London - Five-times champion Roger Federer will take a run at more tennis history with only American Andy Roddick standing in his way at Sunday's Wimbledon men's final. The Swiss second seed is poised to become the all-time best in the game. If he beats Roddick it will mean a 15th Grand Slam singles titles, putting him one ahead of now-retired friend Pete Sampras.
In addition, Federer will regain the ATP number one ranking he lost to Rafael Nadal last August 18 after a record 237 consecutive weeks in the top spot.
"You know who won Wimbledon a ton of times, who's been number one for a certain amount of weeks, you know, who's won X amount of titles," said Federer, a keen student of the sport. "Those are the big stats you might know if you are interested.
"But then there are so many other records out there that people don't know except if you reach them yourself or if somebody reaches it. It's nice that they talk about them, because it gives me even more of an incentive to do well for myself."
Federer's mark against number six Roddick stands an overwhelming 18-2, with wins in 14 of their last 15 encounters dating to 2003. It will be only the third time in tournament history that the same two men have contested the final three times after Federer beat Roddick for the 2004 and 2005 titles.
The 27-year-old Swiss would become just the third player to win six or more titles behind the seven each of William Renshaw and Sampras.
Federer would also do the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, following Rafael Nadal from 2008 when he held the pair of prestige titles at the same time.
Federer will be the first man ever to contest seven straight Wimbledon finals as he plays in his all-time record 20th Grand Slam final.
This will be his 16th Grand Slam final appearance in the last 17 majors, his 2008 Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic the only failing.
The Swiss is looking forward to his 21st date with Roddick.
"I have played him 20 times, so I have had plenty of time to study his game, to understand his game. He's always played me also quite differently every single time I have played him
"I enjoy how he leaves everything out on the court. I can only marvel at how incredible his serve is. I like playing against him, not only just because of the record."
Roddick will have to depend on the current form which ended the dream of Andy Murray in the semis staying perfect if he's to have a chance against the Swiss juggernaut.
"My approaches (to Federer) have been varied," said Roddick. "I think maybe now more than ever I can vary it and maybe have some confidence playing out of my element a little bit.
"I'm just trying to stay the course, I'm just going about it. I haven't really gotten too up or too down at any point in this event, or this year for that matter.
"I'm just gonna go try to do the same thing, just on to the next point."
The American gives much of the credit for a turnaround after a 2008 Wimbledon second-round defeat to new coach Larry Stefanki, a veteran campaigner dating to his days with John McEnroe.
He also lists his April marriage to swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker, who has had a major influence on his off-court life as a key element in his revival.
"I know that being happy and not having any worries away from the court, in my mind it can only help things," he said optimistically as he prepared to face father-to-be Federer, who also married three months ago.
"I know how tough it is (to play a major final). I'm excited about this one. I didn't know if I was going to get to play a final of Wimbledon again.
"I'm certainly thankful to have that opportunity."
But with his task all uphill on Centre court Sunday, Roddick necessarily retains his optimistic. "Obviously you can't really say enough to kind of signify what Roger's career has been to this point.
"But I'd love to delay it for another Grand Slam."
