SPORTS

Roddick wants another go at Federer

By Pritha Sarkar
July 04, 2005 10:03 IST

Andy Roddick refused to tear his hair out in frustration after he was outclassed by world number one Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final for the second successive year on Sunday.

"I'm not going to sit here and beat myself up about getting to the final and doing better than 126 other guys and losing to a guy that everybody here is debating whether he's the best of all time or not," Roddick said after going down 6-2, 7-6, 6-4.

Wimbledon 2005: Complete coverage

"I'm not going to ruin what I've accomplished just because he was better than me today.

"I don't know many people in history who would beat him.

"I feel like I actually played decent and the stats are decent and I got straight setted."

In 10 meetings with the Swiss, Roddick has emerged as the winner only once.

"I want another crack at him till my record is 1-31," he said with a laugh. "I still want to go against him again. You want to compete against the best.

"He's the measuring stick, so you know where you are and where you go. I'd love to keep playing him.

"For me, if you can't compete against the best

and beat the best, then you don't deserve to win these titles."

The 22-year-old has lost only three times on grass since 2003 but all three have been at the hands of Federer at Wimbledon.

Roddick's failure on Sunday meant his search for a second grand slam title to go with his 2003 U.S. Open crown goes on, as does his search for a way to beat Federer.

"I tried playing different ways," said the second seed, who won a hat-trick of Stella Artois titles last month.

"I tried going to his forehand and coming in. He passed me.

"I tried to go to his backhand and coming in. He passed me.

"Tried staying back. He figured out a way to pass me, even though I was at the baseline.

"There's only so much you can do. I'm out there giving it my all. That's all you can do

"You just have to sit back and say 'too good' sometimes.

"It's tough knowing that you're a better player than you were two years ago but not having a lot to show for it.

"It's not fun losing in a grand slam final, especially in a tournament that you just want to win so bad.

"I would give anything to win this tournament.

"I just hope he gets bored or something."
Pritha Sarkar
Source: REUTERS
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