Despite the final result, today's accolades and picture must go to Andy Roddick. He played so well this year. His last three matches were like a trip to the past and better because he has improved so much. Many people thought last year's final was the greatest Wimbledon final, but I'd say this year's was even closer, no?
It just showed how far Roddick has pulled himself this year and was testimony to his the-match-is-not-over-till-the-last-point-is-played fighting spirit. After so many disastrous outings with Federer, to have pushed him so far yesterday was amazing. Of course I wish he (Roddick, of course) had won. He deserved to.
I just read his post-match interview where he was asked about losing the second set. His answer, “You know, at that point, like everything else, there's two options: you lay down or you keep going. The second option sounded better to me." Well said.
As for Federer, (grudging) congratulations again.
I don' t care who thinks he's the greatest of all time but I completely disagree, my reasons being:
1. A hero, role model, great champion, whatever, should have humility, not an ego, the size of a Swiss mountain.
2. Whether he was #1 or #2, very often in major tournaments he had the easier draw than his closest rivals.
3. He also often has his major stumbling blocks removed without even lifting a finger (Think Djokovic, Murray, Nadal, at this year's Slams). I thought he was practically handed this year's French Open on a silver platter. (He must have thought he would get Wimbledon on a golden platter. Bet he didn't expect that hard a battle with Roddick.)
4. He doesn't put in all those long training hours that everyone else does, does he?
5. He still has a glaringly poor losing record against Nadal and Murray, and is only 6-4 (I think) up against Djokovic.
How can he be the greatest?
To me, he is the 'player with the most Slams'.
Comments
I have to say he was a good player and he makes quite an entertaining commentator these days.