Roger Federer paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after battling past the second seed to claim an "out of this world" fourth straight Wimbledon title.

Federer won 6-0 7-6 6-7 6-3 on Centre Court to join Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras as the only players to win four years in succession at the All England Club in the open era.

The 24-year-old Swiss star also recorded his 48th straight victory on grass to win his eighth grand slam title from nine final appearances.

But French Open champion Nadal emerged with enormous credit for taking the first set off Federer since the third round last year, and the 20-year-old can only improve on grass in the coming years.

"It's fantastic, I never thought it possible but I've done it," said Federer.

"It's an incredible feeling. I was doubting myself early in the tournament with the draw and the expectations and to get through and play Rafael in the final is fantastic.

"Borg and Sampras are heroes of the game and this is the most important tournament. To win four is out of this world and I will come back and try for a fifth.

"I would just like to say it's a great tournament for Rafael. I honestly did not think he would reach the final but it's a fantastic effort so congratulations for coming so far."

Federer breezed through the opening set and looked set for a straightforward win when he took the second on a tie-break.

But Nadal won the third to prevent Federer from matching Borg's achievement of winning without losing a set in 1976, and the left-hander also broke the world number one when he served for the match at 5-1.

"It was awfully tight and I was getting awfully nervous in the end too," admitted Federer.

"I had a great start to the match and from then on it was really close. I thought it was high-class tennis and I really enjoyed it."

Nadal, who beat Federer to win his second French Open title at Roland Garros a month ago, said: "This is a difficult surface but this year I played my best tournament of the year here, that's unbelievable.

"I hope any year I come back here in the final and win, I hope one year I don't play against a guy like Roger.

"He played unbelievable on this surface and I improved a lot this year so I am very happy for that."