Switzerland's Roger Federer in action during the final against Croatia's Marin Cilic at Wimbledon championships in London, July 16, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Latest milestone

His latest milestone continued a remarkable resurgence for Federer, who took six months off last year before returning to win the Australian Open - ending a five-year wait for an 18th grand slam many thought would remain elusive.

"I've got to take more time off, I don't know!" said Federer, whose family has doubled with the addition of twins Leo and Lennart to go with twin girls Myla Rose and Charlene Riva since his 2012 title - all of whom were watching on Sunday.

"It is very special. Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, will always be my favorite tournament. My heroes walked the grounds here."

For Cilic, who beat Federer in the US Open semi-finals before going on to claim his sole major in 2014, his first final at the citadel of tennis, was a living nightmare.

In pain from a blister, his legs appearing tied together and his mind in turmoil, Cilic seemed on the verge of quitting as the tears flowed and the crowd murmured in embarrassment.

"I got a really bad blister," Cilic said, explaining his mid-match meltdown that had fans nonplussed. "It didn't hurt so much that it was putting me in tears. It was just that feeling that I wasn't able to give the best."