Jul/090
Andy Roddick vs Roger Federer Wimbledon 2009
On the 5th July 2009 Roger Federer, the king of the grass court, took centre stage with US tennis hero Andy Roddick. Federer, going for his record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title and his sixth Wimbledon victory in the last seven years never at any stage in this years competition looked threatened by any opponent he faced and it was always going to be a tough ask of the young scot to overcome arguably the greatest player to have ever graced SW19.
Despite his best efforts, Andy Roddick could only take comfort from the fact that he had pushed his opponent all the way in a five set thriller. The match was on a knife edge when Roddick took the opener with a sparkling range of shots to match anything Nadal could have done in this pressurised situation.
On the final day of a tournament which has seen record-breaking temperatures, the weather was not about to let us down. Wimbledon history was not to be made as the roof on centre court was not closed because the sun was shining as it always seems to on Mens Final day, serving only to add to the tense atmosphere. Roddick had earlier complained about the roof being closed because of the condition of the air inside but this was no time for complaints. The biggest match in Roddick’s short career was taking a turn for the worse.
The second set was Federer at his best and sure enough the third set was wrapped up shortly afterwards 2 sets to 1 in The Fed’s favour. A Rod (as the americans love to call him) took charge of the fourth set breaking Federer twice to prove he was not about to roll over. An emotional Federer later thanked his loyal fans for their support over the past year which had been “the most difficult of his life”. However, the light at the end of the dark tunnel had clearly arrived when he stole the match from a spirited Andy Roddick 16-14 in the fifth and final set. Pundits argue that his recent marriage to Mirka Federer has proven to be the difference after the death of his long-time coach Peter Carter meant that he had no real influence in his corner come match time.
The mutual respect shown between the two players after them match was very pleasing to see. Roddick would have attracted many more fans after this tournament. The way he conducted himself on and off the court was impeccable. With Rafael Nadal out, this was Roddick’s chance, but we should not have underestimated Federer’s capabilities. Will 2010 be the year when Federer goes on to claim his 16th, 17th or 18th Grand Slam title or will it be Andy Murray’s year? We only have 350 days to wait…
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