Federer digs deep to retain title

Switzerland's Roger Federer today retained his Wimbledon title after a hard--fought victory over Andy Roddick on Centre Court…

Switzerland's Roger Federer today retained his Wimbledon title after a hard--fought victory over Andy Roddick on Centre Court.

Federer recovered from losing the first set to record a 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 triumph in two hours and 30 minutes to claim a second Grand Slam title of the year.

The 22-year-old world number one was far from his imperious best in a final marred by two rain interruptions, but rallied superbly after the second delay when he hit back from 4-2 down in the third set.

Roddick had been hoping to celebrate American Independence Day with a first Wimbledon title but was left to rue the numerous chances he had to power away from the top seed.