Roger Federer admitted he "got lucky" on his way to equalling the great Bjorn Borg's record of five consecutive Wimbledon titles with a five-set victory over Rafael Nadal on Centre Court.

The Swiss was forced to save four break points in the final set and admitted on the BBC afterwards: "You get lucky sometimes.

"It was such a close match and I told Rafa at the net he deserved it as well."

Federer added: "Each one is special no doubt and to hold the trophy is always the best thing.

"To play a champion like Rafael in the final of course it means even more to me, and equalling Bjorn as well.

"He's a fantastic player and is going to be around for so much longer so I'm happy every one I get now before he takes them all.

"He's improving so much so congratulations Rafa for reaching the final.

"It's always pressure to be on Centre Court at Wimbledon. The opening match is tough coming back as the defending champion and the final day is crazy.

"I'm just happy I made it through and got the trophy which is even better."

Nadal, who had to battle through two five-set matches including one which took five days to finish because of the weather, said: "I congratulate Roger, who has had an amazing season and five titles in a row is fantastic.

"It was a tough week with the rain but it was a good test. I was playing good and finally I can play right to the final having tough matches.

"I played for two weeks so I'm happy with that and hopefully I will come back next year."

Former champion Jimmy Connors also had words of encouragement for Nadal, insisting: "The way he played and the way he put up a fight he'll be back again. It was a great final."

Former champion Boris Becker hailed Federer's achievement, saying: "It's tennis history - no-one thought five Wimbledons would be equalled and we are witnessing history now.

"All credit to Nadal, we never really thought he would be a contender for Wimbledon, but this year he was a point away from going up in the deciding set.

"I thought very much he was the man in control but Federer wouldn't be Federer if he didn't know how to come back and he played like a champion at

the end.

"He's been winning most of his matches in straight sets or maybe four sets, so he hasn't really been tested this week. He is not used to tough matches

like that on his special surface.

"Then you see his idol Bjorn Borg sitting in the Royal Box which makes it even worse. I'm sure he had it in his mind. That puts so much more pressure

on when you actually realise this is part of history."

Becker heaped praise on Nadal, adding: "I believe he is very much the future number one. He is only 21 years old and Roger is 25.

"Nadal is improving every year. I couldn't believe how well he played in the final."