Federer's Fifth: Swiss Star Captures Wimbledon Title With Five-Set Win Over Nadal

Jul 08, 02:05 PM

Current Headlines: By CHRIS LEHOURITES

LONDON (AP) - Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title Sunday, and he did it by beating nemesis Rafael Nadal in a five-set epic.

The top-ranked Swiss player was pushed to limit in a Grand Slam final for the first time, but he held on to beat Nadal 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2 and win his 11th major title.

Federer is the first man to win five straight titles at the All England Club since Bjorn Borg did it from 1976-80. The Swede watched the match from the Royal Box with other past champions, and applauded as Federer fell to ground after an overhead smash on match point.

Federer also stretched his grass-court winning streak to 53 and his Wimbledon winning streak to 34.

Federer is now tied for third on the all-time list with 11 major titles. Both Borg and Rod Laver also have 11, trailing Pete Sampras' 14 and Roy Emerson's 12.

Federer beat Nadal for only the fifth time in 13 meetings. The Spaniard has defeated Federer in the past two French Open finals to spoil his bid to complete a career Grand Slam.