Roger Federer and Andy Roddick treated tennis fans to a spectacular match on Sunday that couldn’t have been a more fitting cap to Federer’s run to a record-setting 15th Grand Slam title. Last year’s match between Federer and Rafael Nadal is regarded by some as the greatest Wimbledon match of all time: Yesterday’s match may have topped it (though some argue very well that, with the poor returns, it was a boring marathon of a final). If nothing else, the match featured more games than any other Wimbledon match in history and the longest fifth-set tiebreak ever. Ultimately, Federer unleashed some pressure in the waning games of the fifth set, Roddick didn’t respond, and Federer now stands atop the sport after an epic 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 win.

One of the coolest aspects of the win was the Nike commercial that came on just minutes after the match featuring sports greats like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan congratulating Federer. But, most notably and most impressively, it was Pete Sampras congratulating Federer for breaking his record that stood out the most.

Video after the jump.

Roger Federer and Andy Roddick treated tennis fans to a spectacular match on Sunday that couldn’t have been a more fitting cap to Federer’s run to a record-setting 15th Grand Slam title. Last year’s match between Federer and Rafael Nadal is regarded by some as the greatest Wimbledon match of all time: Yesterday’s match may have topped it (though some argue very well that, with the poor returns, it was a boring marathon of a final). If nothing else, the match featured more games than any other Wimbledon match in history and the longest fifth-set tiebreak ever. Ultimately, Federer unleashed some pressure in the waning games of the fifth set, Roddick didn’t respond, and Federer now stands atop the sport after an epic 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14 win.

One of the coolest aspects of the win was the Nike commercial that came on just minutes after the match featuring sports greats like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan congratulating Federer. But, most notably and most impressively, it was Pete Sampras congratulating Federer for breaking his record that stood out the most.

Video after the jump.

Despite having seen Federer pull out so many great wins, I never thought for a moment that he would do it. Serving to force a tiebreak in the first set, he was broken by Roddick. In the second-set tiebreak Roddick led 6-2 before Federer ignited a comeback and won the tiebreak. But as the games went on in the fifth set, Federer just didn’t look in control. I was wrong, and I’m thrilled that I was.

Some wonder what Federer will do now. Relax? Take it easy now that he has the record? No way. Sampras held the record for only seven years, and 23-year-old Nadal is just now coming into his peak and already has six titles. If Federer wants to hold the record for longer than seven years, he may have to win a couple more to put it out of Nadal's reach.

Don't forget to share: