Roger Federer hailed an 'unbelievable moment' as he won a record 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Sunday.
Swiss ace left amazed after record-breaking victory
Roger Federer hailed an 'unbelievable moment' as he won a record 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Sunday.
The Swiss ace landed his sixth title at SW19 by overcoming Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 in a marathon final which took more than four hours.
The victory put him ahead of previous Grand Slam record-holder Pete Sampras and further enhanced his reputation as perhaps the greatest player in history.
Speaking after his success, Federer said: "It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it's been quite a career and quite a month.
"It feels amazing, but this is not why I'm playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have.
"But this doesn't mean we stop playing tennis. I want to keep enjoying tennis for many more years so I hope to come back here and play some good tennis in the future."
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Sampras flew in especially from California to see history being made, while other former winners Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver were also present.
Turning to Sampras, who was making his first appearance at the All England Club since playing there for the last time in 2002, Federer said: "Thanks very much for coming.
"I know it's a long way, but you're a member, man, we like to see you here. It's such a pleasure to play in front of such great legends."
Crazy match
He added: "It course it was a crazy match with an unbelievable end and my head's still spinning.
"But it's an unbelievable moment in my career."
Federer's win also saw him regain the world number one spot from the absent Rafael Nadal, who withdrew through injury.
The Swiss ace added: "I guess it's nice to have but of course I'm aware that Rafa didn't play here.
"Injuries are part of the game but I'm happy I became number one in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is and I love playing here.
"Things didn't look so good when I lost in the finals of the Australian Open (earlier this year) but to come through and win Paris and now Wimbledon back to back it's amazing."
Roddick gracious
Roddick was gracious in defeat, paying tribute to Federer and apologising to fellow American Sampras for being unable to prevent him losing his record.
"Roger is a true champion and he deserves everything he gets," said 26-year-old Roddick, who has now lost three Wimbledon finals to Federer.
"I tried, sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off.
"It was a pleasure playing here today in front of great champions like Pete, Rod (Laver) and Bjorn (Borg).
"I still hope one day that my name will be up there with theirs as a winner of this tournament."
