Federer Retains Wimbledon Title

Roger Federer produced a virtually flawless exhibition of grasscourt tennis to beat Andy Roddick 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 and join an elite band of eight men who have won a hat-trick of Wimbledon men's singles titles.

Federer's straight-sets victory gives the Swiss maestro a place in history alongside such legends of the game as Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg and Fred Perry. "Sampras was one of my favourite players of all time," said Federer afterwards, "and Borg - to be in that group is very special." "I hope it's not going to stop at three", he added.

Federer need hardly worry on that count. At only 23 years old, the Swiss maestro will almost certainly reach further milestones, and has time on his side as he attempts to overhaul Pete Sampras' modern-day record of seven titles and establish a reputation as the greatest player ever to grace the sport.

Federer's victory gives him his fifth Grand Slam title, 21st consecutive win in a final and 36th successive triumph on grass. He dropped just one set en route to the title.

Roddick was quick to concede the champion's pre-eminence. "This guy's the best for a reason," said the American, "and he deserves a lot of credit."

Federer's superiority was evident virtually from the outset. Although the opening five games went with serve, he broke Roddick in the sixth and eighth games and for a while looked likely to overwhelm his opponent.

At 1-1 in the second set there was a glimmer of hope for Roddick as Federer, failing to control a ferocious forehand from the American, volleyed into the net to lose his serve. But the respite proved short-lived, Federer quickly levelling the match at 3-3.

Roddick continued to battle gamely, and the second set moved inexorably towards a tiebreak. Federer, though, was not to be denied, easing 4-2 ahead courtesy of a searing backhand. When Roddick netted an easy forehand on the next point, flinging his racket to the ground in a mixture of frustration and disgust, the writing was on the wall. Federer sealed the tiebreak 7-2.

With the Swiss now firmly in the driving seat, Roddick was afforded some welcome respite by a brief rain delay.

Yet, although the American returned to the fray with a renewed sense of purpose, he was unable to break the Federer serve.

At 3-3, Federer finally shattered Roddick's spirit once and for all, producing a flurry of winners to achieve a crucial break. Minutes later, the Swiss was home and dry (give or take a few tears), casting himself to the ground in celebration of a memorable victory. There will surely be others.