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Roger Federer clinched a record-equaling fifth consecutive Wimbledon title after defeating arch rival Rafael Nadal 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 in an all-time great final at the All England Club.

Federer was twice forced to rally from 15/40 on serve early in the fifth set before breaking open the match by winning 12 of 13 points and taking Nadal’s serve to go ahead 4-2. Federer's last break point opportunity before that came in the first game of the third set.

The 3 hr., 45 min., match was the third longest Wimbledon final of the Open Era.

Federer equaled Bjorn Borg’s five consecutive Wimbledon titles between 1976-80 and paid tribute after his win to the legendary Swede, who attended the final and embraced Federer after he walked off court. Federer also joined Borg and Rod Laver with 11 career Grand Slam titles, three shy of Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 14 majors.

Federer is the first player in history to win at least two Grand Slams a year for four consecutive years.

The Final: Blow by Blow

The Swiss won his 34th consecutive match at Wimbledon and for the first time during that streak Federer was extended to five sets as Nadal produced his finest grass court performance. Federer improved his perfect Wimbledon record to 37-0 after winning the first set.

Federer's 24 aces was one off his career-high, which he hit in the fourth round in his last Wimbledon five-set match match in 2001 (vs. Sampras).

Federer, who defeated Nadal in four sets in the 2006 Wimbledon final, improved his head-to-head record against the left-hander to 5-8 in 13 career meetings. Federer and Nadal have gone head-to-head in four of the past six Grand Slam finals, with Nadal winning Roland Garros in 2006-07 and Federer winning Wimbledon in 2006-07. Federer has contested a record nine consecutive Grand Slam finals.

For the second straight season Nadal was trying to become the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win Wimbledon and Roland Garros in the same year.

All-time Grand Slam Title Leaders
Pete Sampras 14
Roy Emerson 12
Roger Federer 11
Rod Laver 11
Bjorn Borg 11
Bill Tilden 10

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Federer: "It was a huge occasion for me, huge pressure. Bjorn Borg sitting there, Jimmy Connors sitting there, John McEnroe sitting there, Boris Becker sitting there. You know, for me it's a big moment for me. Then in the end, to lift the trophy, it's a very, yeah, special memory. I'll have it for all my life."

"From the baseline he was not outplaying me, but I always thought he had the upper hand for some reason and I couldn't really play that aggressive like I wanted to, maybe like last year. But my serve kept me in, and I definitely won the big points today, which was most important."

On meeting Borg post match: "It was very special. Gave each other a Swedish hug. It was very nice because I think we like each other very much, from far away sort of to speak. So to see him after the match it was very fitting in my point of view."

On his rivalry with Nadal: "I win my share. He wins his. It's a good rivalry, I think. We've been at the top for over a hundred weeks together. It is like building up to one of maybe the great rivalries. Sometimes haven't lived up to the expectations in the past, in our matches in majors especially. I think maybe that was maybe a bit of a problem. But you can't always play five-set thrillers. I'm happy it happened today. I left as the winner. Was perfect."

On Nadal: "He's playing phenomenal tennis. He's definitely improved yet again I think. He had more of a game plan this year than he had last year. I think last year he came out, nothing to lose, kind of hit hard but didn't know why. This year around, he's changed his game a little bit. Plays maybe a bit more aggressive, knows the game of grass much better. That's why I think he's not only just a good clay courter, he's a good all-around player."

Nadal: "I play great tournament, no? I play very good level, playing against one of the best of the history on this surface, having two chances for a win I'm playing at a similar level.

"I can say nothing bad about my tournament. Well, today was a little bit disappointing because I have good chances. But happy, tomorrow I will be happy about my tournament and about my game."

On his knee: "Well, was not the best moment, no, because I was playing fine in the fourth for a while and I have to call to the trainer. But doesn't matter, no? Just right now is better, so doesn't matter. Don't worry about the knee."


WIMBLEDON REPORTS
Saturday: Federer & Nadal to Battle in Final Again
Friday: Federer Back To Business; Gasquet Stuns Roddick
Friday: Nadal Records 50th Win of Year, Djokovic Next
Thursday: No Respite for Nadal After Another Five-Set Thriller
Wednesday: Roddick Reaches QFs on Independence Day
Wednesday: Nadal Wins Five-Day Dogfight, Youzhny Next
Tuesday: Soderling Takes the Fight to Second Seed Nadal
Tuesday: Ferrero to Meet Federer in Quarterfinals
Monday: Berdych, Baghdatis Win As Rain Spoils Action
Sunday: Haas Withdraws, Federer Moves into QFs
Saturday: Rain Washed Out Nadal-Soderling Encounter
Friday: Tipsarevic Shocks Gonzalez; Blake, Ljubicic Fall
Friday: Federer, Roddick Move Into Round of 16
Thursday: Federer Notches 50th Straight Win on Grass
Thursday: Nadal Eases Through; Arthurs Extends Farewell
Wednesday: Roddick Maintain Record; Rain Curtails Play
Tuesday: Nadal Looks for Roland Garros-Wimbledon Double
Tuesday: Blake, Robredo, Ljubicic into Second Round
Monday: Federer Begins Campaign to Emulate Borg
Monday: Roddick Halts Gimelstob's Late Charge

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