Finals Preview:

Andy Roddick said it best today. During a "tweet" he shared with his fans after reaching the finals of the Wimbledon Championships for the third time in his career, "126 home...2 left."

The swashbuckling American can truly be proud of his recent elevated form. Once torn and ragged, Roddick's career appeared to be going southbound just a little over a year ago; a second-round exit at Wimbledon was not welcomed.

How times have changed.

The rededicated Yank, full of much more tennis to give, was prepared to pounce on the 2009 season with the same excitement of a college graduate ready to take on the world. Nothing could stand in his way. Certainly, nothing has stood in his way during the past two weeks at Wimbledon, thus far.

"Thus far" will be the key phrase going forward for Roddick, with the eminent danger of Roger Federer looming. Roddick's game has been top notch during the fortnight, but so too has Federer's. And we all know how the pair matches up—advantage Mr. Swiss.

With that in mind, let's take a peek into what lies ahead for these two tennis giants come the second and most important Sunday of the calendar season. With no Queen in the house, courtesy of Roddick, one wonders if Pete Sampras will make a rare appearance while Federer attempts to make history.

Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick—Wimbledon Final 2009

Head-to-head record: (Sorry in advance to all the Roddick fans out there; it must be stated) Federer leads 18-2 with a 3-0 mark at Wimbledon.

If there ever was a more perfect candidate for Roger Federer to pick out of a hat when attempting to break the tie he shares with Pete Sampras for 14 slam titles, Roddick would be that guy.

Federer has owned the American like no other player during his career. Much like Rafael Nadal is a poor matchup for Federer, so too is the Federer matchup for Roddick. There have been many a time when Roddick appeared more inclined to throw his racket at Federer rather than hitting an ace past him.

Will the result change come Sunday afternoon? Will Roddick somehow, someway be able to summon a new game plan a la the 2004 Wimbledon Final and throw Fed a curve ball? It is unlikely.

In all honesty, Roddick will be under the gun from the onset of this match. One of the greatest assets which make Federer a nightmare to play is the incomparable way in which he takes players out of their element.

Against Thomas Haas in the semifinals, Federer made the German come to the net on many occasions, which made him uncomfortable. Although Haas was adamant on approaching the net as part of his initial game plan, Federer made sure that Haas never found a rhythm at net.

In essence, what Federer can do like no other player is make his opponents feel secure during the early stages with their games plans. Then, Federer undoubtedly picks up his level when required and allows his opponents to self-destruct when it gets close. It happened to Haas in the semifinals, and it could very well happen to Roddick on Sunday.

Other pressing concerns for the American come Sunday will be his inability to battle Federer from the baseline. For every inch Roddick makes Federer move, Roger tugs and pulls Andy around the court at least a foot in comparison. A foot here and a foot there can certainly add up when a point develops.

As a result, Roddick feels an instinctual urge to approach the net at any cost in order to be efficient. Unfortunately, what Roddick fails to recognize is that he is playing right into the hands of Federer's passing shots, which are some of the best in the business.

Roddick will, without question, have to rely on his serve prowess to produce most of his opportunities. He must come flying out of the gates, and if he is smart, he will compromise serve speed for spin and placement.

Federer was able to handle Karlovic's serve with ease, and Roddick should learn from that.

The benefit which Roddick has over a player like Karlovic is the versatility his serve possesses. Roddick has a great kick-serve, and a great can-opener on the deuce side. Using a more spin-oriented serve blue print will force Federer to create his own power, never a bad thing. If anything, the Swiss prefers to be attacked with speed and not spin.

Unfortunately, straying away from his cannon delivery will be tough for Roddick. It's kind of like, the "go with what you know" philosophy. In the crucial and subtle moments of a Wimbledon final, one can only imagine trying to mix it up as an option.

Therefore, unless Roddick is hot and can stay hot, it will be a routine affair for Federer.

One thing is for certain. Roddick knows what opportunity is before him. This might very well be his final chance at slam-glory. All the stops will be brought forth. This is the Wimbledon Final: If a player can't bring the goods and leave it all on the court, what the heck is he good for?

That will not be a problem for Roddick.

Bottom line, if Federer stays at the same form he has brought forth throughout the fortnight (there is a good chance that he may even play better), then Roddick has a slim chance.

If, for some reason, and it could very well happen, Federer feels the moment and what is at stake, then Roddick will have to pounce and pounce quickly.

All in all, both players want this title in a bad way and for many different reasons. But going with history, the matchup does mean something, and it just does not favor the American.

To conclude, during the 2004 on-court interview, after Roddick lost to Federer, the American made a hard-nosed, well-received comment after his efforts that day.

"I threw the kitchen sink at him, and he went and got his tub." Well Andy, you are correct, but if you thought the tub was bad, try fighting off history while chasing down an endless array of down-the-line-forehands.

Pick: Federer in four sets