Federer bests Murray for Wimbledon title

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LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- Swiss superstar Roger Federer rallied for his record-tying seventh Wimbledon title Sunday, outplaying Britain's Andy Murray in four sets.

Federer tied Pete Sampras for the most career Wimbledon crowns after dropping the first set but then rebounding for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 victory over the Scotsman.

The 30-year-old Swiss icon, who made the final after dispatching Novak Djokovic in Friday's semifinals, regained the world No. 1 ranking from the Serb while collecting his 17th career Grand Slam title, the most of any player in history -- but his first since 2010.

"It feels great being back here as the winner ... it's a great moment," he said during the trophy presentation.

Britain's Andy Murray in London on July 6, 2012. UPI/Hugo Philpott

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Federer reached seven straight Wimbledon finals from 2003-09, winning six of them, and was the 2008 runner-up to Rafael Nadal.

He capped a lengthy rally in the second set with a drop volley, breaking Murray in the 12th game to even the match before rain forced a 40-minute delay at 1-all in the third set.

Centre Court's retractable roof was closed and after play was resumed, the Swiss again broke Murray for a 4-2 lead to cap a marathon game and closed out the set with an ace.

Federer broke for a 3-2 lead in the fourth set with a cross-court backhand past Murray and cruised to the victory -- his 75th career title and his fifth in 2012.

Murray, meanwhile, fell short in his bid to become the first Briton to win a Wimbledon men's title since 1936.

The 25-year-old dropped to 0-4 in Grand Slam finals but broke a streak in which he had failed to win a set.

He also lost to the Swiss in the 2010 Australian Open final -- Federer's most recent Grand Slam title until Sunday -- and in the 2008 U.S. Open finale.