Who is Roger Federer?

Roger Federer wore a specially tailored white jacket with a golden "15" stitched on the back when he broke Pete Sampras' career record of 14 Grand Slam titles by winning the Wimbledon men singles title for the sixth time in 2009. Three years later, he has another Wimbledon trophy on his shelf, equalling Pistol Pete's 7 wins on English grass. In winning his 7th, Federer also took back what many fans in the world insist is naturally his - the World number 1 spot.

He snatched that from Novak Djokovic when he shattered Andy Murray's dream of ending Britain's 76-year wait for an All England Club men's champion on Sunday. This was Federer's 17th Grand Slam title; he was playing in his eighth Wimbledon final and 24th Grand Slam championship match. He beat Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to join not just Pete Sampras, but also William Renshaw, who played over a hundred years ago, as a seven-time champion.

An elated and emotional Federer said, "It equals me with Pete Sampras who is my hero so it's amazing. As we know the world number one doesn't get gifted to you but I never stopped believing. I started playing more even though I had a family. It all worked out and came together. It's a magical moment. It's a dream come true."

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This was indeed a big one. Fedex fans remember the 2010 shocker when he crashed out of Wimbledon in the quarterfinals; 2011 was a heartbreaking repeat. Federer is now 30 years old. The last man 30 or older to win a Grand Slam title was Andre Agassi at the 2003 Australian Open.

Born in Arlesheim near Basel, Switzerland on August 8 1981, Federer owns a record 17 Grand Slam titles. His last Grand Slam title was the 2010 Australian Open. Last night, he broke the longest Grand Slam drought - that of two and a half years.

The last nine major trophies were collected by Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal, who have played each other in the last four Grand Slam finals.

Federer wanted to be the one to end that run. And he managed that. Tennis legend John McEnroe too had picked Federer to win the Wimbledon 2012.

Telling how special Wimbledon is for him, Federer said, "It feels great to be back as winner, it feels so familiar. I've missed playing in finals here. I think I played some of my best tennis in the last couple of matches. Over the years at Wimbledon I have played best in semis and finals. It's nice. It's like it never left me. I've gone through some struggles and had a lot of changes in my life, so this one comes at the right time."

In April 2009, Federer married his longtime girlfriend and former tennis player Mirka Vavrinec, who he met while competing for Switzerland in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. They have twin girls, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva.

Quick facts about Roger Federer

Turned pro: 1998

Coach: Paul Annacone

Career singles titles: 75

Grand Slam singles titles: 17 (Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010; French Open 2009; Wimbledon 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012; US Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

Career prize money: $72,907,729

Best Wimbledon result: Champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)