

"...I just congratulate Roger, because he always fights unbelievably," he said.

Asked if the victory was more special because of the quality of Sunday's match, Nadal said: "For sure, to beat Roger here after his five years.

"I lost the last two finals, close finals. But he's still the number one. He's still the best. He's still five times champion here.

"Right now I have one, so for me it's a very, very important day."

(Editing by Clare Lovell)