Federer outlasts Roddick for 15th major title

WIMBLEDON, England -- Roger Federer won his record 15th Grand Slam title yesterday, outlasting Andy Roddick for his sixth Wimbledon championship in a marathon match that went to 16-14 in the fifth set.

Federer served a career-high 50 aces and overcame the resilient American 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 to break the record of major titles he shared with Pete Sampras and enhance his reputation as perhaps the greatest player in history.

The match finally ended after 4 hours, 16 minutes when Federer broke for the first time all day, with Roddick missing with a forehand.

Federer jumped high in celebration, punched the air and whacked the net with his racket. Roddick tossed his racket to the side and the two men shared a hug at the net. Federer held up the trophy, kissed it and brought it close to his chest.

Watching from the front row of the Royal Box was Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who flew in from California, his first appearance at the All England Club since playing this tournament for the last time in 2002. Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver.

"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," said Federer, who saved four set points in the second-set tiebreaker to avoid falling behind 2-0 in sets. "It feels amazing, but this is not why I'm playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have."

Turning to Sampras, Federer said: "Thanks very much for coming. I know it's a long way, but you're a member, man, we like to see you here. It's such a pleasure to play in front of such greats legends."

Roddick said: "Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off."

Federer reclaimed the No. 1 ranking he lost last year to Nadal, the Spaniard who beat him in the epic 2008 final but missed this year's tournament because of knee problems.

"I'm aware that Rafa didn't play here," Federer said. "Injuries are part of the game, unfortunately, but I'm happy I became No. 1 in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is out there. I love playing here."

Federer is the third player in history to win six Wimbledon championships -- Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

It was the longest men's Grand Slam final in history at 77 games -- breaking the previous record of 71 from 1927 in Australia. It also was the longest fifth set in a men's Grand Slam final in history, surpassing the 20 games from 1927 in France.

The 30-game final set could have encompassed several sets. Federer's straight-set victories in the first and second rounds each were shorter in total number of games than yesterday's decisive set.

The fifth set went back-and-forth with the players slugging huge serves at each other, offering few chances to break. Roddick saved one break point in the second game, and Federer erased two at 8-8 when he came up with two big serves when 15-40 down.

"I was just trying to survive each time and hold serve and give myself a shot," Roddick said. "It didn't work out, but I definitely gave myself a look."

Finally, in the 30th game, serving with Federer ahead 15-14, Roddick blinked. On the second deuce, he misplayed a forehand to give Federer a chance to secure his place in history. On match point, after a contest featuring so many aces, winners and brilliant shots, Roddick shanked a forehand. Until then, Federer had been 0-6 on break points.

The statistics were eye-catching: Federer's 50 aces were one short of the Wimbledon record held by Ivo Karlovic. Federer had an incredible total of 107 winners, compared with 38 unforced errors. Roddick had 27 aces, 74 winners and 33 unforced mistakes.