An emotional Roger Federer was ecstatic after claiming a place in Wimbledon history by winning a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles on Sunday.

"I really did play my best and I'm very, very proud to win it for the third time," said Federer after his 6-2 7-6 6-4 victory over American second seed Andy Roddick.

"This is very special."

The Swiss world number joined Bjorn Borg and Pete Sampras as the only men to win three singles titles in a row at the All England Club since tennis turned professional in 1968.

"Sampras was one of my favourite players all time and Borg was just fantastic," said the top seed.

"To be in that group feels very special and I hope it's not gonna stop at three and maybe one day I'll win a fourth one but this is already very, very great."

Having fallen in the semi-finals at the first two grand slams of the year, Federer was relieved that he lived up to expectations at Wimbledon - and extended his winning run on grass to 36 matches.

"I don't know why but I felt better throughout the tournament," he said. "Even though the pressure was on this year because of my semi-final losses at the Australian and the French Opens.

"Nevertheless I came here with huge expectations and that I'm standing here with the trophy, it feels like a dream.

"I'm so happy, record in finals, record on grass is still alive."

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