Roddick looks to close gap on Federer

Andy Roddick will need to serve up some 4th of July fireworks if he is to stop Roger Federer claiming the Wimbledon 2004 title.

Andy Roddick will need to serve up some Fourth of July fireworks if he is to stop Roger Federer claiming the Wimbledon title for a second successive year on Sunday.

HT Image

The day after Wimbledon thrilled to a new women's champion in Russian teenager Maria Sharapova, Roddick will be hoping to celebrate his country's Independence Day by adding his name to the list of Wimbledon champions.

On paper there is little between the men who will contest Sunday's final (1300 GMT).

Federer is world number one, Roddick number two. The Swiss is top seed at Wimbledon, Roddick second. Federer is 22, Roddick 21. Federer holds two grand slam titles — Wimbledon and the Australian — Roddick has one — the US.

But on court there has been daylight between them in their previous meetings with Federer's artistry managing to defuse the American's enormous serve five times out of six.

The last time they met on grass was at the semi-final stage at the All England Club last year when Federer won at a canter 7-6 6-3 6-3.

Federer has long been favourite to wrap up his second title and it looks like Roddick will have to play the game of his life if he is to bridge the gap between them.