Wimbledon men’s final: Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick
American Andy Roddick was able to oust fan favorite Andy Murray of Scotland in Wimbledon’s semifinals on Friday, so Roddick should be used to playing against the crowd when he takes on Roger Federer in Sunday’s finals.
Federer has opened as a big favorite on WagerWeb.com, and the crowd will definitely be behind him as Federer attempts history.
The Swiss star has reached his seventh straight Wimbledon final (first player since 1922 to do that) and has only lost once at the All England Club in that stretch – to Rafael Nadal in last year’s final. A win Sunday gives Federer a record 15th Grand Slam title, breaking Pete Sampras’ record.
Federer, who has dropped only one set in this tournament, handled Tommy Haas 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-3 on Friday, extending his winning run to 18 consecutive matches overall this year. He has reached the finals in 16 of the last 17 Grand Slam tournaments and 20 overall, breaking the record he shared with Ivan Lendl.
“It’s quite staggering now, having reached again I think it’s my sixth straight Grand Slam final as well,” Federer said.”Having so many things going for me now again, an opportunity again on Sunday, it’s fantastic.”
He will meet Roddick in the final for the third time in six years after the American defeated Murray 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5).
The problem for Roddick is that Federer has had his number in a big way, leading 18-2 and beating Roddick in the 2004 and 2005 Wimbledon final. Federer has won the past four meetings. Roddick’s wins came the 2003 Masters Series Canada (hardcourt) and in 2008 in Miami (hardcourt).
No American has won a Grand Slam event since Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003 – that’s the longest drought ever for the U.S. It’s Roddick’s first Grand Slam final since 2006.
“I had to play my best tennis (against Murray). I can’t say enough good things about Andy’s game but I can play some tennis sometimes,” said Roddick, who had been 2-6 against Murray and 2-11 in his past 13 matches against top-five players.
The American will have the edge on serve, as he is second in this tournament in aces. But Federer already beat the guy who was No. 1 in aces, Ivo Karlovic.
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