Roger Federer believes his rivalry with Rafael Nadal is good for tennis.

The world number one won his fourth consecutive Wimbledon singles title with a 6-0 7-6 6-7 6-3 triumph against Nadal to take revenge for his defeat by the Spaniard at the French Open last month.

And while claycourt king Nadal, still only 20, leads 6-2 in their head-to-head encounters, Federer proved that he is the undisputed master on grass.

Said Federer: "He's not always playing the same tournaments but it adds something to the game.

"It's great he's up and coming. I used to be the youngster, now he's so young. It's a great rivalry we're having and it can help tennis."

It was a crucial victory for 24-year-old Federer, taking his Grand Slam tally to eight and allowing him to close in on the five Wimbledon titles of Bjorn Borg and the seven won by Pete Sampras.

But it was even more important in psychological terms.

If the Spaniard, who has beaten Federer on harcourt as well as clay, had conquered Federer on his favourite grass surface then no computer points would have salvaged the Swiss star's reputation as the number one in the eyes of the public.

Federer added: "I was aware how important the match was for me. If I had lost it would have been a big blow.

"It was important to beat him for a change. I knew Wimbledon was the easiest way. It was tough and he showed how much he had improved.

"I was surprised how hard he hit the ball. He went flat out. After the first set his nerves loosened up and he started to serve better.

"He started to swing his backhand and was suddenly more dangerous. I could have won in three sets but could have been down 2-1.

"He had the pressure I had at the French Open. He had his chances just as I had my chances at the French. It came down to just having a bit better feeling on the surface."

Federer said he was now looking forward to a holiday but admitted it would taste all the better for his triumph.

He said: "I came in relaxed with a lot of confidence and it is a great feeling. I was really anxious to hold that trophy once again."

Meanwhile, Nadal admitted he had proved to himself he could play on grass and he left Wimbledon with a warning to Federer.

He said: "It was important for me to play well in this final. Important for me to believe that I could win here in the future.

"When I played good tennis I had chances. And he did not beat me easily, so that's good.

"I want to continue improving because I want to win here. Now Roger's the best, but we are going to see in the future."