At the fifth set when the score was 11-11, and after being awake for four hours since six o’clock in the morning, I was yearning for this back and forth game to end, even if I love Roger Federer. Breakfast at Wimbledon? I didn’t have the chance to wash up or even cook breakfast until Federer finally snagged those last two crucial points to win his 15th career Grand Slam, which broke Pete Sampras’ record. Congratulations, Roger!
I admit that I thought Roger was going to breeze through this game, since Roddick hasn’t ever awed me, even after his win against Murray. The whole thing about him never believing in himself just didn’t inspire me. It’s funny how the British crowd seemed to root for Roddick more than for Federer because it was Roddick who took out their country’s favorite player. But when Federer won and made history, the cheers for him became bigger. Shady fans? Hmm.
I also admit that Andy played a better game than Roger, because I’ve never seen him mess up so much and Mr. Cool actually showed some frustrations, which he usually doesn’t do – well, except when he plays his number one rival, Rafa Nadal. After five sets and over four hours later, both players were strong and still offered powerful serves and hot shots; they weren’t even breathing hard! But what mattered was what the long-time champion Federer displayed – perseverance and preciseness. Maybe Andy’s anxiety finally got to him in the very end since a Wimbledon win for him would have been just as big as Federer’s fifteenth. (Did you notice his pre-embroidered celebratory jacket? I wonder if he would of saved it for next year if he didn’t win.) But there was so much strain and emotional pain in Andy’s body language after his loss. The chance of victory is fleeting when you play against Federer. He deserved to win, though. People thought there couldn’t be another match as good as Nadal vs. Federer but Andy proved to be a formidable opponent.
The final score of Federer vs. Roddick was: 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14. Wow, 16-14 in the final set seems like they were playing football! Speaking of football, I can’t wait until the new season starts because I am missing my favorite sport to watch. Go Steelers! And without John Madden, Sunday Night Football won’t be the same but I’m happy with Chris Collingsworth as a replacement. Ok, I’m off on a tangent and that means I need to take a much needed nap because waking up a six a.m. on a Sunday is not my usual routine. Again, congrats Roger!
