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WORLD SPORT

Federer wins third Wimbledon title

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LONDON, England -- Roger Federer completed his quest to win Wimbledon for the third time in a row by cruising past Andy Roddick 6-2 7-6 6-4 in Sunday's final.

The Swiss ace put up an impeccable display in a rematch of last year's final, describing his triumph as 'very special'.

Victory over the American extended Federer's winning run on grass to 36 matches and he dropped only a single set in the championships, to Germany's Nicolas Kiefer in the third round.

"I really did play my best, " said the 23-year-old. "I'm very proud because it's my third time."

The world number one joined Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras as the only men to win three singles titles in a row at the All England Club since tennis turned professional in 1968.

"I came here with huge expectations ... Sampras was one of my favorite players of all time, and Borg, to be in that group is very special. I hope it's not going to stop at three," added Federer who has now won five grand slam titles and is unbeaten in 21 finals.

"I'm in the mood for a beer right now," a frustrated Roddick said in the immediate aftermath of crushing defeat in 101 minutes.

"I put in the work and wanted it so badly but this guy is the best for a reason. He is such a complete player ... maybe I'll just punch him or something, I don't know."

The match was off to a punctual start as both players made their way onto an overcast Centre Court.

Federer won the coin toss and opted to serve first, taking the first game to love in just under a minute.

At the score of 3-2, the top seed earned his first break point, which Roddick was able to clear by a determined sprint to the net.

A sudden difficulty with his first serve however, saw Roddick facing another break point which Federer was able to convert.

Easing through his own service game, the Swiss ace made the score 5-2 and took the first set in only 22 minutes when he broke Roddick's serve for a second time in the eighth game.

In the second set it was the American who achieved an early break to lead 2-1.

But the world number one soon took the break back to level the score after Roddick's backhand went wide.

Federer had a set point in the tenth game but Roddick was equal to the task with an ace.

With both players winning their subsequent service games, the second set was destined for a tiebreak, which Federer clinched 7-2.

Just after the second set was completed, play came to a halt when dark clouds pushed in over Centre Court. The match resumed half an hour later.

It was a chance for Roddick to regroup, but he was again unable to make an impression.

Federer broke Roddick in the eight game and served out for the title, collapsing to his knees in triumph after a delivery down the middle could not be returned by the second seed.

With tears welling in his eyes, it was a rare display of emotion from Federer, who was desperate for victory after losing in the semifinals of the Australian and French Opens this season to Marat Safin and Rafael Nadal.

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