Roger Federer celebrates a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon triumph, a 17th grand slam title and a return to the top of the world rankings.
(CNN) -- If Muhammad Ali, Pele, Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher and Michael Jordan are arguably the greatest proponents of their respective sports, Roger Federer made a compelling case for joining that pantheon of greats after securing a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon title on Sunday.
At the age of 30, considered a grand old age in tennis, he came from behind to leave Andy Murray -- an opponent five years his junior -- shattered and tearful after a gripping three and a half hours on Centre Court.
It ended Federer's two-and-a-half-year wait for a record-extending 17th grand slam title, and equaled his hero Pete Sampras' seven successes at the All England Club.
"I believe Roger is the best player to have ever played the game," American tennis coach Nick Bollettieri told CNN.
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"When you look at groundstrokes and all parts of the game, there is not a weakness in Novak Djokovic's technique, movement and recovery," added Bollettieri, referring to Serbia's 2012 Australian Open champion -- who Federer beat in Friday's semifinals.
"But when you come down to who is the best player that can change, that can anticipate and come forward and do anything, then my vote goes to Roger Federer."
Federer's latest victory ensured his return to the top of the world rankings, ending Djokovic's 12-month reign, as well as matching Sampras' record of 286 weeks at No. 1.
The Swiss is only the second player in the men's game to have held the top ranking over the age of 30, alongside Andre Agassi, who was one of the many leading players to attend Bollettieri's academy in Florida.
"I believe Roger thinks in his mind he can win anything," said Bollettieri, who also helped develop grand slam champions such as Jim Courier, Monica Seles, and Mary Pierce.
"With his game he can play for another two, three or four years and I sincerely believe he's another two, three or four grand slam titles in him."
Much has been made of the impact Ivan Lendl has had on Murray since becoming his coach in December 2011, but Bollettieri suggested Paul Annacone, who began working with Federer in August 2010, also deserves credit for persuading the four-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year to adopt a more aggressive approach.
"Paul won't give too much advice to Roger Federer, a little bit here and a little bit there," said the 80-year-old. American. "He has him coming in and he has him much looser on that backhand.
"Annacone has got him hitting the backhand very aggressively and there is a lot of rackethead exploration rather than just blocking the ball.
"Roger's footwork is meticulous --- it reminds me of Ali. On Sunday he went around the ball a lot and when you do that you give up a lot of court space, so your success depends on your balance when hitting that shot as that is what operates the face of the racket."
While labeling Federer as "beyond description," Bollettieri stressed that Murray's gritty performance in the Wimbledon final bodes well for the future.
"Even though he lost, there will be an inner feeling he gave it his all," said Bollettieri, reflecting on the Scot's fourth successive grand slam final defeat -- three of them against Federer.
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Andy Murray of Great Britain to win his 7th Wimbledon championship in London on Sunday, July 8. Visit CNN.com/tennis for complete coverage.
Men's singles Wimbledon Championship
Great detail is taken as grounds crews prepare Centre Court for Sunday's historic match between Roger Federer and Andy Murray in the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London. Federer is seeking to tie the record for most men's singles titles at Wimbledon, and Murray is shooting to become the first British male to win his nation's major singles championship in 76 years. See the action as it unfolds here, and visit CNN.com/tennis for complete coverage.
Wimbledon: The best photos
Serena Williams celebrates her win against Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska for her fifth Wimbledon title. Visit CNN.com/tennis for complete coverage.
Photos: Women's singles Wimbledon championship
Fred Perry jumps for the ball against Germany's Gottfried von Cramm during the men's singles final on July 3, 1936. Perry defeated von Cramm that year to win his third straight title. But since then no male from the UK has won his country's most coveted title, and none had even made it to the final since Henry Wilfred "Bunny" Austin in 1938. Thus, the eyes of the nation will be upon Andy Murray on Sunday in the 2012 championship match against six-time champion Roger Federer of Switzerland.
Photos: Britain's last Wimbledon champ
"Lendl has brought tremendous focus and a few simple tips on strategy, but he hasn't messed with his technique and all that crap. Murray's movement and anticipation is as good as anyone's in the game."
However if Murray is to win a grand slam, Bollettieri pointed to the hard-court surfaces of either the U.S. or Australian Opens as his best opportunity to break his duck.
"I don't believe grass or clay is the best surface for him. He is so good, but if the bounce is even he can stand closer to the baseline, he can hit aggressive and he can come in."
Australian tennis coach Pete McCraw, who has also worked with Bollettieri, is equally encouraging about Murray's future.
"The best is yet come for Andy, he is just entering the third phase of his career -- where he has the physical strength and emotional maturity, as well as the technical skills and experience," said McCraw, who has worked extensively with stars such as Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic.
"With the British team around him and Lendl's wisdom, Andy is well positioned to make more grand slam finals in the future. The previous two finals were premature for Andy; the sport was ready, but he was not.
"He is more mature emotionally. There are less outbursts and lapses in concentration. His game from outward appearances is the same, but his mind and emotions are not.
"As a result he is playing with more structure and patterns, using his strengths more often, whereas in the past he would rely on a wider array of shot against his opponents. "
McCraw, who frequently travels to Britain to run coaching workshops, also argues that Murray's achievement in reaching the Wimbledon final will have a spinoff for grassroots tennis in the UK.
"British tennis will benefit immensely. It validates the pathway and what's possible for thousands of aspiring tennis players, and will be indelibly etched in their mind for years to come: 'If he can do it, so can I.' "
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Five years later Federer picked up his first men's singles title at SW19, defeating Australian Mark Philippoussis in straight sets.
Federer dominated men's tennis following his 2003 triumph, winning Wimbledon in each of the following four years. His run was brought to an end in 2008, when rival Rafael Nadal edged a five-set thriller which is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches of all time.
Federer bounced back from his defeat to Nadal in typical fashion by winning the U.S. Open for a fifth consecutive year.
By 2009, despite all of his success, Federer was still to claim the French Open title. But after Robin Soderling eliminated Nadal in the fourth round, Federer beat the Swede in the final to complete a career grand slam.
When Federer beat Andy Murray in the final of the 2010 Australian Open, it put him two past Pete Sampras' next-best 14 grand slam titles. He would have to wait until July 8, 2012 before lifting another, beating Murray again in the Wimbledon final.
Federer lies on the grass court at the All England Tennis Club upon winning match point during the men's singles final against Murray on Sunday.
Murray, the first Briton to reach a men's singles final at Wimbledon in 74 years, returns a shot to Federer during the match Sunday.
Murray returns a double-handed backhand to Federer during the men's singles Wimbledon championship on Sunday.
Murray leaves the court during a rain delay in the second set Sunday. Murray was trying to become the first British man to win the title since Fred Perry in 1936.
Ground staff pull a cover onto center court during a rain delay in the championship match.
Tennis fans shelter from a heavy downpour that developed during the match Sunday.
Federer, left, returns a shot from Murray during the men's singles Wimbledon championship in London on Sunday.
Federer returns a forehand to Murray during the first set.
Murray reaches for a short shot by Federer on Sunday.
Fans cheer during the first set of the championship match Sunday.
Federer jumps and returns a shot to Murray on Sunday.
Murray and Federer enter the court prior to the men's singles final match on the final day of Wimbledon on Sunday.
London's Mayor Boris Johnson, top left, and Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, right, attend the match Sunday.
Pippa Middleton, left, and her sister, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, sit in the royal box during the match between Federer and Murray on Sunday.
An official changes the order of play board at the All England Lawn Tennis Club ahead of the championship match Sunday.
Tennis fans gather on Murray Mount to watch the final match Sunday.
Spectators race to claim a vantage point on Murray Mount after the gates opened at the venue on Sunday.
Sisters Serena and Venus Williams of the United States celebrate following their win against Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the women's doubles final on Saturday.
Czech Republic's Lucie Hradecka crouches as Andrea Hlavackova serves during their women's doubles final match against Venus and Serena Williams.
Serena Williams hits a volley during women's doubles final.
Britain's Jonathan Marray and Denmark's Frederik Nielsen celebrate championship point during the men's doubles final. Marray is the first Briton since 1936 to win a men's doubles title at Wimbledon since 1936.
Jonathan Marray of Great Britain reaches for a shot during his men's doubles final victory.
Britain's Jonathan Marray celebrates a point during the men's doubles final match at Wimbledon on Saturday, July 7. Marray was teamed with Denmark's Frederik Nielsen against Romania's Horia Tecau and Sweden's Robert Lindstedt.
U.S. player Serena Williams rushes through the stands to celebrate with her family after winning the women's singles final, her fifth Wimbledon championship, on Saturday.
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska reacts during her finals match against Serena Williams on Saturday.
U.S. player Serena Williams swings the racket during her match against Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska on Saturday.
The crowd looks on Saturday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Canada's Eugenie Bouchard hits the ball in the girls' singles final against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on Saturday.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates his victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the men's singles final.
A groundskeeper prepares the grass on Centre Court on Friday.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga serves the ball during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain.
Umpire James Keothavong looks on as Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Roger Federer of Switzerland take a break during their Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match on Friday, July 6, in London, day 11 of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic reacts during his men's singles semifinal match Friday against Roger Federer.
A crowd tries to shelter itself from the rain Friday on day 11 of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Roger Federer hits a forehand return during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Novak Djokovic on Friday.
Novak Djokovic buries his head in his towel during a break between games against Roger Federer on Friday.
A crowd endures the rain Friday on Murray Mount.
Roger Federer plays a shot during his men's singles semifinal match against Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic serves the ball during his Gentlemen's Singles semifinal match against Roger Federer.
Serena Williams takes a forehand shot during her women's singles semifinal match against Belarus' Victoria Azarenka on day 10 of Wimbledon.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka takes a hard shot during her women's singles semi-final defeat by U.S. player Serena Williams on Thursday.
Spectators relax in the afternoon sun on Henman Hill (aka Murray Mound) on Thursday.
Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her women's singles semi-final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Thursday.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays hard during her women's singles semi-final match against Serena Williams of the United States on Thursday.
Spectators follow the day's matches on the big screen in the afternoon sun on Murray Mound on Thursday.
Colin Fleming of Great Britain runs to keep the ball in bounds while playig with Su-Wei Hsieh of Taipei during their mixed doubles third-round match against Laura Robson and Dominic Inglot of Great Britain on Thursday.
Serena Williams, top, and Venus Williams of the United States team up in their women's doubles quarter-final match against Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears of the United States on Thursday.
A security guard waits on center court on Thursday.
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska embraces Germany's Angelique Kerber, left, after her women's singles semi-final victory on Thursday.
Angelique Kerber of Germany serves during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on Thursday.
Kerber buries her head in her towel during a break between games in her Ladies' Singles semifinal defeat to Radwanska.
Radwanska celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber on Thursday.
Kerber plays a backhand shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal defeat to Radwanska.
Radwanska returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber.
Radwanska celebrates match point during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Kerber.
Kerber returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles semifinal match against Radwanska.
U.S. player Serena Williams plays a shot Thursday during her women's singles semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates his men's singles quarter-final victory over Spain's David Ferrer on Day Nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Wednesday in London, England.
Britain's Andy Murray waits on his chair as spectators seek shelter from the rain during his men's singles quarter-final match against Spain's David Ferrer on Wednesday.
Murray hits during his quarter final match against Ferrer.
Ferrer plays a forehand shot during his men's singles quarter-final match against Murray on Wednesday.
Murray ponders between games during his men's singles quarter-final match against Ferrer.
Cedric Pioline of France plays a Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles match alongside team-mate Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia against Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis of the Netherlands on Wednesday.
American Venus Williams confers with sister Serena, right, during their third round women's doubles match against American Bethanie Mattek-Sands and India's Sania Mirza on Wednesday.
Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia and team-mate Cedric Pioline of France play against Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis of the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a Gentlemen's Singles quarter final match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia on Wednesday.
Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber reacts during his men's singles quarter-final match against France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga bites his racket during his men's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber on Wednesday.
Tsonga of France serves against Kohlschreiber of Germany in this quarter final match.
Tsonga in action during his Gentlemen's Singles quarter final match against Kohlschreiber.
A general view of the crowd on Murray Mount on Day Nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife, Catherine, sit in the royal box Wednesday.
The crowd on Murray Mount watches the action or finds other entertainment on Day Nine of Wimbledon.
Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand return during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia on Wednesday.
Russia's Mikhail Youzhny reacts during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on Wednesday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a double-handed backhand shot during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Germany's Florian Mayer.
Mikhail Youzhny of Russia hits a backhand return during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland.
Mayer plays a double-handed backhand shot during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic reacts during his men's singles quarterfinal match against Germany's Mayer.
Florian Mayer of Germany celebrates match point during his men's singles fourth round match against Richard Gasquet of France on Day Eight of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in London on Tuesday. The grand slam event runs through July 8.
Britain's Andy Murray waves to the crowd after his fourth round men's singles victory over Croatia's Marin Cilic on Day Eight of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament.
U.S. player Brian Baker plays a forehand shot during his fourth round men's singles defeat to Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
Spain's David Ferrer celebrates after his fourth round men's singles victory over Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns a shot during his Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against American Mardy Fish.
Tsonga celebrates after winning his fourth round match against Fish.
Fish falls to the ground during his fourth round match against Tsonga.
American Serena Williams returns a shot during her Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic.
Kvitova serves during her women's singles quarter-final match against Williams.
Williams serves during her Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match against Kvitova.
Williams celebrates after beating Kvitova in the Ladies' Singles quarterfinal match.
Tsonga of France plays American Mardy Fish on Day Eight of Wimbledon.
A spectator checks for rain, as rain delays halt play at the Wimbledon championships in London on Tuesday.
Fans at center court take shelter from the rain under umbrellas during Day Eight of the tournament on Tuesday.
Ground staff workers remove covers from the grass before the start of the fourth round men's singles match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Mardy Fish of the United States on Tuesday.
Leander Paes of India plays a forehand as he and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic play a doubles match against Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Marcelo Melo of Brazil on Tuesday.
Mardy Fish of the United States serves to France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Tuesday.
Spain's David Ferrer plays a double-handed backhand shot during his fourth round men's singles match against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro on Tuesday.
Boxes of tennis balls used for play during the Wimbledon championships are kept in a room at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London.
Workers re-string rackets for players at Wimbledon on Tuesday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a forehand shot during his fourth round men's singles victory over Serbia's Viktor Troicki on Day Seven of the Wimbledon championships on Monday, July 2.
A spectator walks between the outside courts during rain delays on Monday.
Spectators take shelter under umbrellas on "Murray Mount" for the match between Britain's Andy Murray and Croatia's Marin Cilic.
Viktor Troicki of Serbia slips while hitting a return shot against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Monday.
Tennis fans shield themselves from rain at Wimbledon on Monday.
Donna Vekic of Croatia takes on Christina Makarova of the United States on Monday.
Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a shot to Marin Cilic of Croatia on Monday.
Croatia's Marin Cilic reaches for a shot during his match against Britain's Andy Murray.
Sabine Lisicki of Germany reacts after beating Maria Sharapova of Russia to advance in the tournament Monday.
Top-seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia loses to Sabine Lisicki of Germany.
Rain and low temperatures set in again Monday at Wimbledon, delaying some matches and sending fans scurrying for cover.
Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Xavier Malisse of Belgium during the fourth-round match at the Wimbledon championships in London on Monday.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga attends to a line judge who was hit in the face Monday by a ball during his fourth-round men's singles match against Mardy Fish of the U.S.
Mardy Fish of USA plays a forehand shot against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Monday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia runs for a forehand return against Viktor Troicki of Serbia on Monday.
Russia's Maria Kirilenko keeps warm during a break in her match against China's Peng Shuai on Monday.
Spectators find shelter under an umbrella as they watch a match Monday.
Serena Williams of the USA hits a backhand return to Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan during their fourth-round match Monday.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka celebrates a break point during her fourth-round match against Serbia's Ana Ivanovic on Monday.
Britain's Andy Murray celebrates taking the third set of his third-round men's singles match against Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis on day six of Wimbledon on Saturday, June 30.
Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis gets up after slipping during the fourth set of his third-round men's singles match against Britain's Andy Murray on Saturday.
American Andy Roddick shows his frustration during his third-round men's singles match against Spain's David Ferrer on Saturday.
Ferrer, who is ranked fifth in the world, serves to Roddick, ranked 25th.
Andy Roddick of the United States argues a call with the line judge during his third round match against David Ferrer of Spain on Saturday.
Andy Roddick of the United States blows a kiss to the crowd after being defeated by David Ferrer of Spain in a third-round match Saturday.
Serena Williams of the USA in action while playing with Venus Williams of the USA during their ladies' doubles second-round match against Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova of Russia on Saturday.
Williams in action Saturday during her third round match against Jie Zheng of China.
Williams, who hit a Wimbledon record 23 aces, celebrates match point and victory over Zheng on Saturday.
A line judge watches the action under a canopy of blue sky and puffy clouds on Saturday.
Spectators wait for the beginning of day six of Wimbledon on Saturday.
Laura Robson of Great Britain serves during a mixed doubles second-round match on Saturday. She and Dominic Inglot were paired against Jurgen Melzer of Austria and Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France serves during his match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia on Saturday.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France take a break during his third-round singles match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia on Saturday.
Andre Sa serves over teammate Bruno Soares in the Brazilians' third-round doubles match against Juan Ignacio Chela and Eduardo Schwank of Argentina on Saturday.
Sachia Vickery of the United States serves during her tirst-round girls' singles match against Ilka Csoregi of Romania on Saturday.
Laura Pigossi of Brazil makes a backhand return during her first-round match against Lana Rush of Great Britain in girls' singles on Saturday.
A spectator, Matt Griggs, right, has a Union Jack painted on his face by Kelsey Bennett, left, on 'Murray Mount' during the third-round men's singles match between Britain's Andy Murray and Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis on Saturday.
American Sachia Vickery makes a return in her girls' singles match against Ilka Csoregi of Romania on Saturday.
A Union Jack flaps in the breeze outside the All-England Club with the spire of St. Mary's Church in the background.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and Julia Goerges of Germany face off on Saturday.
Julia Goerges of Germany celebrates a point Saturday during the third round women's singles match against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia.
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic prepares to serve Saturday during her third round women's singles victory over Varvara Lepchenko of the United States.
David Goffin of Belgium reacts Saturday to losing a point during his third round men's singles match against Mardy Fish of the United States.
Fish celebrates after defeating Goffin and moving on in the Wimbledon championships.
Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium questions a call Saturday during her match against Tamira Paszek of Austria.
Marin Cilic of Croatia falls to the ground Saturday during play in his match against Sam Querrey of the United States.
Clay Crawford of Great Britain glides through the air Saturday and returns a backhand to Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan.
Francesca Schiavone of Italy plays a forehand shot to Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic on Saturday.
Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic returns a shot to Francesca Schiavone of Italy during her third round women's singles victory on Saturday.
Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates set point during his third-round singles match against Julien Benneteau of France in the Wimbledon Championships in London on Friday, June 29.
Russia's Maria Sharapova serves against Taiwan's Su-Wei Hsieh in a third-round women's singles match Friday.
Julien Benneteau serves during his third-round men's singles match against Roger Federer on Friday.
People in the Royal Box at the All-England Club take part in a "wave" on Friday.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia serves the ball during her third-round match against Sorana Cirstea of Romania on Friday.
A umpire measures the height of the net on No. 2 Court on Friday.
Maria Kirilenko celebrates her third-round singles victory over Sorana Cristea on Friday.
Florian Mayer of Germany hits a backhand return during his third-round match against Jerzy Janowicz of Poland on Friday.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek on Friday.
Stepanek reaches out to make a forehand return against Djokovic on Friday.
American Bethanie Mattek-Sands ties her hair up Friday during her match with India's Sania Mirza against France's Stephanie Foretz Gacon and Kristina Mladenovic.
American Sam Querrey celebrates his victory Friday over Canada's Milos Raonic.
Fans watch the action Friday on Court 14 as Eric Butorac of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain play Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement of France.
Argentina's Juan Monaco falls in a match Friday against Serbia's Viktor Troicki.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic stretches to make a backhand return during Friday's match against Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.
Umbrellas are on hand Friday during the Wimbledon Championships.
Serbia's Viktor Troicki serves to Argentina's Juan Monaco on Friday.
U.S. player Bethanie Mattek-Sands warms up before her second-round women's doubles match Friday. She and India's Sania Mirza defeated France's Stephanie Foretz Gacon and Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 6-2.
A Wimbledon tournament clock is visible through leaves Friday at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
The crowd gathers and watches from behind a fence Friday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves against the Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek on Friday.
A ball person is ready to provide a ball to the players if needed Friday.
The Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol, the 100th-ranked player, speaks to reporters Friday, a day after he upset Rafael Nadal.
Arriving early, tennis fans walk around the venue Friday.
Action is under way Friday on the fifth day of Wimbledon.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus wipes his face during a match Thursday, June 28.
Rafael Nadal of Spain during his men's singles second-round match against Lukas Rosolon of the Czech Republic on day four of the Wimbledon championships June 28.
Germany's Bjorn Phau dives to reach the ball during his second-round men's singles match against U.S. player Andy Roddick June 28.
Tennis spectators cheer in colorful wigs June 28.
U.S. player Andy Roddick plays a backhand shot during his second-round men's singles victory over Germany's Bjorn Phau on June 28.
Belarus's Victoria Azarenka plays a double-handed backhand shot during her second-round women's singles victory over Switzerland's Romina Oprandi June 28.
A general view of a line judge on day four of Wimbledon June 28.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates winnign his men's singles second-round match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain June 28.
Canada's Milos Raonic plays a forehand shot during his second round men's singles match against U.S. player Sam Querrey June 28.
A general view of tennis spectators on day four of Wimbledon June 28.
Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a forehand shot during his second-round men's singles match against Czech Republic's Lukas Rosol June 28.
U.S. players Serena Williams, left, and Venus WIlliams in their first-round women's doubles match against Ukraine's Olga Savchuk and Serbia's Vesna Dolonc on June 28.
Jonathan Marray and Anne Keothavong of Great Britain during the mixed doubles first-round match against Paul Hanley of Australia and Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia June 28.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during her women's singles second-round match against Elena Baltacha of Great Britain June 28.
Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia and Paul Hanley of Australia during thier mixed doubles first-round match against Jonathan Marray and Anne Keothavong of Great Britain June 28.
Jesse Levine of the United States serves against Belgium's David Goffin on day four of the Wimbledon championships on June 28.
Andy Roddick of the United States plays a forehand shot during his second-round match against Bjorn Phau of Germany on June 28.
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns a shot to Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria on June 28.
A fan studies the scoreboard at the Wimbledon championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London June 28
Fans watch the men's singles second-round match between Andy Murray of Great Britain and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia on a large projection screen from the lawn June 28.
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves to Ivo Karlovic of Croatia on June 28.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts during a match June 28 against Melinda Czink of Hungary.
Mardy Fish of the United States reacts June 28 during his second-round match against James Ward of Great Britain.
Fans gather to enter the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London for the Wimbledon championships on June 28.
Fresh lines are painted on one of the courts at Wimbledon before the beginning of the match June 28.
Fans watch the action on June 28 in the men's doubles first-round match between Flavio Cipolla and Fabio Fognini of Italy and Bobby Reynolds of the United States and Izak Van der Merwe of South Africa.
Fans peek through a fence to catch the action June 28 at Wimbledon.
Italy's Sara Errani returns a forehand shot to Anne Keothavong of Britain on June28. Errani defeated Keothavong 6-1, 6-1.
Jamie Baker of Great Britain dives for a backhand return during his first-round match against Andy Roddick of the United States on Wednesday, June 27, at Wimbledon.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts to a service break in the third set during his second-round men's singles victory over U.S. player Ryan Harrison on June 27.
France's Nicolas Mahut towels off June 27 during his match against Colombia's Alejandro Falla.
Andy Roddick plays a forehand shot during his match against Britain's Jamie Baker on June 27.
The crowd watches day three of the Wimbledon championships June 27.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark reacts during her first-round match against Tamira Paszek of Austria on Wednesday.
Prince Charles chats with Lady Winnie Forsyth on Wednesday as Roger Federer of Switzerland plays Fabio Fognini of Italy.
Belgium's Kim Clijsters returns the ball Wednesday during her match against Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova.
Tamira Paszek of Austria celebrates after beating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on Wednesday.
The crowd takes shelter from showers on day three of Wimbledon.
Tournament-goers relax in the grass Wednesday.
Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands serves during her ladies' singles second-round match against Samantha Stosur of Australia.
U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur of Australia suffers an early exit on Wednesday after being defeated by Dutch player Arantxa Rus.
Nina Bratchikova of Russia returns with a forehand during her match against Alize Cornet of France on Wednesday.
Switzerland's Roger Federer returns Fabio Fognini's serve during the gentlemen's singles second-round match on Wednesday.
Frances Alize Cornet returns the ball during her ladies' singles first-round match against Nina Bratchikova of Russia on Wednesday.
France's Jeremy Chardy serves against Juan Monaco of Argentina during a second-round match on Wednesday.
Great Britain's Heather Watson celebrates match point during her second-round match against American Jamie Lee Hampton on Wednesday.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, right, is congratulated by Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain on Wednesday.
Italy's Fabio Fognini entertains a line judge by bouncing two balls during his second-round match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on June 27.
Wimbledon staff enjoy the match from indoors on June 27.
A wide view of courts 9, 10 and 11 on on Tuesday, June 26.
Britain's Andy Murray serves during his first-round singles victory over Russia's Nikolay Davydenko on June 26.
Court 5 umpire sitting in his chair on the second day of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament June 26.
Austria's Tamira Paszek serves during her first round women's singles match against Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on June 26.
A general view of atmosphere on day two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.
Andy Roddick of the USA reacts to a play during his first round match against Jamie Baker of Great Britain on June 26.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lleyton Hewitt square off on the second day of play at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London on June 26.
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci during his men's singles first-round match on June 26.
Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic is caught in midair after serving to Uzbekistan's Akgul Amanmuradova on June 26.
Tennis fans pass the time as they wait in line for tickets outside the stadium June 26.
Serena Williams of the U.S. beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic on June 26.
Spectators wait for play to resume after Tuesday's matches were halted due to rain June 26.
Crowds stream into the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the second day of play June 26.
Dutch player Kiki Bertens returns during her ladies' singles first-round match against the Czech Lucie Safarova on June 26.
A view of court 15 during men's doubles play on day two of Wimbledon on June 26.
Tsonga, of France, celebrates after beating Australia's Hewitt during their men's first-round match June 26.
Players compete across multiple outside courts during the first day of play on Monday, June 25.
A tennis fan camps out to get a ticket to the first day of matches at Wimbledon June 25.
Venus Williams plays a shot during her first-round match against Russia's Elena Vesnina on June 25. Williams lost the match, her earliest exit from the tournament in 15 years.
A dejected Williams waves to the crowd after her first-round loss on June 25.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic fires a backhand return against Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain on June 25.
Djokovic celebrates his straight-sets victory over Ferrero June 25.
France's Michael Llodra plays a forehand shot during his first-round men's singles match against Italy's Fabio Fognini on June 25.
Russia's Maria Sharapova plays a forehand shot during her match against Australia's Anastasia Rodionova on June 25.
Rodionova chases down a shot during the match on June 25.
Sharapova celebrates her win over Rodionova June 25.
China's Li Na plays a shot during her first-round women's singles match against Kazakhstan's Ksenia Pervak on June 25. Li went on to win the match.
Fognini plays a shot against Llodra on June 25.
America's John Isner returns a shot during his men's singles first-round match against Alejandro Falla of Colombia June 25.
Russia's Maria Kirilenko plays a double-handed backhand shot during her first-round women's singles match against Romania's Alexandra Cadantu June 25. Kirilenko won the match.
Latvia's Ernests Gulbis serves to the Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych on June 25.
Gulbis beat Berdych in straight sets on June 25.
Oliver Golding of Great Britain serves against Igor Andreev of Russia on June 25 on court 2.
Heather Watson of Great Britain hits a forehand return against Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic on June 25.
Williams and Radwanska shake hands after the match on Saturday.
Williams reacts during a play against Radwanska. She finished the tournament with 102 aces, three times as many as the the next closest woman player, Sabine Lisicki, who had 34.
Radwanska hits a forehand return back to Williams.
Williams' mother, Oracene Price, center, finds shelter under an umbrella during a temporary rain delay.
Still held on the grass, Wimbledon has always been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
Radwanska reacts after a good play.
Williams serves during her final match against Radwanska.
Radwanska serves to Williams in the final match in the women's singles.
Radwanska, right, the No. 3 seed from Poland, took her place in a showpiece final for the first time in her fledgling career. Her opponent, 30-year-old Williams, also recorded a straight sets win.
Spectators in the royal box on Centre Court wait for the final match to begin on Saturday.
Radwanska rests on her chair during a break between games during the match against Williams. Radwanska won on her Grand Slam semifinal debut to become Poland's first major finalist in 75 years.
Williams hits a forehand return. The U.S. player is gunning for a 14th major singles titles.
The ground staff installs rain covers, causing a delay in the game.
"This is what I dreamed of since I was a kid," Radwanska said. "Everyone wants to reach a Grand Slam final. It is the best two weeks of my career."
Going into Saturday's final, Williams boasted 85 aces in this year's tournament, second only to German quarterfinalist Philipp Kohlschreiber, who has 98 to his name.
Ground staff rush onto the court to install the rain covers.
Spectators hide under umbrellas and rain jackets as protection from the rain. See the best WImbledon photos.
Perry (1909-1995) stretches to return a shot during his semifinal match against Don Budge of the United States at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Crowds queue outside the gates of the All England Club in London to see the Wimbledon men's singles final between Perry and von Cramm on July 3, 1936.
Perry jumps the net on July 1, 1936, after beating Donald Budge of the United States to win the men's singles semifinal.
Von Cramm shakes hands with Perry after Perry's victory in the men's singles final on the center court at the Wimbledon on July 3, 1936. Perry defeated the German player in straight sets.
Perry returns a serve against U.S. player Bryan Grant in Court Number One at Wimbledon on June 29, 1936.
Crowds watch the tournament on the first day of the matches on June 22, 1936. See the best photos from this year's Wimbledon competition.
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