Roger Federer might have won the match but Andy Roddick won the heart of the people.

Roddick put his heart and soul into Sunday’s Wimbledon final only to come so close. The 30 game 5th set was the longest in Wimbledon history, and one of the greatest sets ever played in tennis.

The 4-and-a-half hour match might have beaten last year’s Nadal and Federer final match as the greatest tennis match ever played. Even though the match was long, both players did not look at all tired near the end.  Roddick was still hitting his serve in the 130s, and Federer was still moving around the court with ease.

While it’s nice to see Federer win and break Sampras’s record for most grand slam wins, Roddick is the real winner. After thinking of leaving tennis after last year’s Wimbledon, Roddick hired a new coach, went on a new diet, and it all paid off. He is in the greatest shape of his life, and it has led him to play his greatest tennis. You could see how much he really wanted it. It was heartbreaking to see him lose after his greatest service game. The only time he was broken was in the 30 game in the 5th set, which was also the match-winning break.

While Roddick did have a chance to go up two sets to none, he shouldn’t kill himself over that. He has earned so much respect from tennis fans and observers everywhere. He can now be said to be a top contender in any Grand Slam. A lot of people questioned whether he could win another Grand Slam, and he has proven he can.  The match that went on yesterday will not be forgotten soon, and even though Federer holds the actual trophy, Roddick holds the real trophy: the feeling that he can win another one and play with the best.

Roddick always leaves his heart on the court. The standing oviation was a very nice award, and showed that the spectators highly respected Roddick. Roddick lost to Federer three times now in the WImbledon final, but this year he won more than he lost. Even though it didn’t end up like he wanted it to, Roddick still holds his head high, waiting for the next time.

He said one day his name will be on the wall that shows all the players who won the tournament, and that he will be back. Roddick might have lost but to me he won. He showed his heart today, and that’s all fans can ask for. Sure, I would have loved to see him win, but he won in a different way. Roddick should be happy to be able to play tennis in front of people that love him. We will love him no matter what the outcome. Let this be a lesson to all athletes: people respect you when you put your whole soul into a match.

Andy Roddick, you should be glad.  You have our respect and pride.

[Editor's Note: This article was originally published by MSF contributor Tyler Juranovich at PlayerPress.com and has been republished here at the author's request.]

* Andy Roddick photo credit: AndyRoddick.com