FEDERER WINS WIMBLEDON
Swiss ace grabs his 15TH TITLE
Roger Federer savoured "an unbelievable moment" in his career after claiming a record 15th grand slam title with victory in an amazing Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick.
Federer saved four set points in the second set and eventually triumphed 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14 to win a sixth Wimbledon crown on Centre Court.
"It was a crazy match, an unbelievable end and my head is still spinning. This could have gone on for a few more hours I think," said Federer. "It's an unbelievable moment in my career."
Pete Sampras, who had shared the record for most grand slam titles with Federer until today, flew in from the United States overnight to watch the match from the Royal Box and Federer added: "Thanks very much for coming, I know it's a long way but you're a member, we like to see you here and it's such a pleasure to play in front of such great legends.
"It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy but man, it's been quite a career and quite a month.
"It feels amazing but this is not why I'm playing tennis, to break all sorts of different records, but it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have.
"But this doesn't mean we stop playing tennis. I want to keep enjoying tennis for many more years so I hope to come back here and play some good tennis in the future."
Federer's win also sees him regain the world number one spot from the absent Rafael Nadal, who withdrew through injury, and the Swiss added: "I guess it's nice to have but of course I'm aware that Rafa didn't play here.
"Injuries are part of the game but I'm happy I became number one in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is and I love playing here.
"Things didn't look so good when I lost in the finals of the Australian Open (earlier this year) but to come through and win Paris and now Wimbledon back to back it's amazing."
A gallant Roddick paid tribute to Federer and apologised to fellow American Sampras for being unable to prevent him losing his record.
"Roger is a true champion and he deserves everything he gets," said 26-year-old Roddick, who has now lost three Wimbledon finals to Federer. "I tried, sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off.
"It was a pleasure playing here today in front of great champions like Pete, Rod (Laver) and Bjorn (Borg). I still hope one day that my name will be up there with theirs as a winner of this tournament."
This article has 5 comments
I wished Roddick had won as it would be his first and probably his last chance, but Federer deserved to win, because he was all rounder, played really superb, and was so down to earth person.
I cant take away anything from Federer..... he was good.
I was glued to the TV with eyes ears and heart open...
By DR B N Jayaswal. Posted July 7 2009 at 1:17 AM.
Listening to the commentators while watching this match I was shocked and angry to hear that the so called 'champion' Federer was playing dirty. There were several challenges made by Federer against line decisions at strategic times in the match intentionally to put Roddick off his game rhythm. Couldn't he win fair and square without stooping so low? He's gone way down in my estimation. At least Roddick played a fair game without any cheap tricks. Tennis god? - more like tennis fake!
By Karenza. Posted July 6 2009 at 2:34 PM.
Fantastic, although was there any doubt that Roger would win here. He is after all a top level player. Even if Andy Murray had got through to the final he wouldn't have beat Roger. Andy Murray possibly might be a star of the future, although lets not forget we said that about Tim Henman and look what a bitter disappointment he turned out to be.
By Lorna Wanstall. Posted July 6 2009 at 7:17 AM.
What an excellent final between two high quality players who played to the end and afterwards showed great grace and dignity in defeat and winning.
Wonderful to see such a class player like Federer take the record and I wish Roddick well in the future.
Mr Murray and his team couuld take a few tips from both on how to mature and act on a tennis court...its not a football pitch.
By Mark. Posted July 5 2009 at 10:44 PM.
Yes Federer, a tennis legend, a tennis genuis and a tennis god, without a doubt the greatest player to ever grace a tennis court. Borg, Mcenroe, Agassi, Sampras, Lendl and Laver were all greats, but not one of them comes close to Federer, his serve, his beautiful forehand and backhand, his presence and his power. Nadal may win around 12-13 grand slams, but Federer will deservedly go down in history as the very best. I would like to see Federer reach the tally of 18 Grand Slams, if anyone can, it's Federer. It has been a pleasure watching you and seeing the greatest tennis player of all time, all this in my generation, thanks Fed!
By Matthew Lenton. Posted July 5 2009 at 8:47 PM.