Wimbledon: Roger Federer v Andy Roddick

Centre Court at Wimbledon is bristling with anticipation as the men's final gets under way Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Andy Roddick, the big-serving American, hopes to continue the form that saw him beat Andy Murray in the semi-final Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

But Roger Federer, 14 times a grand slam winner and twice a victor over Roddick in previous Wimbledon finals, was the clear favourite for this year's title Photograph: Gerry Penny/EPA

Tennis legend Pete Sampras takes his seat in the Royal Box a little late Photograph: EMPICS Sport

Roddick stretches in desperation for a low forehand Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Federer sweeps the ball in confident style, but can't take advantage of four break points in the first set Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Roddick seizes the initiative in the very next game and takes the first set 7-5 Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Roddick punches the air with delight Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Federer remains calm, despite losing only his second set of the tournament thus far Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Roddick, the world No6, is playing his best tennis in years Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

But the second set goes to a dramatic tie-break ... Photograph: Julian Finney/AP

... which must surely go Roddick's way, as he earns himself four set points ... Photograph: Reuters

But Federer somehow claws his way back, winning six straight points to steal the set Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Federer has the momentum in the third set Photograph: Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

He squeezes out his opponent by virtue of another tie-break, to lead by two sets to one ... Is there any hope for Roddick now? Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

The 26-year-old knows he can't afford any mistakes Photograph: Srdjan Suki/EPA

... and he duly breaks Federer's serve for the second time in the match to give him the upper hand in the fourth set Photograph: Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

Federer is sweating - he's yet to break Roddick's serve in the match and now looks likely to concede this set Photograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty Images

Roddick takes a tumble Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

But he goes on to win the fourth set 6-3, making it two sets each. This game's heading for a decider ... Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

The crowd are tense during a predictably tight fifth set. Neither player drops serve for the first 16 games ... Photograph: Anja Niedringhaus/AP

Federer almost falters, but saves two break points to go 9-8 ahead Photograph: Gerry Penny/EPA

And finally, after four and a half hours of gruelling tennis, Federer leaps into the sky as he eventually overcomes Roddick to win 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The pair embrace after an epic match Photograph: Alastair Grant/AP

Federer reclaims the precious trophy Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images