Hampshire's former British number one Chris Wilkinson gives his verdict on a memorable Wimbledon final.

If ever there was a time in tennis when a match could be declared a draw, yesterday's men's final should have been it.

Before the match, Pat Rafter, the guy I had grown up playing tournaments with, was the one I was rooting for. But you can't help warming to the story and character of Goran Ivanisevic.

Before the start of the tournament, no-one had given him a hope - he even needed a wild card as his ranking was so low. But somehow he managed to find the form that had taken him to three previous Wimbledon finals.

Not only was his big serve proving a lethal weapon, his mind seemed under control. The great thing about the big Croat was that when he was getting nervous, he was able to show his emotions and the crowd loved it.

When you start to get nervous like that, it is a good idea to release your emotions rather than let them build up inside.

People say that the characters have gone out of the game but Ivanisevic is living proof that you can still have fun and show emotion.

Rafter played his part, too. He gave 100 per cent and should not be ashamed of how he played.

When two players of that calibre come together, games - and ultimately matches - can be decided by the odd point at crucial times.

As a kid growing up, the best matches for me were Borg v McEnroe - but you have to say this year's final outshone them.

What also made it special was the atmosphere. The noise at times was quite deafening.

People's Monday, which worked on a first come, first served basis, was a massive success both for the tennis fan and Wimbledon.