The top-ranked Swiss player was pushed to limit in a Grand Slam final for the first time, but he held on to win 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2 after three hours and 45 minutes of breathtaking tennis for 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 collapsed on his knees after an overhead smash on match point.

Federer also stretched his grass-court winning streak to 54 and his Wimbledon winning streak to 34. He is now tied for third on the career list with 11 major titles. 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.

Federer looked to be in control with a two sets to one lead, but the tireless Nadal broke twice to force a decider. After saving four break points, Federer powered a superb forehand down the line to lead 4-2 before sealing an epic win.

It was no more than they deserved, Federer winning by far the toughest match of his five-year reign.

The victory also shattered Nadal's hopes of becoming only the second Spanish winner of the men's singles title to follow Manolo Santana in 1966. It also put an end to his bid to become just the third player in the Open era to win the French Open and Wimbledon crowns in the same year.