Switzerland's Roger Federer confirmed his place as the greatest player of his generation when he battled back to subdue the awesome power of second seeded American Andy Roddick 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7/3) 6-4 and successfully defend his Wimbledon title here on Sunday.

The 22-year-old world number one wrapped up his victory in 2hr 30min to clinch his third career Grand Slam crown to add to the Australian Open he won in January.

The victory, his sixth in seven career meetings with the world number two and US Open winner, also gave Federer a 24th successive win on grass and his 17th career title.

It was the first final featuring the top two seeds here in 22 years and, in between two lengthy rain breaks, it proved to be a treat.

Federer was blitzed off Centre Court in the opening set and had to come back from 4-2 down in the third when the second rain break came to his aid before he secured his triumph against an increasingly frustrated Roddick who squandered a host of opportunities in the fourth set.

"He played very aggressively and I was surprised," said Federer.

"Everyone knows his power. I got lucky when I was one set down and a break and he could have been two sets up.

"He also deserves the title. I hope we will play many more times in this place.

"These are the ones that really really count and to have won my favourite tournament twice in my career is really incredible."

Roddick admitted Federer deserved his victory.

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