Mens Wimbledon final preview: Roddick or Federer?

July 5, 3:27 AMPro Tennis ExaminerGrayson Blakeley

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AP Photo/Alastair Grant

The Federer versus Roddick match up in recent years has been...not close, to say the least. Federer leads Roddick 18-2 all time, and is 3-0 against him in Grand Slam finals, two of those wins coming at Wimbledon. Looking at the Federer-Roddick past, Roddick's chances are bleak.

But Andy Roddick brings a whole new game to the final this year. Roddick claims he is in the best shape of his life, and many experts say that Roddick has never played better tennis. In his semifinal match against Andy Murray, Roddick volleyed better than he ever has, bringing a whole new dimension to his game.

Federer on the other hand is the best tennis player of all time, and is a legend on the grass surface, especially at Wimbledon. This will be Federer's 20th Grand Slam final appearance. It will be Roddick's 5th.There is no question Federer has the advantage, but the match may be closer than many people think. Expert tennis analyst Timothy Romine stated in an interview, "I wouldn't be surprised if Fed destroys Roddick."

How much of an advantage does Federer really have? Let's break down the finalists' strengths and weaknesses ESPN style.

1st Serve: Roddick - Roddick still has the best serve in the game, even better than Karlovic, because Roddick has a game to back up the serve. 

2nd Serve: Federer - Federer won 81% of points on his second serve against Tommy Haas in his semifinal match, most guys win about 50%.

Forehand: Federer - Consistent, accurate, and with pace.

Backhand: Federer - Mixes up slice backhand, topspin backhand, and backhand drop shot extremely well.

Volley: Tie - Federer is typically a much better volleyer than Roddick, but Roddick volleyed extremely well against Andy Murray in his semifinal match, and if he volleys that well in the final, he might have the advantage in that category.

Return game: Federer - Fed has one of the best returns in tennis, and he knows how to handle Roddick's serve.

Movement: Federer - Fed moves better on the grass than just about anyone.

More pressure on: Tie - Federer has pressure to break the all time Grand Slam record, but this might be Roddick's last chance to win a slam, and he knows it.

Been there, done that: Federer - 19 Grand Slam finals (14 wins) v. 4 Grand Slam finals (1 win). Enough said.

Wife: Roddick - Brooklyn Decker. Enough said.

Federer may have the advantage in many categories, but don't count out Andy Roddick. Roddick will play his heart out on every point.

Federer is not only trying win his record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title and 6th Wimbledon title, but if he were to win in the Wimbledon final he would also reclaim the number one ranking in the ATP.

So will Fed break Pete Sampras' Grand Slam record? Or will the underdog Andy Roddick pull off his second Grand Slam victory?

Prediction: Federer defeats Roddick in three straight sets, but it will be great tennis.

The best of luck to both finalists.

Catch the action on NBC at 6:00 A.M. Pacific Time (9:00 A.M. Eastern)