Roger Federer Blasts Andy Roddick at U.S. Open

By Mark Hoerrner

It was Dom Perignon and congratulations from none other than Golf’s top player, Tiger Woods, after Roger Federer made short work of opponent Andy Roddick.

Federer claimed his ninth Grand Slam singles title by dominating Roddick 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 yesterday. He’s won nine of the last 14 Grand Slam tournaments, ESPN reports. It’s a feat that only five other men have bested.

He’ll take home the crystal trophy and perhaps more importantly, a $1.2 million purse for winning the title.

"I always knew I was talented, I had potential," Federer said in an interview. "I'm shocked myself how well it's been going the last three, four years, not only compared to former great tennis players but now, especially, also other great athletes all over sports."

ESPN’s Greg Garber asked Federer if he felt that his opponents were gaining ground on him. He had been beaten by Rafael Nadal in the finals of the French Open.

"I don't know," Federer told Garber. "As long as I'm on top, I guess it doesn't really matter. You could say the gap is closing, but at the same time, I'm playing so well and consistent that it's going to be hard for them to pass me at the moment. That's for sure."

Roddick called Federer’s performance scary as Federer did not double-fault once over the course of 103 serves. Conversely, he broke Roddick’s service six times.

"He's improving as well," Roddick said.

Federer is quickly being noted as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He’s on track not only to break Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam titles but to long surpass it. He’s at the top of his game at the moment and still young; like his new acquaintance Woods and storied athletes like Michael Jordan, there are few like him. Roddick discovered that first hand as he fought to keep on top of Federer’s serve.

Roddick was the flattest he’s been as a competitor. The only American even to reach a Grand Slam final this year, he’s often poised, controlled and ready with a fireball serve to bring down his opponents. Not this time. This time, he fell repeatedly – sometimes before fans even had a chance to come back from the concession stand – with games like love-5 in just 17 minutes, Garber reported.

Roddick, despite being defeated, had praise for his opponent.
"Roger is at the top, and he's the only person at the top, regardless of how much people want to make rivalry comparisons and this, that and the other," he said. "He's the best player in the game. There's no question in my mind."