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A rare few gave him a chance. But Andy Roddick silenced his critics, most of the pundits, and so many of the hoping fans by defeating Andy Murray on Centre Court in four breathtaking sets.

6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(5).

Stat of the match? Roddick won more and a higher percentage of return points than Murray and he converted 2 of 5 break points.

As a fan of tennis and as a fan of Roddick, I haven't been this emotional over a tennis match in 6 years. I really can't write what I want to because it's not fit for this blog. Nothing over-the-top, or anything like that, it's just too personal. Sometimes that's what tennis does to me. I love this sport because it's like life. And so when I see the first player I ever followed closely and the first player of whom I became a true fan overcome so much in his career to make another Slam final, at Wimbledon of all places, I take it personally.

I'll leave you with what a subdued but emotional Andy said after the match and the report of a touching moment I wish I could have witnessed.

"I've had many shortcomings in my game but not trying hard enough has never been one of them.

"Had to play my best tennis out there to win today. Can't say enough about Andy's game. To be fair, he had all the pressure on him.

"Make no mistake, Andy's been a much better player than I have for the past year - I was just a bit better than him today."

I'll drink to that as I shed a few more tears.