Federer is the third player to win six Wimbledon championships — Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven. Sampras said he considers Federer the greatest ever. “I have to give it to him,” he said. “The critics say Laver, and (Rafael) Nadal has beaten him a few times at majors. He’s won all the majors, he’s won 15 now, he’s going to win a few more here. So in my book he is.” Federer reclaimed the No. 1 ranking he lost last year to Nadal, the Spaniard who beat him in the classic 2008 final but missed this year’s tournament because of knee problems.
“I’m aware that Rafa didn’t play here,” Federer said. “Injuries are part of the game, unfortunately, but I’m happy I became No. 1 in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is out there. I love playing here.” The fifth set went back and forth with the players slugging huge serves at each other, offering few chances to break.
Roddick saved one break point in the second game, and Federer erased two at 8-8 when he came up with two big serves when 15-40 down. “I was just trying to survive each time and hold serve and give myself a shot,” Roddick said. “It didn’t work out, but I definitely gave myself a look.” Finally, in the 30th game, serving with Federer ahead 15-14, Roddick blinked.
On the second deuce, he misplayed a forehand to give Federer a chance to secure his place in history. On match point, after a contest featuring so many aces, winners and powerful shots, Roddick shanked a forehand. Until then, Federer had been 0-6 on break points. Playing in his record 20th Grand Slam final and sixth in a row overall, Federer beat Roddick for the third time in the Wimbledon championship match, adding to his victories in 2004 and ‘05.
He extended his overall mastery over the American to 19-2, including 8-0 at Grand Slams. Federer’s 50 aces were one short of the Wimbledon record held by Ivo Karlovic. Historic victory A closer look at Sunday’s history- making Wimbledon men’s final: Roger Federer’s victory over Andy Roddick made him the first man to win 15 Grand Slam singles titles, passing Pete Sampras’ 14 titles from 1990-2002. Federer won his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003.
It was the longest men’s Grand Slam final in history at 77 games. The previous record was 71 games (1927 Australian Open championship between Gerald Patterson and John Hawkes). The previous Wimbledon record was 62 games (last year’s final between Federer and Rafael Nadal). This was the longest fifth set in a men’s Grand Slam final.
The previous record was 11-9 (1927 French Open final between Rene Lacoste and Bill Tilden). Comments There are no comments yet. Comments are meant to offer our readers a forum for thoughtful, robust debate about local issues.
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