Federer outlasts Roddick to surpass Sampras' Grand Slam victory mark
WIMBLEDON, England — Roger Federer hoisted the trophy and celebrated making Grand Slam history, a year removed from an epic five-set final when he left Wimbledon a broken man, his title ripped away and his aura of invincibility shattered.
Federer waged another five-set marathon Sunday and left as the holder of the most prestigious record in tennis. This time, the winner's trophy belonged to him, with the No. 1 ranking in his grasp again and his reputation enhanced as perhaps the greatest player in history.
Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title, outlasting Andy Roddick for his sixth Wimbledon championship in match that went to 30 games in the final set.
Federer served a career-high 50 aces and overcame the resilient American 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 to break the record of major titles he shared with Pete Sampras.
"I'm happy I broke the record here because this is always the tournament that meant the most to me," Federer said. "It definitely feels like coming full circle, starting it here and ending it here."
The match finally ended after 4 hours and 16 minutes when Federer broke for the first time all day, with Roddick missing on a forehand.
Federer jumped high in celebration, punched the air and whacked the net with his racket. Roddick tossed his racket to the side and the two men shared a hug at the net. Federer kissed the trophy and brought it close to his chest.
Watching from the front row of the Royal Box was Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who flew in from California, his first appearance at the All England Club since playing this tournament for the last time in 2002. Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver.
"It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it's been quite a career and quite a month," said Federer, who saved four set points in the second-set tiebreaker to avoid falling behind 2-0 in sets. "It feels amazing, but this is not why I'm playing tennis — to break all sort of different records. But it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have."
Turning to Sampras, Federer said: "Thanks very much for coming. I know it's a long way, but you're a member, man, we like to see you here. It's such a pleasure to play in front of such legends."
Roddick said: "Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off."
The historic impact of the match hit home when Sampras arrived after the third game of the first set. Accompanied by his wife, Bridgette Wilson, he sat next to Spanish great Manolo Santana and a few seats from Laver and Borg. He wore sunglasses, a gray suit and light blue shirt and tie.
Recent comments
What does getting married and being a father have to do with...
RE; Anonymous | July 6, 2009 at 10:03 a.m.
The reason the Jazz will never be winners is because of fans like...
Re; Still Sour | July 6, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.
Congratulations, Roger! You definitely deserve it, especially when...
Anonymous | July 6, 2009 at 8:49 a.m.
- Temperatures to drop, snow possible 4:46 p.m.
- Police: men threatened Orem officer 4:40 p.m.
- Art of medicine can require delays 4:34 p.m.
- Release dying dog from senior work 4:34 p.m.
- 'Evenings at the Museum' Friday 4:33 p.m.
- Venom is potential medicine 4:33 p.m.
- Pavel Haas Quartet eloquent 4:33 p.m.
- Mormon Times briefly 4:30 p.m.
- Mom pleads in child beating 4:26 p.m.
- Man has car stolen, gets stabbed 4:21 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- House passes health care bill
274 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
217 - TCU showdown has big implications
189 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
98
Utah State hoops coach Stew Morrill took a few minutes to talk about Weber
@4:07 from THEM Thank God, you probably own no apartments, and that...
I've been to Mali with this particular foundation, and I just want to say...
I read so many of these negative comments. I think the Cougars play very...
Is there just an endless supply of slimey, no-life, mental midgets who have...
Do you really think that 10+ colleges are that stupid? Lloyd was heavily...
Desert Rat, MJ is just plain good
When I was a young boy, my father emphasized one guiding principle, "Never...
I have no sympathy for the person who impoverished many people and has no...
Hey Felt! How come you don't mention the Pleasant Grove vs. Pittsburg...
WHO really TRUSTS Congress?. The Demo's or GOP. NO ONE DOES. The stats and...

