What a match. One man stands alone, while another stands in the shadow of defeat.
Another instant classic Wimbledon men’s final wrapped up the 2009 tournament this past weekend at the All England Club in London. Who would have guessed that the long five-setter between rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that lasted into darkness the previous year, could be topped by a marathon match between American Andy Roddick and Switzerland’s Federer.
The 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 – yes, 16-14 - match shattered numerous records: Federer had a grand total of a career-high 50 aces, 22 in the final set alone, and the 77-game contest was the longest in Grand Slam history. The 95-minute final set was a back-and-forth affair of service holds.
With Roddick serving at 14-15, Federer did not waste his first chance at a championship point. Roddick mishit a ball, sailing it long, to give Federer the victory.
After Federer’s jubilant jump on the court following the final point of the tournament, Roddick was the one left in shock and disappointment. He played what commentator and former player John McEnroe called the best match of Roddick’s career in the semifinals to beat English favorite Andy Murray, before leaving everything he had on the court during the final against the best player, arguably, of all time.
Roddick couldn’t have played the match any better. One has to think that had he been matched up against anyone else, he would have prevailed to lift that first-place cup for the first time on the lawn of Center Court. He has been the runner-up at the Grand Slam three times now (2004 and 2005), all against Federer.
He stands alone
What else can you expect from the No. 1 player in the world, a title Federer reclaimed with his win in the finals. Not only is he the most dominant player (with Rafa close on his heels), but his win at Wimbledon marked the Swiss player’s 15th Grand Slam title, beating the 14-Slam record held by recent tennis great, Pete Sampras, who flew in from Los Angeles to watch history unfold.
Apparently, the dominant duo have become quite good friends as of late. It’s amazing how much mutual respect they have for each other. And although I’m sure Sampras thought his record in the tennis history books would hold up a little longer than just a few years, even he had to appreciate the great match the two gentlemen played.
Fighting back his emotions, Roddick showed he still had his sense of humor during his post-match remarks to the crowd by apologizing to Sampras for not being able to keep the Slam record intact.
“Sorry Pete,” Roddick said. “I tried to hold him off.”
Nearly unbroken
One of Roddick’s biggest strengths has always been his powerful serve. But instead of just acing his way through the match, Roddick balanced out his game – and it showed. He didn’t give Federer a run for his money by relying only on his serve.
But that serve was part of his game that made the day even more unbelievable. Roddick held his serve throughout the course of the entire match – nearly - for 37 consecutive games.
Of course, Roddick was broken once – during the final game of the match, which saw Federer come out as the champion. What a heartbreaking way to lose; you are nearly perfect during your service games, and you still don’t come away as the victor. That’s gotta be a tough pill to swallow.
Will he be back?
Watching Roddick as he struggled to hold back his tears in his seat after play was over, my heart ached for him. He was so close to becoming the Wimbledon champion, a feat that will still elude him at least until 2010 when he will have the chance to try again.
But I’m not sure if that will happen. Roddick has been plagued, like many others, by playing in an era the same as Nadal and Federer who seem to always find a way to win, no matter the opponent or circumstance.
I think this was Roddick’s chance. He played two of the best matches of his career, but fell just short. I really hope he gets back to the finals and is able to be victorious, but with a healthy Federer and Nadal on the circuit, that will be a tall order.
Whatever happens during the rest of Roddick’s career (he turns 27 in August), I hope he can at least look back to this year’s Wimbledon tournament and be proud. He has a bitter taste in his mouth now, but in time he will come to realize the great accomplishment he achieved against one of the world’s best.
It truly was a match to behold.
No comments:
Post a Comment