Wimbledon - The 2009 Men's Singles Final - Federer vs Roddick

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Game, set, match...
Review added by
Rich Goodman

Another epic final
Certificate: E
Running Time: 300 minutes
Retail Price: 19.99
Release Date: 31/08/2009
Content Type: TV Series

Synopsis:
That Roger Federer had won 18 of their previous 20 matches was not a consideration on this day. For a start, Andy Roddick, white cap pulled low over his eyes, was clearly a fitter and slimmer version of the man who had already lost to Federer in two Wimbledon finals, and he matched Federer stride for stride, shot for shot, ace for ace as they hurtled through the opening set, completing 10 games in just 25 minutes and it was Roddick who went a set in front after 39 minutes. In terms of match time, it was not quite as long as last year s battle between Federer and Rafael Nadal, but it soon took on similarly epic proportions.

And for much of the match, it seemed that Roddick would emulate Nadal's feat as he hammered away at his opponent. Federer wavered a few times, but never toppled and in the end won on merit. As the match went on, the records began to tumble. The most games ever played in a men s singles Wimbledon final, beating last year s 62. The most games in a set of a men s final at the All England club. Federer's ace count passed the 50 mark and then, finally, it was Roddick who cracked in the 30th game of the set. Three mis-hits off the frame indicated he was fatigued and when Federer was offered the first Championship point he grabbed it eagerly, leaping into the air with joy as another Roddick mis-hit sailed long.

Roger Federer secured a record-breaking 15th grand slam, putting him ahead of Pete Sampras, who was present on Centre Court to watch Federer's gruelling 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 victory. He returns to number one in the world, too, by way of yet another win bonus. Incredible, unbelievable, astonishing, breathtaking and epic. Relive this truly momentous climax to the 2009 Championships as the 27-year-old Swiss became the most successful man in the sport.

Special Features:
Interview with Roger Federer