The World's Greatest

In 2010, a surprise quarterfinal defeat to Soderling at the French put an end to Roger Federer's reign at the top of the rankings. In recent years, Nadal's power and athleticism and the emergence of Novak Djokovic overshadowed the Swiss, who quickly fell behind his arch rivals. Although he contested some semis, even got to the final of Roland Garros last year, Roger was unable to claim another Grand Slam crown since his success in Australia in 2010. 

After his heartbreaking loss to Djokovic at the US Open though, the Swiss decided to change something in his approach. He took time off to recharge his batteries, brought in Paul Annacone to help him develop a more aggressive play and extended his schedule in order to catch up with his rival. The trick paid off and Federer started winning. First it was Basel, then Paris followed by the Masters Cup in London, capping a sensational ending to 2011. 2012 was by no means less spectacular with wins in Rotterdam, Dubai, Indian Wells and Madrid, but he was lacking a Slam to mark his return to the top of the game. 

He might have fallen to Nadal in Australia and to Djokovic in Paris, but his best shot was always the Wimbledon grass. After a run to the finals in Halle, Federer stated loud and clear that this would finally be his year. He run into all sorts of problems early on though, having to come back from two sets to love to beat Julien Benneteau, in the third and to shake off a scary back injury to dispose of Belgian veteran, Xavier Mallise in the next round. However, unlike the last couple of Slams, this time, when push came to shove, Federer delivered. After a routine win over Youzhny in the quarterfinals, he finally got the better of Djokovic, sending out the defending champion. The result also meant that the Swiss now had a chance of regaining the number 1 ranking from the Serb, provided he wins the final. 

The championship match proved a a pretty heated encounter with both him and British hope, Andy Murray, eyeing a place in the history book. While Roger was trying to emulate the last records standing, Murray has hoping to become the first Briton to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry's 1936 triumph. With Murray all pumped up, Federer started rather shaky, dropping the opener 4-6. However, after overcoming some tense moments in the second to win it 7-5, Roger released all the nerves and was able to produce a stunning display to succumb Andy's resistance. He served out the match 6-4 in the fourth to claim his 17th Grand Slam crown, 7th at Wimbledon and 75th overall. Also, starting on Monday, he will regain his number 1 ranking, breaking thus Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks as number 1. 

Asked what the victory meant to him, Federer replied: "This just feels amazing. I never stopped believing. I have great momentum, great confidence and it all came together for me. It is a magical moment for me. I think I played some of my best tennis in the last couple of matches. I couldn't be more happy being back here as the winner. It is a great moment. It feels nice to get my hands back on the trophy. "

At almost 31 years old, Roger shows no signs of planning to hang up his racquet anytime soon. Much like Serena Williams, the Swiss' love for tennis grew stronger in time and he is hungrier than ever for success. Welcome back Mr. Federer! Thanks for giving me this moment! As it happened in Australia with Azarenka winning the title, these are the occasions that remind me why I love this sport.

Cheered by his young twins, Federer achieved his dream of having his kids witness him win a Grand Slam title. His box did not miss his wife, Mirka, his father and his coach, Paul Annacone. 

With his 4-6,7-5,6-3,6-4 victory over Andy Murray, Federer rewrites once more the history of tennis. He ties Pete Sampras with seven Wimbledon crown, broke the American's record of 286 weeks as number 1 and extended his own record to 17th Grand Slam titles.

photos: GETTY IMAGES