(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Roddick a pillar of belief, Federer an undefinable pillar, a mixture of so much belief and doubt, a god seemingly stuck in his own purgatory, unable to break the Roddick serve for almost four hours now.
Make that 10-10, eclipsing the Wimbledon final record for games played in a match.
In the 22nd game, A small sliver of opportunity opened for Federer as he got to deuce on the Roddick serve, but it was quickly and confidently closed by a booming first serve.
Make that 11-11.
Shadows now covering significant portions of one half of the court. The crowd still refraining from encouraging either player too much, letting the action come to them, happy to be getting quite a bit more than their money's worth.
Make that 12-12.
This is clearly a battle of wills, a contest of belief, a test of mettle. Federer's 20th ace of the set gets him another hold, and another chance at the Roddick serve.
Make that 13-13. The word epic comes to mind, but I don't think it would do this fifth set justice.
Like a record perpetually skipping, this improbably pressurized match lingered on.
As if the gods of tennis were not happy with Federer's effort yet, as if they wanted him to truly work for it.
Make that 14-14. Shadows encroaching on the net.
Then, in the 30thgame of the set, with Federer clinging to a 15-14 lead, a glimmer of light appeared.
A break point for Federer is erased, but Roddick surrenders another one, and this one he can't erase.
This was the moment. Taken out of context it would appear to be just another point, but in the context of this match, and of Federer's career, it is ethereal. It is as magical as any of us could have ever imagined to be. Roddick'sflubbed forehand sails long and Federer has passed this long and difficult test.
The immortal Federer, standing human and flawed at the door for the entirety of this grueling struggle, has now passed through. He's beyond all this—we can't judge him now. We can only marvel at his unparallelled success in the sport.
13 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete