Roger Federer has revealed the inner strength which allowed him to become the greatest tennis player in history.

Federer has amassed 15 grand slams while being renowned for his elegance and style.

But as his priority shifted from defeating Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final to looking after wife Mirka, who is expecting their first child, Federer admitted that beneath the stylish veneer lies a scrapper.

Federer, whose sixth Wimbledon crown took him past Pete Sampras' grand slam tally, said: "The fight is what I am most proud of. I'm famous for being all casual and relaxed out there, not showing much (emotion). But we all know how different it was.

"I'm surprised at becoming the player I am today. I didn't expect it. I never thought I could be this consistent or that great a player with so many qualities. I know I have qualities everywhere in the game. I also have deficits too which is normal."

Roddick, who was defeated only after five epic sets including a final one which went to 16-14, was also swift to identify the ability to slug it out as being one of Federer's most significant qualities.

The American said: "He gets a lot of credit for a lot of things but not how many matches he digs deep and toughs out. He doesn't get a lot of credit for that because it looks easy to him. But he definitely sticks in there."

Federer also insisted his ability to enjoy the constant travelling and the surreal life on the ATP circuit was another factor in his enduring success.

He explained: "I think I've handled many things in the right way, including the media and my personal life. I'm happy where my life has improved because it's so much fun on the tour right now. I love travelling. I have always kept things happy. I think that's key to a long career."

At 27, Federer could hardly have dreamed of how perfectly things have gone for him this summer, especially after losing to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final in January after which he was diagnosed with a debilitating virus similar to glandular fever.

It might have wrecked the season for players with a more fragile physique, but while Federer suffered a few more losses than usual, he came back to win the French Open on clay at Roland Garros to become only the sixth player in history to have won grand slams on all surfaces.

In winning Wimbledon he also reclaimed the world number one spot with Nadal sidelined with injury.

Now he is looking forward to the birth of his first child, which has given him the impetus to play on into his thirties.

He also gave an insight into what inspired his tennis story - the three consecutive Wimbledon final duels between Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg between 1988 and 1990.

Federer said: "Sitting at home watching them play I hoped one day I could be like them. That's where idols and inspirations are good. They push you forward. Then along the way you joke around and say it's coming closer. When you win a practice match you fake like you've won Wimbledon. Then all of a sudden it's really happening. It's surreal to think that far ahead and it's amazing coming through in the end."

Federer's achievement ensures Wimbledon 2009 will have a special place in tennis history although it was a tournament which lacked personality and class on the women's side apart from the enduring quality of winner Serena Williams and sister and runner-up Venus.

It will be remembered, however, for the roof which gave Wimbledon its latest-ever finish, 10.38pm, the night Andy Murray battled to an epic five-sets victory against Stanislas Wawrinka.

And for the manner in which Murray progressed to the semi-finals, raising hopes that one day soon Fred Perry's record as the last British man to lift the singles trophy could be eclipsed.

Mostly, however, Wimbledon 2009 will be remembered as the venue where tennis history was made which might go unchallenged for the rest of the century. By a man with fight as well as elegance.