Roger Federer's crazy year continues

BY MARTYN HERMAN

Roger Federer spoke of his crazy year after beating Andy Roddick in a stupendous Wimbledon men's singles final to become the most prolific winner of grand slam titles in men's tennis.

The Swiss, whose incredible 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14 victory was his 15th career grand slam and sixth at Wimbledon, is now the holder of three of the sport's four big prizes after capturing the French Open title last month for the first time.

American great Pete Sampras, whose record of 14 grand slam titles Federer equalled in Paris, looked on from the Royal Box as the Swiss told the crowd what the moment meant.

"It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy but, man, it's been quite a career," Federer, who pulled on a white tracksuit top with the number 15 emblazoned on the back, said on court after lifting the Challenge Trophy for a sixth time, 12 months after being beaten by Rafael Nadal here.

"It feels amazing but this is not why I am playing tennis for, to break all these records but it is definitely one of the greatest ones to have.

"This year's crazy, I told you. Things didn't look so good when I lost in the final of the Australian Open, which was still an unbelievable result.

"To come through and battle back and win Paris and now Wimbledon back-to-back, something Bjorn (Borg) did a couple of times, it's amazing."

A year ago, Federer's five-year reign at Wimbledon was ended by Nadal, he then hit back to win a fifth consecutive US Open then in February he lost again to Nadal in the Australian Open when he broke down in tears.

After marrying long-time girlfriend Mirka in April he finally ended years of near misses at Roland Garros.

'GREAT LEGENDS'

Borg, who managed five Wimbledon singles triumphs was sat alongside Sampras, who has seven, and four-times winner Rod Laver as Federer finally overcame the gallant Roddick.

"Thanks very much for coming," Federer said to California-based Sampras. "I know it's a long way but you know you are a member we like to see you here and it's such a pleasure to play in front of such great legends.

"I was here last year and I didn't have it (the trophy) but it feels great. It was a crazy match and it was an unbelievable end. My head's still spinning, it's an unbelievable moment."

Federer, who lost a similar epic against Spaniard Nadal last year, spared a though for Roddick, who only dropped serve once in the match, in the final game.

"Andy played an unbelievable tournament and don't be too sad, I went through some rough ones as well, one on this court last year, and I came back and won," Federer, who returns to the number one ranking, said.

Roddick quipped that Federer had already won five Wimbledon titles when he lost to Nadal but Federer added: "I won five but still it hurts, so you're going to come back and win it, I hope so.

"You're an unbelievable guy and you played unbelievable today. Unfortunately there has to be a winner and today I was on the lucky side."

-Reuters