Federer Wins 5th Straight Wimbledon
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WIMBLEDON, England — Roger Federer won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title Sunday, 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 win 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2 for his 11th major title.
Mr. 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 Mr. Federer fell to ground after an overhead smash on match point.
Mr. Federer also stretched his grass-court winning streak to 53 and his Wimbledon winning streak to 34. He is now tied for third on the career list with 11 major titles. Mr. Borg and Rod Laver also have 11, trailing Pete Sampras’ 14 and Roy Emerson’s 12.
Mr. Federer beat Mr. Nadal for only the fifth time in 13 meetings. The Spaniard has defeated Mr. Federer in the past two French Open finals to spoil his bid to complete a career Grand Slam.
