Just then second serve, again challenger i unable to use his stroke. 30-0. The champion, now just two points away from the third consecutive title. This was an ace on second serve, moving away from Roddick - the challenger, now a silent look says it all.
Next serve return from Roddick hits close to baseline and the champion makes a casual - arrogant backhand shot which dipped on the tape and falls back in his own court. So casual, the crowd sighs as the ball falls back after hitting the court. 30-15.
"Can i do something here". "No" says the champion as next masterful serve is returned and put away with a volley to make it to the championship point. 40-15, in less than 2 hours.
So then, how would the end be?
Serve right on the line and Roddick takes a step left, backhand in action, reaches the ball, totally bent on his left and only barely able to reach.. touch it as the yellow green ball glistened in rarely out sun, takes one dip then another one before it hits the net and the master, after gracefully mesmerizing the whole arena with his impeccable art, drops to his knees, palms holded together and racquet in between as hands go on to the head up in ecstasy, unable to control emotions, as he did on last two occasions.
Falls on his knees, feet also folded, goes on his back,still holding the racquet, getting back on his knees, and then looking straight into eyes of Tony Roche, artist of old times, and girl friend Barbaranek, gets up, unable to control the tears. Gets up finally and walks towards Roddick as they get in a friendly embrace, a total sportsmanship, Roddick saluting the master.Score - 6-2, 7-6, 6-4, looks totally one sided, but it was more a difference of artistery, level above all themaster is the king. King with tears and as Roddick said - "he has got better in last two years". The throne looks permanent as The Champion - Roger Federer, is in control, putting all the rhymes in beautiful tones, better than anyon else has done it before.
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