Federer wins record-tying 7th Wimbledon title

Wimbledon, England – Roger Federer claimed his record-tying seventh Wimbledon title on Sunday with a four-set win over Andy Murray.

The third-seeded Federer rallied after dropping the first set to post a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 victory on Centre Court at the All England Club and capture his first Grand Slam title since the 2010 Australian Open and 17th of his career.

The super Swiss equaled the Wimbledon mark of seven titles first set by William Renshaw in the 1880s and matched by Pete Sampras.

Federer won five straight Wimbledon titles from 2003-07 and again in 2009.

"It feels great being back here as the winner...it's a great moment," Federer said during the trophy presentation.

With the win, the 30-year-old Federer will claim the ATP's top ranking from Novak Djokovic and match Sampras' record of 286 weeks at No. 1.

Murray, meanwhile, was trying to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

"Getting closer," Murray joked after the match. A thunderous ovation followed from the crowd that brought the runner-up to tears.

The 25-year-old Murray, who fell to 0-4 in Grand Slam finals, got off to good start, earning a break chance in the first game of the match and taking it when Federer sent a forehand long. Murray then consolidated the break with a hold before Federer won the next three games.

After Federer held with ease for a 4-3 lead, the fourth-seeded Murray rallied after being down 0-30 and saved two break points in a game that lasted more than 10 minutes and featured five deuces. He then broke as Federer netted a forehand and closed out the set when he followed up an ace with another overpowering serve that Federer failed to return.

Murray had failed to win a set in any of his three previous Grand Slam finals: 2008 U.S. Open, 2010 and 2011 Australian Open.

The two were on serve throughout the second set until the Swiss superstar capped a lengthy rally with a drop volley to break Murray in the 12th game and even the match. Murray failed to convert any of the four break points offered him in that set.

The match began in sunshine, but rain forced a 40-minute delay at 1-all in the third set, and the retractable roof was then closed.

Federer broke Murray for a 4-2 lead as the latter couldn't return the former's cross-court forehand, capping a marathon game. Federer then closed out the set with an ace and broke for a 3-2 lead in the fourth set when he ripped a cross-court backhand past Murray.

They held the rest of the way, and Federer secured his 75th career title -- and his fifth in 2012 -- when Murray sent a forehand return wide. He also won in Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells and Madrid.

Federer evened his record in 16 lifetime meetings with Murray.