World number one Roger Federer produced a near-perfect performance to beat Andy Roddick 6-2 7-6 6-4 and complete a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles.

The 23-year-old joins Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg as the only players to win three in a row in the open era.

Federer was at his peerless best in the first set but Roddick fought hard in the second before his opponent stepped up a gear to take it on a tie-break.

A rain delay failed to unsettle the Swiss, who broke once to seal glory.

"It's a pity for Andy but I really did play my best," Federer told reporters.

"I'm very, very proud. This is the third time so it's very special.

"I came here with huge expectations and to be standing here with the trophy is almost a dream.

"I was quite concerned before the semi-finals and the final and it's a huge relief."

The first set looked set to be a tight affair when only one point went against serve in the first five games.

But at 3-2, Federer piled on the pressure by finding a way to return some fearsome Roddick serves.

Federer set up a second break point by firing Roddick's smash straight back past his opponent and took control when the American went long.

The world number one made just one error and hit 15 winners in an awe-inspiring first-set display and rubber-stamped his dominance by breaking again to take it in 22 minutes.  

(BBC)

peerless : eminent beyond or above comparison（出类拔萃的，无可匹敌的）