Roger Federer's family watches on in pride as he wins record-breaking eighth Wimbledon title

In the end it took just an hour and 41 minutes for Roger Federer to make history, defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets to become the first man to win eight Wimbledon championships.

The Swiss player beat Croatian Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his 19th grand slam title, having glided through the tournament without dropping a single set.

Less than a month away from his 36th birthday, Federer is the oldest man to have lifted the Wimbledon trophy, despite taking a six-month break from competing last year.

For a man who, by his own admission, did not expect to be in the Wimbledon finals a year ago, it was a remarkable achievement.

“I should take more time off,” he joked, moments after winning the title.

"It's magical, I can't believe it yet. It's disbelief that I can achieve such heights,” he told the BBC's Sue Barker.

"I wasn't sure if I would ever be back here in another final after last year but I always believed I could come back, and if you believe in your life you can go a long way. I kept on believing and dreaming and here I am today."

It was a dramatic, tear-filled match for both players, with Cilic weeping from the pain of a bad blister during the second set.

After the match, the 28-year-old said: "I had an amazing journey here and played the best tennis of my life. I gave it my best and that's all I could do."

Federer also shed a tear as he saw his family celebrating in the players’ box. As he was presented with the trophy, his wife, Mirka, stood with their twin daughters, seven year olds Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, and three-year-old twin sons Leo and Lenny.

The girls, who wore matching flower patterned dresses, have already seen their father win Wimbledon, but it was a new experience for the boys, who had dressed in pale blue blazers for the occasion.

Federer said: "They have no clue what's going on, they think this is probably a nice view and a nice playground.

"Hopefully one day they will understand."

Federer has also fulfilled a dream for the women's champion, Garbine Muguruza, who revealed she was hoping to share the winners' dance with the Swiss player at the Champions Ball.

But Federer has not given up of achieving further dizzying heights as he hopes to return to the All England Club next year.

"Wimbledon was always my favourite tournament, it will always be my favourite tournament," he said.

"My heroes walked the grounds here and walked the courts here. Because of them, I think I became a better player, too. To mark history here really means a lot to me."

Asked what keeps him going, he said: "I love to play... My wife's totally fine with me still playing. Because I'm playing a little less, I actually get more time in return. I feel like I'm working part-time these days almost, which is a great feeling. "The goal is definitely to be here again next year to try and defend."