Roger Federer AND Andy Roddick earn my POTW.
Federer, for his part in making breakfast at Wimbledon …brunch with Wimbledon.
Roddick, for pushing Federer as far as he could.
One year after coming up short against Rafael Nadal, Federer particpated in yet another epic finals match. Last year’s match set a record for overall duration. This year’s match set a record for most games played in the final set – 30. Yeah, that’s right 30. It started at breakfast and ended after 1pm.
Facing four set points in the second stanza, Federer fended off Roddick and a possible two-set hole. Federer went on to take the next set and 2-1 lead.
Roddick, on the other hand, showed immeasurable resilience. He came with one point of a two-set lead only to find himself behind 2-1. For all his effort Roddick comes away with the runner-trophy in a match that saw him win at least 6 games in every set. In fact, Roddick won 39 games, but could not take championship. Somehow, Roddick came back and took the match to the epic fifth set.
Tough to figure what is more amazing: after four hours of play, in the 30th game of the fifth set, Roddick still managed to serve at 130 mph. Yet, Federer returned those serves.
Who gets your POTW?
Smitty says
I think what is more amazing about the Roddick/Federer match is that from all reports I have read – Roddick hurt his hip in the 4th set and managed to keep playing at an elite level. Roddick is hurt bad enough that he is out this week’s tournament.
As for my POTW – I am going local. The Rochester Rhinos knocked off the Columbus Crew this past week in the U.S. Open Cup. They won again last night and are now moving on to the Open Cup’s semifinals!