Roger Federer Wins Wimbledon and his 15th Grand Slam Title
July 5, 2009 by Staff
Filed under All Sports
Roger Federer did it. He won his record-breaking 15th Grand Slam Men’s Tennis title at Wimbledon, and he had to do in grandiose fashion against Andy Roddick.
In what was the longest tennis final of all-time, Federer outlasted Roddick in a 5th set duel that saw the two play 30 games!
Yes, 30 games!
Ultimately, Federer, after winning his 29th game of the 5th set, broke Roddick’s serve in the 30th game of the day’s final set, to become the 2009 Wimbledon Champion, and perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time.
Greg Garber of ESPN.com explains it best:
Actor Russell Crowe, watching in the gorgeous, golden light, may have wondered whether he was watching the best and bloodiest clashing scenes from “Gladiator.” As the games of the fifth set spun into double digits, BBC broadcaster and three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker said it reminded him of a soccer game decided on penalty kicks.
But even with the unnatural tension hanging on every point, Federer and Roddick played on, moving forward, making massive shot after massive shot. It wasn’t until the ultimate point — the 436th of the match — when Federer finally broke Roddick’s serve.
As a result, he was a 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 winner over Roddick. In terms of games, it was the longest fifth set in Grand Slam history. After four hours, 18 minutes, Federer had finally come to pass. His 15th major title was, appropriately, his most difficult to secure.
