2009 Wimbledon: Roddick v. Federer Brightens July 4th Weekend

Today the "Federer-Roddick" Wimbledon final, brightened up an otherwise sad weekend for sports. Yesterday, sports fans were alerted that former NFL quarterback and three time Pro-Bowler Steve McNair, was murdered in Nashville, Tennessee. The details of his murder continue to bring up questions as to why this happened and left fans with a heavy heart.

Then today arrived and we were blessed with a show that would blow away most acts in Vegas: Andy Roddick vs. Roger Federer in the Wimbledon men's final. Though it might not have been anticipated as a Federer-Nadal-like match, it was nonetheless breathtaking.

I don't normally watch tennis other than to watch an occasional Williams' sister match, but I decided to watch the game this morning and I must say, Federer and Roddick did not disappoint.  I tuned in at some point during the fourth set while I was on the treadmill at the gym. I had no idea what I was in for when I hopped on the machine.

For the next hour, I watched intensely as Roddick refused to let Federer get two games ahead of him to win the championship. The fifth and final set continued onto thirty games with Federer ending the grueling fight to the finish and netting his 15th Grand Slam title.

Both players put on outstanding performances, especially Federer with a career-high fifty aces.  Andy Roddick didn't lose, Roger Federer simply played a better game, which led him to gain the winning title. Roddick is still a great tennis player and athlete, however Federer showed the world that he's on top.

This exhilarating display of athleticism is what sports is all about pushing yourself until the end for the win.

One day, someone may ask: "Where were you when Roddick and Federer played the 77-game Wimbledon final?" I hope that you'll be able to say that you witnessed this great day in sports.