Roger Federer trounced a tearful Marin Cilic to become the first man ever to win eight singles titles at Wimbledon.
It took the 35-year-old just an hour and 41 minutes to clinch by far his most one-sided Wimbledon final triumph and extend his overall record with a 19th grand slam singles title.
The 6-3 6-1 6-4 victory continues Federer’s magnificent season in what should be his tennis dotage, but even the most ardent of the Swiss’ fans – and there were many packed into Centre Court – did not want the final to play out like this.
Cilic started well but it became clear early in the second set that something was badly wrong with the Croatian.
At 3-0, he sobbed uncontrollably into his towel as he discussed the situation with the doctor and it looked like he might not be able to continue.
There has only ever been one retirement in a Wimbledon men’s singles final, back in 1911, and Cilic at least had the support of the crowd as he opted to play through the pain.
He had what looked like blisters on his left foot taped at the start of the third set and willed himself to make it something of a contest.
Federer continued to do what he had to do and, after clinching victory with an ace, raised his fists in the air.
It was understandably a slightly muted celebration but the emotion came for Federer when he looked up to his wife Mirka and their four children in his player box.
Here we look at some of the best reactions on Federer’s win.
#19 tastes great pic.twitter.com/3Hv3lM5Rk9
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 16, 2017
Huge congratulations to @rogerfederer on his historic achievement! 8๏ธโฃ๐๐Well done to @cilic_marin too. A great @Wimbledon, one for the ages!
— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) July 16, 2017
He has done it again!! Congrats 8 times champion, @rogerfederer! ๐๐พ #Wimbledon #justdoit pic.twitter.com/LB6iXm4DFD
— Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) July 16, 2017
Slam Wimbledon 19 @rogerfederer ๐๐ผ #sw19 #wimbledon #welldone
— Tomรกลก Berdych (@tomasberdych) July 16, 2017
Well done @rogerfederer .. best Athlete in our generation. Can't praise him enough. Absolute pleasure to watch him play..๐๐๐
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) July 16, 2017
What an absolute freak @rogerfederer is, 8th Wimbledon title unbelievable! #Wimbledon
— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) July 16, 2017
Leo Messi, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer. The best I've seen.
— Gerard Piquรฉ (@3gerardpique) July 16, 2017
What a player!! Champion stuff from the champion๐Congrats to my all time favourite tennis player @rogerfederer ๐๐ #Wimbledon #inspiration
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 16, 2017
The GOAT does it again! ๐x19! And at age 35. He's my hero and inspiration! So proud of you @rogerfederer!
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) July 16, 2017
The king of tennis without a doubt ๐๐พ๐ @rogerfederer Grand Slam title 19 and still counting! ๐ #congrats #champ #Wimbledon #mercedesfamily
— Mesut รzil (@MesutOzil1088) July 16, 2017
Time stands still and once again it's for @rogerfederer! Congratulations Champ ๐ #WimbledonFinal
— Leander Paes (@Leander) July 16, 2017
Taking a 6month break and then firing it up with a googly - much deserved! congratulations @rogerfederer .Keep the spins going ๐๐ #Wimbledon
— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) July 16, 2017
The record is broken.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2017
For an historic eighth time, @rogerfederer wins the #Wimbledon men's singles title... pic.twitter.com/L6Yckp7qVq
Champion. Again. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/2ntcpKZ4i7
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2017
What it means to make history...#Wimbledon @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/amzokbYM36
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 16, 2017
All eyes were on the big man @rogerfederer and he clearly didn't disappoint anyone. Congratulations for another #WimbledonFinal victory!
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 16, 2017
