Federer: Roddick deserved ‘at least one’ Wimbledon
Originally published on: 27/06/12 00:00
It’s often been said that former US Open winner Andy Roddick could be a multiple Grand Slam champion were it not for Roger Federer.
And the 16-time Grand Slam champion admits that the American, who he has beaten in four of Roddick's five appearances in Grand Slam finals, deserved to win “at least one” of the three Wimbledon finals they have contested.
The world No.3 bettered Roddick in back-to-back finals at the All England Club in 2004 and 2005, before dealing the Texan a heartbreaking defeat in the 2009 showpiece after winning 16-14 in the fifth set after four and a quarter hours.
“The moment he shanked that forehand, I knew this was a tough loss for him,” remembered Federer. “He deserved to win at least one of the [finals] he played against me. He’s obviously been so close and I hope one day he’ll be able to make it here at Wimbledon. Who knows, maybe this next couple of weeks.”
Hampered by injury and erratic form this year, Roddick appears to be rediscovering his touch on the grass. He ended a run of six straight defeats by winning the Eastbourne title last week and secured a second round clash with Bjorn Phau at Wimbledon on Wednesday after beating Britain’s Jamie Baker in straight sets.
Asked if it was difficult for Roddick, who won his only Grand Slam at the US Open in 2001, to continue to perform at a tournament at which he had experienced such disappointment in the past, Federer said that it would depend entirely on Roddick’s outlook.
“Obviously he was so close but then you can also turn it the other way and say this is where he's had the most success of any of the slams throughout his career,” said Federer._ь“I would think he comes back here with a good vibe and a good feeling. That would be my way of looking at things. Obviously things didn't always work out in the finals for him, and that can maybe mentally take its toll. I don't think that's the way he looks at it.”
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