Defeat will make Roddick stronger, says Federer

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Roddick's heartbreaking five-set defeat in the Wimbledon final can spur him on to greater things, his conqueror Roger Federer said on Monday.

Federer said his own career has been galvanized after five-set losses of foe Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon last July and at the Australian Open in February.

"I came out being horribly sad and it was a tough loss," said Federer, whose 2008 Wimbledon showdown with Nadal is considered one of the greatest ever tennis match.

"And then I look back, and it's going to be similar this time for Roddick, he's going to look back and think what an amazing match we played. It was so nice to be part of it."

Federer had to fight tooth and nail for four hours and 16 minutes on Sunday before finally subduing the 2003 U.S. Open champion 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14 to claim the Challenge Cup for the sixth time.

American number one Roddick slumped into the courtside chair and sat staring at the ground as he tried to fathom how he let the match get away from him.

He has dropped out of this weekend's Davis Cup quarter-final against Croatia after injuring his hip during the match.

"I was lucky that I was part of three five setters here in the finals at Wimbledon. You couldn't wish for a better scenario. I also lost one and it's rough but it makes you stronger," Federer told reporters on Monday as he celebrated winning a record 15th grand slam crown.

"As you could see I reacted, I came back to win (the French Open last month in) Paris... and now I won Wimbledon. Sometimes it takes a loss to get you stronger. I lived it first hand last year."

(Editing by Nigel Hunt)