Federer takes title after epic

ROGER FEDERER survived another epic final to win his sixth Wimbledon and record 15th grand slam title against a gallant Andy Roddick yesterday.

Federer held his nerve in an amazing fifth set to seal a remarkable 5-7 7-6 (8/6) 7-6 (7/5) 3-6 16-14 victory on Centre Court as Roddick’s brave resistance was finally broken.

It was the third year in succession Federer had been taken to five sets in the final, having beaten Rafael Nadal in 2007 and losing to the same player in 2008.

And Federer savoured “an unbelievable moment” in his career. “It was a crazy match, an unbelievable end and my head is still spinning. This could have gone on for a few more hours I think,” said Federer. “It’s an unbelievable moment in my career.”

Pete Sampras, who had shared the record for most grand slam titles with Federer until yesterday, flew in from the US overnight to watch the match from the Royal Box and Federer added: “Thanks very much for coming, I know it’s a long way but you’re a member, we like to see you here and it’s such a pleasure to play in front of such great legends.

“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.

“It feels amazing but this is not why I’m playing tennis, to break all sorts of different records, but it’s definitely one of the greatest ones to have.’’

Federer’s win also sees him regain the world number one spot from the absent Rafael Nadal, who withdrew through injury, and the Swiss added: “I guess it’s nice to have but of course I’m aware that Rafa didn’t play here.

“Injuries are part of the game but I’m happy I became number one in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is and I love playing here. Things didn’t look so good when I lost in the finals of the Australian Open (earlier this year) but to come through and win Paris and now Wimbledon back to back it’s amazing.”

A gallant Roddick paid tribute to Federer and apologised to fellow American Sampras for being unable to prevent him losing his record.

“Roger is a true champion and he deserves everything he gets,” said 26-year-old Roddick, who has now lost three Wimbledon finals to Federer. “I tried, sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off. It was a pleasure playing here today in front of great champions like Pete, Rod (Laver) and Bjorn (Borg). I still hope one day that my name will be up there with theirs as a winner of this tournament.” Rod Laver saluted Roger Federer’s feat of winning a 15th grand slam as “an unbelievable effort”. But Australian Laver, who won two calendar Grand Slams during his distinguished career, stressed it was impossible to compare players from different eras and name the sport’s greatest star.

Laver, 70, said: “It’s amazing what sorts of shots he can come up with from impossible positions.

“It’s a great feeling to watch the talent he has and the opponents that he beats comfortably, where other players have such a tough time. He’s just naturally talented and can change where he has to change.

“It’s an unbelievable effort to have 15 grand slam titles. Pete Sampras has got 14, which was an unbelievable effort right there.”