By Piers Newbery BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Match report Men's final photos

Andy Roddick remained upbeat despite feeling he was only a couple of points away from beating Roger Federer in Sunday's Wimbledon final.

The American took an early lead before rain disrupted play, and Federer fought back to win in four sets.

"Losses like this just inspire me more," he said. "I want to get better and I feel like I'm on the right track.

"I proved that Roger's not quite invincible - but he's pretty close. I proved a lot to myself today, I was taking it to him.

"I was successful most of the time but on a couple of key points I wasn't. That was the difference in the match."

The final was disrupted by two rain breaks, with the second coming when Roddick was a break up in the third set.

I'm happy I had such a great reaction when Andy was putting me under pressure Roger Federer More Federer reaction

But the American insisted the match did not turn on the stoppage, and admitted he had enjoyed the luck in his favour against Mario Ancic in the semi-final.

"I felt like I had the momentum both times we went off but it got me out of trouble yesterday," he said.

"It happens like that sometimes."

He did admit that he had felt in charge of the match before play was halted.

"It was a dogfight," he said.

"I was feeling good, I was getting the better of him in some baseline exchanges, and I felt like I had the momentum.

"Who knows what would have happened from there? It doesn't mean anything."

And Roddick paid tribute to Federer, who has cemented his place as the world number one.

"He's the top player right now, there's no doubt, and he serves that top spot," said Roddick.

"He's played better than anyone this year."