The All England Club witnessed some breathtaking tennis these past 2 weeks, and fittingly, the fortnight ended with a marathon 5 setter before tennis' greatest legends.
Roger Federer
The Swiss breased through the draw to get to the final, but more overlooked and more amazing than his ease, is his ability to tough it out and hang in there when needed. Roger did just that against Andy Roddick, hitting 50 aces to win what we all knew was inevitable, his 15th Grand Slam title, breaking Pete Sampras' record. The Swiss has a busy summer ahead of him, as he will soon be a father, but with 15 in the bag, Federer can now play carefree tennis.
Grade: A+
Serena Williams
Not only did Serena win Wimbledon for the 1st time since 2003, but she also beat her sister, the Queen of Grass, in the final. Serena showed her second-to-none determination in her epic semifinal against Elena Dementieva and she put on display her brilliant serve in her final victory over Venus.
Grade: A+
Andy Roddick
The American played the tennis of his life to reach his 1st Grand Slam final in 3 years. In fact, Roddick doubted that he would ever reach this stage in a Grand Slam again. He defeated Lleyton Hewitt and Brit hope Andy Murray on his way to his record 77 game final with Federer. He fought until the very end, but unfortunately, there must be a loser.
Grade: A
Venus Williams
She put on quite a show, dominating Dinara Safina in the semifinals and pummeling the rest of her foes up until her baby sister took the Venus Rosewater Dish away from her in the final. Venus was not herself in that final, and she suffered the consequences. She'll be back next year to compete for her 6th Wimbledon.
Grade: A-
Elena Dementieva
The Russian showed she can match Serena stroke for stroke in their 2 hour 40 minute semifinal, but it all came down to who wanted it more. She reached her 2nd straight Wimby final 4 and lost very few games up until her defeat.
Grade: A-
Lleyton Hewitt
Hewitt returned to his form from the 2002 Wimbledon Championships and upset Juan Martin del Potro en route to the quarterfinals. Andy Roddick ended his run in a great 5 setter, but the Aussie showed a rejuvenated player and played his best tennis in recent years.
Grade: B+
Melanie Oudin
The 17 year old American showed her potential in a run to the 4th round. She beat Jelena Jankovic in 3 sets and came close to reaching the quarters. She has a very bright future.
Grade: B+
NBC
Once again, NBC and ESPN2's rights agreement made it impossible to show Venus Williams and Andy Roddick's semifinal encounters live. Unfortunately for die-hard fans, the match had to be followed on a very confusing Wimbledon radio instead of on a flat-screen.
Grade: C+
Ivo Karlovic's "Smack That Ace" Dance
Dr. Ivo fired 46 aces in his defeat of Jo Willy Tsonga but the Croat bursted out into an effed-up dance afterwards, resembling jockey Calvin Borrell riding Mine That Bird to the finish line at the Kentucky Derby. Karlovic should use his winnings from reaching the final 8 and get dancing lessons.
Grade: D-
Marat Safin
Safin seems to be enjoying his farewell tour. He lost in the 1st round.
Grade: F
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