Wimbledon finals — Roger repeats

WIMBLEDON, England — Roger Federer is tough to faze.

Andy Roddick's 140 mph serves and surprising aggressiveness in the Wimbledon final didn't do the trick. Neither did two rain delays. And it didn't matter one bit that Federer couldn't consult a coach: He came up with a key strategy change all on his own.

The unflappable Federer kept blunting Roddick's best and flashing brilliant shots Sunday for a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory and his second straight Wimbledon title.

After being labeled early on as someone unable to win the big ones, Federer is 3-0 in championship matches at majors. He's also won his last eight finals overall.

"I kind of like it — the 100 percent record in the finals of Grand Slams. These are the ones that really, really count," Federer said. "Grand Slam titles put you just a step higher."

He cemented his status as the game's best now, improving to 46-4 with a tour-leading six titles in 2004, including the Australian Open.

Federer is the first man since Andre Agassi in 1999 to win two majors in a year.

If Federer, 22, and Roddick, 21, are a cut above the rest, it's clear who has the upper hand between the top duo: The Swiss star is 6-1 against the American.

"Roger just played too good today. I threw the kitchen sink at him, but he went to the bathroom and got a tub," Roddick said. "I'm going to have to start winning some of them to call it a rivalry."

Roddick has been impressive in his own right the past two years, finishing 2003 at No. 1 after winning his first major at the U.S. Open. His serves are the fiercest around, and his forehands end points with a flick of the wrist.

Federer, who took over the top ranking in February, was just too steady in the first No. 1 vs. No. 2 Wimbledon men's final in 22 years. He extended his grass winning streak to 24, one more than Pete Sampras' longest.

"He definitely has an aura about him," Roddick said. "He's an unbelievable tennis player, and people know that."

Here's John McEnroe's take on Federer: "He does have a chance to be one of the greatest players that ever lived. He's got a chance to win a lot of major titles."

Federer's biggest asset is his versatility. He goes from defense to offense in a blink, can slug it out at the baseline (as he did early Sunday) and can go to the net (as he did late Sunday).