Associated Press

Wimbledon, July 4:

Roger Federer overcame Andy Roddick’s brute power game on Sunday to win his second straight Wimbledon title and cement his status as the game’s No 1 player. The top-seeded Swiss star withstood Roddick’s huge serves and forehand winners, winning 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 for his third Grand Slam title and 24th consecutive victory on grass. Federer came from a break down at 2-4 in the third set and took charge by playing a brilliant third-set tiebreaker. He saved six break points in the fourth set, broke Roddick at love in the seventh game and finished the match with his 12th ace.

When his final 200 kph serve flew past Roddick, Federer dropped to his knees at the baseline and arched his body all the way onto his back. He got up and smacked a ball into the crowd. Roddick came around the net and the players hugged. Federer appeared to be in tears as he sat on courtside chair. After receiving the trophy from the Duke of Kent, Federer kissed it and raised it over his head to a huge ovation from the Centre Court crowd. “It is an unbelievable feeling,” Federer said. “It’s still difficult to believe it but I’m definitely enjoying this moment as much as I can.”

Turning to Roddick, he said, “He played very, very aggressive. I got surprised but everybody knows his power. I got lucky today for sure, because I was down one set all and a break, and if Andy would maybe a few good games he would be up two sets to one. He also deserves this titles, so I hope in the future we’re going to play many more times at this place.”

It was Federer’s third win in three Grand Slam finals. He won the Australian Open in February. “I kind of like it - the 100 percent record in Grand Slams,” he said. “These are the ones that really, really count. Grand Slam tournaments put you just a set higher. To have won my favourite tournament already twice in my career is incredible.” Roddick, the US Open champion, gave Federer full credit. “Roger just played too good today,” he said. “I threw the kitchen sink out, but he went to the bathroom and got a tub. It’s definitely tough losing, but I feel good in myself that I left everything out there. Roger is a great champion and hopefully we’ll get to do this again sometime.”