Jolly Roger claims title

Roger Federer fulfilled his boyhood dream by winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon yesterday.

The Swiss player produced a masterful display on Centre Court to beat Australian Mark Philippoussis in straight sets to cap an impressive fortnight in which he has just lost one set at the All England Club.

The 21-year-old from Basle burst into tears after securing a 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) victory which comes just five years after he won junior Wimbledon in 1998.

'It's an absolute dream come true for me,' he said. 'I was always joking when I was a boy that I was going to win this and now I have. It was the most important match in my life.

'It's just an absolute dream, to lift the trophy is very emotional.

'I've had great experiences with the 1998 junior victory and 2001 when I beat Pete Sampras and now this. I've cried a few times on big occasions because this tournament means so much to me.'

Meanwhile, Philippoussis (pictured) insisted he would win Wimbledon before he retired and took inspiration from Goran Ivanisevic's victory as a wild card two years ago.