Federer vs Roddick turned out to be a complete surprise. I was expecting Federer to roll over Roddick and win in straight sets.
But I had not counted on Roddick's vastly-improved game.
I used to think that Andy Roddick was just a one-dimensional player, armed with a big serve and nothing else.
But in the final, Roddick was very unrecognisable from the player I knew. His rocket serves threatened to blow potholes into the court. His groundstrokes were accurate and he was more than capable in slugging out with Federer in many rallies, even winning some.
The last set took an hour and a half - the longest final set in Wimbledon history - and even I was not sure if Federer could triumph.
When the game ended, the spotlight fell on Federer - winning his 15th Major (more than any other player in history), reclaiming the World No 1 ranking, and becoming, perhaps, the best player ever in the game.
But I sympathised with Andy Roddick. At the end of the match, he sat slumped on the chair, obviously shattered and disconsolate. He gave his all, but it was still not enough to defeat the maestro.
I hope Roddick will bounce back from this defeat and move on. Though Federer remains my favourite player, Roddick has won my heartfelt admiration. Throughout the great final, he held his own against Federer and was clearly the better player. However, Federer (as a true champion) did not give any hint of frustration. Within his graceful and elegant movement, it turns out that Federer wields an unbreakable resolve. When Roddick appeared unbeatable, he did not give up.
At the prize-giving ceremony, Roddick applauded Federer and gave a short speech that overflowed with graciousness.
Roddick has shown, that even under bitter defeat and sheer exhaustion, that he can still be a gracious loser, generous in compliments and praise.
That, indeed, would have earned respect from people all over the world.
Congratulations, Roger Federer. There will be no other player like you. You have set the benchmark for success and excellence and I know that there will be no other player in the future who can achieve the same level of excellent consistency like you.
I admire your courage and spirit, Andy Roddick. You surely deserve to win another Grand Slam tournament and I hope you do, in the near future.
