roger federer wimbledon '09

I was fortunate to watch the game between Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick in the this years Men's Singles Final. It was like they were going to slug it out for a couple more hours! Their service games in the 5th set were incredible. Neither were giving in to the fatigue and the pressure of holding their serves. Since it has been the tradition of Wimbledon to have no tie breaks in the last and deciding set, the score ended at 16-14 in favor of Federer.

Wheeew! What a game! The game was a battle with the two dominant servers in the game. So long of a game that I was sleeping already during the breaks... Anyway, Roddick was great. Having been beaten in early rounds the previous two years, he was also having doubts whether he can go on and compete in another grand slam final. And compete he did. He gave Federer a run for his money. Reminiscent to last year's final against Nadal, Federer was in constant pressure by Roddick. But based from last years final, I think Federer learned his lesson by not succumbing to the pressure and handling the points well. Only once or twice he got into trouble, down 15-40, he managed to kept his composure and served his way out to win the game. What was remarkable about this final set also was with the way they managed and served their way out of trouble. Both were hitting aces and big serves.

But someone had to lose. Unfortunately, it was the resurgent Andy Roddick, who worked his way up, shed 15 lbs. of fat and improved his conditioning, backhand, service return and net volleys. It was great to see him back in the biggest stage in Tennis. What's great also is that it's his best performance by far in Wimbledon, losing a semi-final and 2 finals against Federer. The closest he got was to win a set only. Well, give credit also to Federer by not giving up to the pressure. By doing that he collected another Grand Slam and the # 1 ranking in the world again.

Federer now holds the most number of wins in Grand Slams events in the men's event, which was previously held by the great Pete Sampras. Who by the way was in attendance, and was calm and reserved as always, along with other tennis greats, Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. Talk about class. Here were the men who previously held the different records in the tennis world, especially Pete Sampras who Federer shares 14 Grand Slams. Yet Sampras came and even supported Federer in his bid to surpass his record of 14 grand slam titles.

Now Federer, with the pressure off his back in surpassing the record, will have the chance to add more Grand Slam titles to his remarkable career. Next is the U.S. Open, where he is a 5 time defending champion and a favorite to win his 16th grand slam. Given his work ethic and his discipline in giving rest to his body after a grand slam tournament, Federer will likely win more up to 20 grand slam titles. He's just 27 years old and though he had injuries before, they are no way to be considered serious. Darn, he might end up winning 25! Truly the greatest player in the history of tennis!