Roger Federer created history on Sunday by surviving the longest fifth set in a Wimbledon final and defeating Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 after four hours and 16 minutes to win a record 15th grand slam title.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras was there to see his record broken – he finished his illustrious career with 14 major singles titles. Sampras was joined on the front row of the Royal Box by tennis greats Manolo Santana, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.

"I'm happy I broke the record here in some ways because this is always the tournament that's meant the most to me because of my heroes and idols being so successful here," said Federer. "It definitely feels like it's come full circle for me starting it here (with his first Grand Slam victory in 2003) and ending it here. Of course, my career is far from over.

"But it's also nice to think especially so many legends were sitting there today. Especially Pete. I know how much the record meant to him and he knows how much the record means to me. In a way, I still feel like we share it just because he was such a wonderful champion. He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon. It's nice that he shows appreciation for what I'm doing, and it's just great seeing so many legends coming out and enjoying or our tennis today."


Sampras needed 12 years to amass his 14 Grand Slam titles (1990 – 2002 US Open), Federer has remarkably needed half that time to reach 15. Hs first Wimbledon title was in 2003 (d. Philippoussis), after that he won five more Wimbledon trophies, five US Open trophies, three Australian Open trophies and enjoyed one victory at Roland Garros.

"It's staggering that I've been able to play so well for so many years now and stay injury free," commented Federer. "Of course there is a certain routine that's started to happen the last few years since I sort of became No. 1 in the world. I knew what it took to win the big ones. That's obviously a lot of experience that comes with it being there and giving myself chances. It's crazy that I've been able to win so many in such a short period of time, I think."

Federer, will regain the world No.1 ranking after surrendering the top spot to Rafael Nadal for 46 weeks on 18 August, 2008.

"I'm happy at least that I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him (Nadal) not playing at all," said Federer. "It's supposed to be that you win big matches, big tournaments. That's how you get back to it."

Roger appeared at his post-final news conference wearing a shirt with the legend "There is no finish line" emblazoned across the front.

However, his next engagement is a personal one with wife Mirka expected to give birth to their first child later this summer.

"I'm very happy. I don't know if I'm the happiest person in the world. I don't think so. I think there's many happy people out there. Tennis doesn't do it all for me. There's more to life than just tennis. But I feel great," said the champion.


Roddick who tried to win his first Wimbledon crown after twice before being denied by Federer in the 2004 and ’05 finals.

Asked if it was the best match he had ever played, Roddick said: "I played pretty good two days ago (in the semi-final against Murray). I struggle with this, comparisons of one match to another. I don't know. I was happy with the way I played. I thought I played real well."

"I took some satisfaction in December and in November when we (Roddick and Stefanki) started to move forward," said Roddick. "It was to give yourself an opportunity to win tournaments like this. I feel like I did give myself that opportunity today. It didn't work out, but I definitely gave myself a look."


(photo/Getty Images)

15 for History!