By Caroline Cheese
BBC Sport at Wimbledon |
 Federer feels his rivalry with Nadal could be one of the greats |
World number one Roger Federer said he felt under enormous pressure as he was taken to five sets in a classic Wimbledon final against Rafael Nadal. Federer, who matched Bjorn Borg by winning his fifth straight title, said: "I was drained mentally and physically.
"It was a huge occasion, the record was on the line... It just adds up and puts more pressure on you."
He added: "To see Bjorn after the match was very special. It was very fitting from my point of view."
Borg was in the front row of the Royal Box to watch the scintillating encounter - the third longest men's single final in history - and later met Federer in front of the winners' board.
 | He came so close today - he deserves a title here |
"It was very special," said Federer, who played his first five-set Grand Slam final.
"To have Borg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Boris Becker sitting there watching... I will take very special memories of this final."
Federer, 25, paid tribute to Nadal, who twice had break points in the deciding set before the world number one reeled off the last four games.
"He's playing phenomenal tennis. He's definitely improved again. He had more of a game plan this year. He seemed to be playing more aggressively.
"He came so close today - he deserves a title here.
"It is building up to one of the great rivalries. Sometimes we haven't lived up to expectations but you can't always play five sets.
"I'm happy it happened today - and I left as the winner, so it's perfect."
Federer's win took him to 11 Grand Slam titles, putting him third on the all-time list alongside Borg and Rod Laver and three away from the record set by Pete Sampras.
"Obviously, it's on my mind," said the Swiss when asked about matching the American legend.
| If he wins 14, 15 or 13 Grand Slam titles, his level is the best in history |
"But it's not a thing where I say I have to beat that record. He's maybe the greatest player we've ever had.
"I don't know how much longer I can keep it up, but I feel mentally and physically fit to keep going for a number of years."
Nadal, beaten in the final by Federer for the second successive year, believes his rival is playing the best tennis in history.
"If he wins 14, 15 or 13 Grand Slam titles, his level is the best in history," said the 21-year-old.
"I played great. I had chances to win against one of the best ever on grass. I'm disappointed now but tomorrow I'll be happy with my tournament.
"I am playing better than last year. Maybe to compare myself with Roger is not possible yet - he has 11 Grand Slams, I have three - but I'm young and I'm improving every season.
"Today was tough for me but at the same time it's good to play a final like this against the best in world and to be playing at a similar level."
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Highlights: Wimbledon day 13