Pete Sampras hailed Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time after the Swiss superstar surpassed his Grand Slam record with a sixth Wimbledon title.

Federer claimed a 15th major with an epic 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 16-14 win over America's Andy Roddick in a 4hr 16min final which featured the longest concluding set in a men's final in London.

"In my book, he's the greatest of all time. He has his critics and people point to Rafael Nadal beating him, but for me he's the greatest. He is a legend and an icon," said Sampras, who won seven Wimbledon titles in his career.

"He is a great champion and a good guy. He's very humble, which I like."

Sampras predicted that Federer, who is still only 27, can go on and set more Grand Slam records.

"He can win 17, 18 majors at least. He's only 27 and he can do it if he stays healthy."

The American, who played his last Wimbledon in 2002, flew in overnight to see Federer launch an assault on his record of 14 which Federer equalled when he won a first French Open in June.

He is effortless when he plays. He serves big, has a great forehand and his backhand. I'm a fan of how he plays, what he's about... he's a class guy on and off the court.

"He's fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he's able to do on the run. I think he can and will break every tennis record out there."

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