Before the ball had even landed, Roger Federer was in tears.
After 256 minutes of tennis and the longest fifth set in Wimbledon history, American Andy Roddick's skewed forehand gifted his Swiss opponent a sixth Wimbledon victory in seven years.
And, more importantly, it allowed Federer to collect his 15th Grand Slam, surpassing Pete Sampras's record for the most major wins.
With Federer holding advantage in the 30th game of an epic fifth set, heavy hitter Roddick smashed his powerful forehand high and long to conclude the match 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 16-14.
In doing so, Roddick also saw Federer dethrone Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal and return to the top of the official ATP world rankings.
And while the 27-year-old had long been expected to surpass Sampras's seven-year record at some point in his career, if he had been preparing for the historic moment, his celebration betrayed him.
The emotional European jumped into the air, arms aloft and tears in his eyes before composing himself enough to shake hands with a heartbroken A-Rod.
Roddick, in contrast, had crumpled to the ground devastated, dejected and undoubtedly defeated –?in every sense.
The Texan had played some of the best tennis of his career, managing to hold his serve for the best part of four and a quarter hours. Yet, following a couple of fatigue-induced mistakes, when he finally provided Federer with an opportunity to break, the Swiss star capitalised.
In his post-match interview Federer had calmed himself a little and looked relaxed as he spoke of his surprise at what he has achieved so far in his career.
"It's staggering, you know, that I've been able to play so well for so many years and stay injury-free. I'm happy with what I'm doing," he said. "I knew what it took to win the big ones. Obviously a lot of experience that comes with it – being there and giving myself chances. But it's crazy that I've been able to win so many in such a short period of time."
Federer, who lost last year's final following an epic battle with Nadal, tried to encourage Roddick.
"Keep going Andy – you'll win it one day," he added.
But the truth is the two have met three times in the Wimbledon final and Roddick has been on the losing side of the net each time.
And with Federer having reached the semi-finals or better of each of the past 21 grand slams – a record which spans five years – the stats don't make pleasant reading for the 26-year-old Roddick.
The 2003 US Open champion longs to add a second major as he fights to return to the pinnacle of his sport.
The former world No1 is not a player who takes defeat lightly and the conference moments after Sunday's final was an uncomfortable experience for those involved.
"How would you describe what you did today?" asked one journalist.
"Lost," came the subdued, succinct reply.
"When do you think you will start feeling better and sort of happy with how you performed?"
"I don't know," responded Roddick harshly. "I'm a tennis player, not a psychic."
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