After four hours and 16 minutes on the centre court at Wimbledon, a time when play often soared to regal heights even as the sun dipped, the great man finally became the most successful Grand Slam champion of all time.
The 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 victory in the men’s singles final of the 123rd championships on Sunday saw Federer ease past the greatest Wimbledon champion of modern times.He surpassed Pete Sampras's total of 14 major titles by defeating Andy Roddick in five sets.Federer’s victory – a gruelling success – secured his sixth title at the All England Club and took him once more to the top of the world rankings ahead of the injured Rafa Nadal, who beat him at the same stage last year. In terms of sheer tennis brilliance, it may trail last year's thriller, but the drama was something else, as both players went toe-to-toe like gladiators - the onlooking Russell Crowe must have been proud and India's own gladiator sportsman Sachin Tendulkar spending his precious little time viewing this great match.
The 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 victory in the men’s singles final of the 123rd championships on Sunday saw Federer ease past the greatest Wimbledon champion of modern times.He surpassed Pete Sampras's total of 14 major titles by defeating Andy Roddick in five sets.Federer’s victory – a gruelling success – secured his sixth title at the All England Club and took him once more to the top of the world rankings ahead of the injured Rafa Nadal, who beat him at the same stage last year. In terms of sheer tennis brilliance, it may trail last year's thriller, but the drama was something else, as both players went toe-to-toe like gladiators - the onlooking Russell Crowe must have been proud and India's own gladiator sportsman Sachin Tendulkar spending his precious little time viewing this great match.
For Federer, the only question remaining is whether, at 27, he is already the best tennis player in history. Certainly, the previous owner of the Grand Slam career record was in agreement.
"In my book, Federer is the greatest," Sampras said, who still has the edge in Wimbledon titles with seven to Federer's six. "I have to give it to him. The critics say Laver, and Nadal has beaten him a few times at majors. He's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more here. So in my book he is the best." Sampras agreed.
"In my book, Federer is the greatest," Sampras said, who still has the edge in Wimbledon titles with seven to Federer's six. "I have to give it to him. The critics say Laver, and Nadal has beaten him a few times at majors. He's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more here. So in my book he is the best." Sampras agreed.
