Elevated the game

Roddick didn't deserve to lose this one. For msot of five sets, he looked the more solid, determined player. In the fifth especially, Federer seemed to be staying in front largely by virtue of a virtuoso ace-serving display. That, and the missed chance of the second set tiebreaker (what Roddick wouldn't give to have that backhand volley putaway back) and the couple of mistakes in the last game -- this much put Federer on top tonight. Like he himself said, it's a tragedy that someonehas to lose a game of tennis that's this magnificently played.

Roddick made many new fans, many new believers, with this match. When he gets over his devastation at losing this one, he will know that he can compete and beat the best, and this match, strangely enough, just underlines that. He and Fed elevated the game today.

Just an enthralling match.