(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
With score holding Federer with a slight 15-14 edge, the bright sunlight was shining down, with only a frown from the newly designed roof. Clouds which never bled once throughout the fortnight where on standby—the final game commenced.
A ready Swiss was willing to give the return thing another shot. The seemingly wiry American stepped up to the line to do what he had done so well for four plus hours—never lose serve.
With the first two points gone ala a missed backhand in the net, and a shank forehand, Federer was given as good a shot as he had during the contest to break serve. Roddick's first serve had suddenly deserted him—not a feeling one wants to have during the 30th game of the final set.
Another missed first serve set up history—a tight and tense second serve was on the way. Federer would be content to put the ball back any which way he could—it was of course history in his way and not Roddick on his plate.
An unfortunate miss-timed forehand by Andy was all it took; one final shot which supplanted the greatness which composed the front row in the Royal box to an acknowledgment one member to be slightly higher.
Final score: 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14.
When sporting events such as the one which took place today occur, all parties involved are left to wonder: How in the world was that even possible?
The numerical score, which indicates the winner and loser, is often easily digested, but when one takes into account the sheer athleticism and mental fortitude it took for these two great players to showcase their abilities in the grandest and perhaps most meaningful tennis match to date—no loser was left on court today.
In many ways it was really a shame that Andy Roddick did not pull this match out. Not to spoil Federer's coronation as the GOAT in anyway—I mean, that was pretty cool to see.
But when looking at tennis as a whole, it's always nice to have as many well equipped hungry soldiers as possible in the mix at the top. Roddick is certainly now floating very high in the mix, after his splendid fortnight.
It is not to say that having Federer become the highest holder of grand slam hardware is a bad thing. If more people do not become tennis fans after the Wimbledon finals of the past three seasons, then maybe sports are not their thing.
At any rate, after 171 winners in total (it doesn't matter, who hit how many), the premonition of Wimbledon becoming the breeding ground for tennis' grandest Champion, has finally come to fruition.
Look closely however, and you will find that Roger Federer was not the only one who left his mark on Center Court today. There was also this Gentleman from Texas who without question gained the respect of each and everyone who had ever raised a doubt.
No matter what people tell you, don't ever forget for a second that two married guys played one of the greatest matches to ever grace any tennis on the planet today, period.
Dedication and focus, begins and ends, in all walks and stages of life.
9 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete