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The American, of course, was no slouch before his run to the Wimbledon final, a match he lost in five sets (and probably should’ve won in four) to Federer, with the final set score a surreal 16-14. He has ended the year ranked in the top 10 every time since 2002 and had reached at least the semifinal round at a Grand Slam nine times headed into the fortnight. He is and has always been a world-class player.

But ever since his lone Slam triumph — at the 2003 U.S. Open — he has watched four men storm past him in the rankings. First, there was Federer. He was tied with Roddick on the all-time Slam titles list after that 2003 U.S. Open — both had 1. Since then, Federer leads 14-0. Later, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all joined Federer in co-founding the prestigious tennis club known to the media as the “Big Four.” This club owns every Grand Slam championship trophy since the 2005 Australian Open

Click here to read the full story at Fox Sports.

Fans awoke Monday morning to see the British papers awash with sympathy for Andy and plaudits for his contribution to a sporting epic. “You kept saying, well, someone has to break. And break is a big word — in men’s tennis it is like breaking the man himself. To be broken is to surrender a little of your manhood. So this became an old-fashioned bout of male head-butting, and in this department, until the very last game of the match, Roddick had the edge,” continued Barnes.

“He broke Federer in the first set and again in the fourth. And his own serve was a monstrous, inviolable thing. He hit 143mph at one point: more importantly, he crashed down a winner every time the Swiss sniffed a quarter-chance. Federer needed the tie-breakers to get past him. In a normal service game, he just didn’t have a chance. The fifth set looked like a long one from the very first point because Federer had no breaker to wait for.”

“Roddick served like a champion, served like he meant to win. But always there was Federer at the other end, never matching Roddick for pace on the serve, but very seldom letting Roddick get close. As the final set rolled on, it was impossible to see a winner, perhaps ever. It looked as if they would still be swapping aces and love games for years to come. But somebody always does break. You know it, both players know it.”

The Telegraph’s Mark Hodgkinson laments “Roddick turned in one of the sharpest performances of his tennis life, and yet when he returned to the locker room he had pink-tinged eyes, and he was holding the silver runner-up’s plate, and not the champion’s golden, pineapple-shaped trophy.”

“This was the third time that Roddick had lost a Wimbledon final, after defeats to Federer in 2004 and 2005, but this was the most difficult for the American to accept. “Tennis is cruel,” said Federer, who was in Roddick’s position last summer; emotionally battered.”

Hodgkinson also praised Andy’s resilience after the disappointment of not securing the second set tie-break when he had the chance. “Roddick led 6-2 in that second-set tie-break, so holding four set points, only to then lose six points in a row. Many other players would have faded away. Roddick did not. Roddick’s performance was a fine one; people have played tennis of a much lower quality and won Wimbledon’s Challenge Cup.”

“All Roger Federer wanted was tennis history wrapped up beautifully, classically and handed to him by his only rival in all the days of the game he has adorned, Pete Sampras, who had flown in from his Californian mansion for the Centre Court ritual,” wrote James Lawton in The Independent.

“Yet it wasn’t and it couldn’t quite be as formal as that. The complication – and it was one that whoever saw it will always remember with a little wonder and the deepest respect – was Andy Roddick. He also had a demand.”

“It didn’t work because however courageously it is attempted the odds against pick-pocketing genius are long indeed. When Roddick, the 26-year-old Texan who last Friday gave Britain’s prospective Grand Slam hero Andy Murray an ultimate lesson in the need to go all the way beyond what you thought was your deepest possible commitment, finally surrendered 14-16 in the fifth set which stretched the match into its fifth hour, he had almost literally been played to a standstill.”

“However, if it happens that the US Open title he won six years ago – in that hiatus between the glory of Sampras, whose record mark of 14 Grand Slam titles was passed by Federer last night – and the rise of the man who in the end had just a little too much of everything, he has something to tell the grandchildren who are likely to gather around him one day.”

“He can tell them that he once challenged one of the greatest sportsman who ever lived to fight as he had hardly ever fought before.”

“Classic Wimbledon final shows revitalised Andy Roddick’s resilience,” headlines Simon Cambers. “It will be of little consolation to Andy Roddick, when the disappointment of coming so close to winning his first Wimbledon title eventually begins to fade, that yesterday he played the match of his life. Twelve months after he found himself at such a mental low that he was even considering whether he should bother playing on, he produced a performance of which few people, perhaps even Roddick himself, thought he was capable.”

Well done on a tremendous effort, Andy!

During the fourth set of the Wimbledon final, Andy had a nasty fall on his right hip, and it is this injury that has forced him to pull out of the Davis Cup quarterfinal.

Speaking about Andy’s withdrawal, US Davis Cup Captain, Patrick McEnroe said,“Andy had a great run at Wimbledon. He battled for more than four hours yesterday (Sunday) and fought hard to reach the final. Understandably, his body is not up for the rigors of Davis Cup in such a short turnaround. Andy has been a stalwart for this team the past nine years, and his dedication to Davis Cup and his teammates is unquestioned.”

Replacing Andy, will be good friend, Mardy Fish. Fish will join James Blake, and the Wimbledon finalists, the Bryan twins, in Croatia on Tuesday where they will prepare for the weekend’s tie.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Andy’s genuine compassion and grace were on display as always as he addressed the fans four hours after stepping on to Centre Court. “I want to say congratulations to Roger, he is a true Champion, and deserves everything he gets,” Andy looked back at Roger whose 15th Grand Slam victory tops Pete Sampras’s existing record. “Sorry Pete,” Andy even joked with Sampras who sat in the Royal Box during the incredible display of world class tennis.

As Federer accepted the Champion Trophy after the 30th game in the fifth set, the two enjoyed a candid moment. “You already won five,” Andy and Federer bantered during the presentation as the two congratulated each other. From the former Champions who sat courtside to the fans watching at home stateside, there is no question that everyone will put this on the short list of the best matches in the history of the game.

“I”m one of the lucky few,” Andy acknowledged only moments after one of the hardest losses of his career.  “I’ll be back,” he smirked as he realized it sounded like threat. But throughout the fortnight, and seeing Andy’s growth mentally and physically over the past few months, it is a very real threat.

With little time to rest, Andy will continue to represent his Country on the world stage as he joins The Bryan Brothers and James Blake en route to Croatia for Davis Cup.

Check back to Ar.com for more wrap up from Wimbledon, proshop updates, and exclusive feedback from Team Roddick.

This is the third time Andy has met five-time Wimbledon Champion, Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final. The last two finals the pair both featured in were 2004 and 2005. The odds are stacked in the Swiss genius’ favour, but when did stats ever win a tennis match?

Speaking ahead of the match Roger Federer built up the rivalry with Andy:

“I played him for the first time nine years ago maybe. We’ve played each other almost in every Grand Slam, except the French. We’ve had some big matches against each other.

I always said that serve makes him so dangerous, you know. No matter what surface you play him on, no matter where you play him, how bad the record is for him, he’ll always have that shot just because he can serve so great.”

Federer currently holds an 18-2 record over Andy, and the pair have met once already in a Grand Slam this year, with Federer defeating Andy in the semifinals of the Australian Open. Since then, the pair have had two engaging encounters, in both Miami and Madrid, where the match has been pushed to three sets.

There will be an extra special feel to the match tomorrow as Federer attempts to break Pete Sampras’ record and win his 15th Grand Slam title. However Andy will be trying to spoil that party,

“Obviously you can’t really say enough to kind of signify what Roger’s career has been to this point. I’d love to delay it for another Grand Slam.”

Andy has been to two Wimbledon finals previously, but this time will be hoping to emerge the victor,

“I know how tough it is. But, you know, I’m excited about this one. I didn’t know if I was gonna get to play a final of Wimbledon again. You know, I’m certainly thankful to have that opportunity.”

Federer might be going for history, but Andy will also hope to accomplish a life-long dream by lifting his first Wimbledon trophy.

AndyRoddick.com will bring you all the build up and coverage from Wimbledon tomorrow, so stay tuned!

“The crowd here is electric… I’ll have to pretend when they say, ‘Come on, Andy!’ that they mean me,” Roddick noted of the anticipated Murray mayhem. Though they match began pro-Murray, Roddick’s new form and offensive solidarity gained the crowd’s respect. The first set took 37 minutes, and Andy continued the great form from throughout the fortnight with a high serve percentage. In the opening game on Roddick’s Babolot Pure Drive, his slammed a 140mph ace to show he means business, and proved it on set point. At 5-4 on Murray’s racquet, 30-40, Andy stepped up to the baseline with the set’s solo break opportunity on his shoulders, and sliced a backhand drop volley to convert the break, take the set, and strategize for the next.

Murray, however, was doing the same and broke Andy right back to get on the boards 1-0. The hometown hopeful’s serve kicked into high gear with soaring aces and crafty shots to easily hold the lead and take the set 4-6.

Going into the third, the lower ranked American(6) turned up the heat and gave himself double break points at 2-1. After three teetering deuces, the pressure was too much for Murray as two unforced errors handed the lead to the two-time finalist. Keeping up momentum, Roddick went on to hold and lead 5-3, but then the tides turned. When he could have broken for the set, the Queen’s champ broke him instead, to get back in the game at 5-4. As both Andy’s held, a ‘breaker would be the determining factor.

At 1-1 with Murray dealing, he hit a cross-court backhand wide to give Andy the mini break, 2-1, but tightened that shot to break back in the next point. At 7-7 after aces and slices, the number three seed miss-hit a groundstroke to allow Roddick to serve for the set, and yet another Murray unforced error gave the 63 minute set to our number one American.

Two-sets-to-one going into the fourth could go two ways, an American winner or a fifth set fight to the finish. Knowing this to be true, the Brit came out with his heart on his sleeve and his emotions on his face, showing his frustration and fear. A-Roddick, however, did something we’ve never seen before. After silent fist pumps to end the third, Andy came out calmer, cooler, and more focused than ever before. Usually here, Roddick pumps up the crowd, emotionally gets into the big points, and celebrates emphatically when he takes the lead… but no. Not this time. Now, the improved Andy showed that it’s not just his ground strokes that he’s controlled, it’s also his emotions and adrenaline.

“I enjoy his gigantic serve and his fighting spirit that always come out when he plays,” Federer noted on possibly meeting Roddick for their third Wimbledon final battle. Offensive strategies and structured points are solid, apparent, and lethal additions to the 6’2” newlywed’s fighting spirits, and his gigantic serve popped up at just the right moments. Though Murray earned the first and only break point of the set at 3-4, a forehand winner, a forehand crosscourt winner, and then a backhand crosscourt stinger from our serving master saved the game to even the score, 4-4. And then, yet another tiebreak was where these two Andy’s found themselves.

“Come on, Andy!” was being shouted by one and all as the shadows started covering the court. With both pumped to pommel the other, Murray began the pounding. At 2-1 back on the Brit’s racquet, a forehand slammed into the net to give Roddick the mini break, 3-1. A 19-stroke rally at 5-4 intensified the tension between the two players as Roddick now was serving for the set. However, on match point, Murray pulled out his key shot to save the match- a passing backhand bullet. Odds favored the Brit’s chance to save this set and match as the ball was his to serve. Even though Roddick popped up a backhand return, he was able to stay in the rally and gain control to push Murray out wide, forcing him to hit a running backhand that sailed right into the net. Game, set, match, ticket to the finals – Roddick.

Falling to his knees in disbelief, the first sign of emotion the entire match, tears, cheers, and smiles came from both Roddick and his team at they celebrated this win, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(5).

“It’s just a dream to play for another Slam title,” our 2009 Wimbledon Final’s player ended his post-match NBC conference with. It’s a dream to report another Slam final for you all, too. Stay tuned to AR.com for a Championships Final preview against world number two and five-time champion Roger Federer, and of course, Breakfast at Wimbledon before hand.

GO ANDY and TEAM RODDICK!

While Roddick has always been well received and supported in London, Team Roddick knows they are facing the fans on Murray Mount tomorrow. Andy joked that regardless of which Andy the crowd is cheering for, it will be invigorating. “I think the crowd’s going be electric. I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere, and one that I can certainly appreciate, even if it’s not for me,” Andy told reporters. “I’m just going to pretend when they say, ‘C’mon, Andy’, that they mean me.”

Meanwhile Murray is preparing to face Andy’s blistering serve. “Obviously Roddick, along with Karlovic, is one of the best servers in the game. So against Roddick I’ll obviously need to return very well. Roddick’s made two finals. He’s been number one in the world and a Grand Slam champion,” Murray described a few of Andy’s many accomplishments.

The Andy’s have played 8 times before with the 3rd Ranked Murray leading Roddick 6-2. Most recently they played this year in Doha where Murray fought for the win 6-4, 6-2. They have played twice on grass before and once on the grand stage of Wimbledon.

Check out some stats on the Scot courtesy of the ATP Worldwide Tour:

Age: 22 (15.05.1987)
Birthplace: Dunblane, Scotland
Residence: Dunblane, Scotland
Height: 6’3” (190 cm)
Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 2005
Coach: Miles Maclagan

C’mon Andy (RODDICK!)

Q. You’ve won a lot of big matches over your career. Does this one rank up there recently in importance when you add it all up, the opponent, the stage, five sets?

ANDY RODDICK: Yeah, I mean, it certainly wasn’t short on drama. I’ve never been real good at comparing matches, you know. I think they kind of all tell their own story.

But it was tough from a mental standpoint, because Lleyton wasn’t going away and there were kind of a lot of ebbs and flows to the match. I’m just happy to be on the good side of it.

Q. What was the toughest portion of that match for you?
ANDY RODDICK: Uhm, there were a lot. I mean, obviously not pulling out that second set breaker was huge. I mean, you realize that at that point you’re odds on, and instead, you know, it’s one point difference and you’re in a battle.

Kind of recovering from the fourth. I thought he started playing a lot better there. And then obviously the fifth was a dogfight, too. I mean, you know, I had to come up with probably the best half volley I’ve ever hit in my life to save breakpoint.

It’s tough to choose.

Q. Right at the end of the match it was pretty obvious that you were emotional. What exactly were you feeling at that moment there?

ANDY RODDICK: You know, it’s a mixture of happiness, of relief. You know, in your mind you’re kind of trying to stay the course for four hours, you know, constantly figuring out what you’re gonna do. Your mind is just racing for four hours. So then it’s relief, happiness, and almost kind of an instant shut down mode.
You know, but I was happy to be through.

Q. Have you got anything left in the tank for Andy Murray?

ANDY RODDICK: Yeah, I should. I mean, I felt fine out there physically. I’m sure I’ll pull up a little bit sore tomorrow, but that’s to be expected. That’s not a new condition.

Read the rest of the interview at Wimbledon.org

One couldn’t have planned a more exciting day of tennis at The Championships. While Tommy Haas warmed up Court 1 with an exciting upset over Novak Djokovic., Andy and Lleyton followed with a nail biting five setter brimming with tie-breaks, stunning rallies and simply put: world class tennis.

No doubt a lot of media outlets will note the similarities between the two hot shots. Both lead their country’s hopes to clinch a Grand Slam, both are supported courtside by stunning well known wives, and both have the two largest personalities in the game. But Andy’s persistence, perseverance and sheer will set him apart to clinch the “W” Wednesday evening.

The fifth set had fans glued to their TV’s and computers worldwide. Both players pushed each other to several deuce games in the final set and at 4-all Andy made his move. He broke the Australian and with calm nerves and a steady hand he served out the match 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.

Check back to Ar.com for more from The Championships!