At the end, Nadal could scarcely believe it as he lifted the golden cup he so craved in front of Spain’s last champion, Manuel Santana, who won 42 years ago.

Winning Wimbledon has been a long-held dream for Nadal and now it will be just a question of time before he overtakes Federer as the top player in the world.

Nadal had stood on the brink of victory after taking the advantage in the fourth-set tiebreak and holding two points for the title, the second of which Federer saved with a simply sensational backhand winner.

But in a match interrupted by two brief rain delays, Nadal won the 15th game of the final set, breaking Federer and serving out to win the title in astonishing fashion.

He flung himself to the court before the players hugged warmly at the net after their heart-stopping four hour 47 minutes drama.

Nadal climbed into the players box to embrace his ecstatic family, weeping tears of delight and relief.

He even walked across the roof of the commentary box to the Royal Box and back again clutching the Spanish flag to take congratulations from  the Spanish royalty.

After sobbing into his towel he said: “It is impossible to explain what I felt. I’m so happy. This is my favourite tournament.

“Roger is the best player in history.

“He always fights unbelievably. To beat him of all players after losing the last two is fantastic. But he is still No1 for me.”

Federer said: “I tried everything, but Rafa is a deserving champion.

“Rain didn’t make it easy, but it has been a joy here.

“Pity I couldn’t win, but I’ll be back next year.”

No interruption could hold back Nadal, but he did allow Federer back into the contest after he fell in the third set and needed treatment on his already damaged right knee.

Up on Henman Hill thousands without tickets sheltered from that rain but gave Federer their full support by chanting his name. That lifted him toward producing his best tennis of the match.

Uncle Toni, who has coached Nadal from the age of four, turned away at times unable to watch any longer.