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Compiled from Times wiresConsidered a 'can't miss' since '98, 21-year-old Swiss wins his first major.
WIMBLEDON, England - When Wimbledon finally was won, Roger Federer dropped to his knees, arms aloft. Then he rose and, walking off the court, put his hands to his face.
He sat in his courtside chair and began to sob. They were tears not only of joy, but relief.
"There was pressure from all sides; also from myself," Federer said. "I wanted to do better in Slams."
He did at Wimbledon, capped Sunday in the final against Mark Philippoussis, a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) victory for his first major title.
Federer was collected during the match, ripping returns on serves that made line judges, ball boys and spectators flinch. He laced passing shots by the 6-foot-4 Australian, spun aces off lines and crafted crisp volleys.
"I knew I had the game. I've always believed," Federer said. "But then in the end, when it happens, you don't think that it is possible. Just to be ... a part of history at Wimbledon ... is incredible."
It was all done with such aplomb that one might have guessed Federer didn't care about the outcome. But when it was over, Federer let go.
"He's a very emotional person, and that's nice for people to see," said coach Peter Lundgren, who also shed tears during the trophy ceremony. "These guys are human."
Only 21 yet for years considered a "can't miss" prospect, Federer said he felt pushed to perform. His 1998 Wimbledon junior title inspired praise, and he ended seven-time champion Pete Sampras' 31-match win streak at Wimbledon in 2001.
But until this tournament, the fourth seed had not reached the semifinals of a major. Since the upset of Sampras, Federer lost three first-round matches at majors, including Wimbledon last year and the French Open in May.
With the winner's Challenge Cup in his hands, Federer's voice cracked, and he cried more.
"This is an absolute dream for me. I was always joking as a boy I'm going to win this, and now ... ," he said.
Federer is the first Swiss man to win a major and the seventh different men's champion at the past seven Grand Slams, one short of the Open era record. In contrast, Serena Williams has won five of the past six majors, including this Wimbledon.
Smoothly covering the court, Federer dominated every facet against Philippoussis, who was trying to become the third unseeded men's champion since seeding was introduced in 1927.
Federer will rise to a career-high No. 3 ranking, and he leads the ATP Tour with 50 victories and five titles this year.
"He can do everything," said Philippoussis, 0-2 in major finals, including the 1998 U.S. Open. "He came up with some great passing shots. Running forehands. Backhand returns. What can you do?"
Federer showcased versatility during the first-set tiebreaker, and Philippoussis showed a hint of nerves.
At 2-2 came the match's only extended rally, and Federer ended the 15-stroke exchange with a runaround forehand winner. At 4-4, Federer serve-and-volleyed on a second serve, winning the point when Philippoussis' forehand pass try went wide.
Philippoussis then hit one of his seven double faults, giving Federer a 6-4 edge. He converted two points later, when Philippoussis stood far behind the baseline on a second serve and swatted a forehand return that floated 8 feet wide.
"That first tiebreaker was huge, to get the momentum going," Philippoussis said. "I just pressed a little, and I guess I pressed too much."
Federer opened the second set with a 4-0 lead. And he ran away with the final tiebreaker, including taking one 130 mph serve by Philippoussis and turning it into a forehand return that hit the baseline.
"To win Wimbledon as a first Grand Slam," Federer said, "now I hope it's not going to be my last."