Wimbledon: 10 greatest matches in history

#10 Federer outlasts Roddick: Roger Federer def Andy Roddick: 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14, 2009 men's final

Roger Federer outlasted Andy Roddick in a gruelling 5-setter

With reigning champion Rafael Nadal having withdrawn from the 2009 event due to knee tendonitis, Federer was the overwhelming favorite going into the final against American Andy Roddick.

Having lost just one set en route the showpiece event, Federer was confident of winning his 15th grand slam title against the man he had already defeated in the 2004 and 2005 finals.

The match began on an unexpected note with Federer not at his best and Roddick matching him stroke for stroke. Funnily it turned into a battle of serves as aces were traded.It went all the way down to the wire in an epic fifth set. With neither player willing to give an inch, it was mental fatigue that gave way. At 8-8 in the fifth, 15-40, Federer crashed to massive serves to save the game and that seemingly turned the tide.

In the 30th game, Federer ahead 15-14, a drained Roddick mishit a forehand to award Federer the match and a record breaking 15th singles title. 4 hours 16 minute, a 95 minute 5th set, 77 games; the longest major final in history. Roddick's tears at the presentation summed it all up.