"In a way, I still feel like we share (the record) because he was such a wonderful champion," Federer said. "He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon. It's nice that he shows appreciation for what I'm doing."

Federer is the third player to win six Wimbledon titles — Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

Sampras considers Federer the greatest ever.

"I have to give it to him," he said. "The critics say Laver, and (Rafael) Nadal has beaten him a few times at majors. He's won all the majors, he's won 15 now, he's going to win a few more here. So in my book he is."

"He's a stud," Sampras added. "He's only 27. He'll contend here for many years, and the U.S. Open, and all the majors. If he just keeps it going and stays healthy, he could go to 18, 19, potentially."

"I'm aware that Rafa didn't play here," Federer said. "Injuries are part of the game, unfortunately, but I'm happy I became No. 1 in the world by winning this title because this is the biggest one there is out there. I love playing here."

Federer is third player in history to win six Wimbledon championships — Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

It was the longest men's Grand Slam final in history at 77 games — breaking the previous record of 71 from 1927 in Australia. It was also the longest fifth set in a men's Grand Slam final in history, surpassing the 20 games from 1927 in France.

The 30-game final set could have encompassed several sets. Federer's straight-set victories in the first and second rounds were each shorter in total number of games than Sunday's decisive set.

The fifth set went back-and-forth with the players slugging huge serves at each other, offering few chances to break. Roddick saved one break point in the second game, and Federer erased two at 8-8 when he came up with two big serves when 15-40 down.

"I was just trying to survive each time and hold serve and give myself a shot," Roddick said. "It didn't work out, but I definitely gave myself a look."

Finally, in the 30th game, serving with Federer ahead 15-14, Roddick blinked. On the second deuce, he misplayed a forehand to give Federer a chance to secure his place in history. On match point, after a contest featuring so many aces, winners and brilliant shots, Roddick shanked a forehand. Until then, Federer had been 0-6 on break points.

The statistics were eye-catching: Federer's 50 aces were one short of the Wimbledon record held by Ivo Karlovic. Federer had an incredible total of 107 winners, compared with 38 unforced errors. Roddick had 27 aces, 74 winners and 33 unforced mistakes.