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Federer claimed a 15th major with an epic 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 16-14 win over America's Andy Roddick in a 4hr 16min final which featured the longest concluding set in a men's final in London.
"In my book, he's the greatest of all time. He has his critics and people point to Rafael Nadal beating him, but for me he's the greatest. He is a legend and an icon," said Sampras, who won seven Wimbledon titles in his career.
"He is a great champion and a good guy. He's very humble, which I like."
Sampras predicted that Federer, who is still only 27, can go on and set more Grand Slam records.
"He can win 17, 18 majors at least. He's only 27 and he can do it if he stays healthy."
The American, who played his last Wimbledon in 2002, flew in overnight to see Federer launch an assault on his record of 14 which Federer equalled when he won a first French Open in June.
He is effortless when he plays. He serves big, has a great forehand and his backhand. I'm a fan of how he plays, what he's about... he's a class guy on and off the court.
"He's fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he's able to do on the run. I think he can and will break every tennis record out there."
Australian legend Rod Laver, the only man to win two calendar Grand Slams, praised the Swiss star's ability on the court.
"Roger is one of those players who keeps the ball in play, has miraculous forehands and backhands," said the 71-year-old.
"It was a great final. Andy is a threat with that serve of his but I think he was very tired by the end."
Bjorn Borg, a five-time Wimbledon winner, predicted many more titles for Federer.
"He can play for three more years at least. If he stays away from injury and is eager to win there will be many more finals," said the Swede.
Borg added: "He simply does not have any more weaknesses left in him. It is such a pleasure to see him play. To me, Roger Federer is the right model for anyone aspiring to be a tennis player.
"It is such a pleasure to just watch him play. His shot-making has got better and I doubt there is any shot he cannot make in any part of the court."
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Roger Federer was 27 years and 332 days old as on July 5.The numbers are strongly significant.Because,they finally adds up to 8(27 332=359,3 5 9=17,1 7=8).Also,he won the 5-set Wimbledon final.He has now become the greatest tennis champion by overtaking Pete Sampras.Federer won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon medal on July 8,2008Victory of Federer can be numerologically analysed. The analysis is made on the basis of three points:- 1)Influence of number 8 in the life of Roger Federer. 2)Influence of number 5 in his life. 3)The numerological phenomena of repitition of history To begin with let us examine the influence of number 8.Roger Federer was born on August 8,1981.The birth date is 8.Besides, the month-August- is the 8th one from January.Also,addition of the date,month and year gives 35,which adds upto 8((8 8 1 9 8 1=35.Further adding,3 5=8). Federer is reported to have begun playing tennis at the age of 8.He is the first player to earn $8 million in prize money in one seaso
Stupendous,incredible,etc etc... these are the words used to describe federer's recent feat and the question has again started doing rounds if he is the greatest player of all time.but all those claiming immortality have to consider a point.Its this:absence of nadal in the landmarking events of fed's career.Be it the record equalling win at Roland Garros or the record breaking one at wimbledon this year,at both the places federer did not have to face the mighty nadal.So fans of federer (me included ) party hard for federer for nadal or no nadal,it is a rare feat but true greatness of federer can be celebrated only when he has reigned the court in next one year with nadal round the corner.So save that greatest of all time tag for now and bask in the current success of his however.I think the quest for him to become a legend has just begun.And lets all federer fans cross our fingers and wait and watch but lets also not jump the gun in our enthusiasm for here comes Goliath..oops , Nadal !
Federer is awesome ... but he needs to beat Nadal in future, to check whether he just got a free run in French Open and Wimbledon. Remember he was being written off before that ...
Sometimes somewhere there is something which will find shortage of words to define it.Tiger woods.shumacher,Sachin and Federer are such personality who cann't define.There can be some techinal words which can be used by commentators.experts.When federer won his 15th grand slams there was no words for his feet as the whole stadium giving standing obession with clapping hands.Because you can think when history is making.It is the only the history maker can do.Roddick was determined to save Samprass feit but when player of such calibre on his role you can really speak or write.Such is the case is with Shumacher,Tiger wood,Sachin all they have been send to show thee art.Still they will write and speak about Federer going down by Nadal.and yes it's a really challange for Federer to deal with him.and may question his crediblity of a Tennis King.