I don't know if you caught the Wimbledon men's singles championship between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer last Sunday. I watched the last set.

It was amazing. One of the most memorable tennis matches - scratch that, one of the most memorable sports matches I've ever seen. I was sad that someone had to lose. And I was completely gratified by the rare sportsmanship both men demonstrated both during and after the contest.

Kathleen Parker offers some great observations on the match:

The men’s playing styles are equally different. Nadal is Sylvester Stallone to Federer’s Baryshnikov. Nadal enters the court like a steeplechase stallion, jogging in place, aching to hit the track. Federer is a Zen master — centered, calm, patient.

By the end of the first three sets, however, all such distinctions evaporated. I am probably not alone in saying that by the last set, I no longer cared who won. I wanted neither to lose. Both were victors who demonstrated how to win and how to lose.

After the finale, Federer, layered in long pants and sweater, looked as if he’d just stepped out of the shower to accept his second-place silver tray. Affectionately cuffing Nadal on the back of the neck, he posed for fans and kept his remarks brief: “I tried everything. ... But Rafa is a deserving champion. ... It’s a pity I couldn’t win it in the circumstances, but I’ll be back next year.”

For his part, Nadal — sweat-soaked and choking back emotion — climbed the stands to embrace his parents. It was a touching moment that needed no commentary. Afterward, Nadal raised the gold trophy and was gracious in victory.

“I’m so proud because I feel I am playing against, and now beating, the best player in the history of tennis. The fight he put up against me was unbelievable and I congratulate him for that. I also have to say that he is a credit to our sport whether he wins or he loses.”

It doesn’t get any better than that. Would that life imitated Sunday’s Wimbledon.