Wimbledon: The Incredible Federer Wins Record 8th Singles Title

This year's gathering at the All England Croquet & Tennis Club has been one for the ages.

Mainly because age was an issue in both the mens' and women's singles play.

Venus Williams fell short in her attempt to become the oldest female champion here.

However, Roger Federer did not.

At 35, dude's now the oldest gentleman to hoist the hardware at center court in the Open Era.

The Swiss version of Dorian Gray not only won an unprecedented eightth singles title -- passing Pete Sampras (2000) and William Renshaw (1889) -- he did it by becoming the first winner here since Björn Borg in 1976 to not drop a single set.

The result was a 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 thrashing of Croatia's Marin Čilić:

The last time a player retired from a final due to injury was back in 1911, and to his credit, Čilić was determined not to break the streak.

He was obviously in pain, with trainers tending to a blister on his left foot. However, even a healthy Čilić would've looked overmatched in this one.

Federer's returned from a six-month R&R -- and a subsequent eight-weeker -- to claim two of this year's three Slam championships.

Maybe he's on to something, there.

Federer will no doubt make certain he's well-rested before the US Open in late August-early September. There's still work to be done if he wants to surpass Margaret Court's all-time Slam record of 24 championships. Dude has 19.

Should he take another break, and do part of it at his home, he'll no doubt take in a match or two of his favorite football team.

Who else would it be?

FC Basel's won eight straight Swiss Super League championships.

Success indeed surrounds itself with success.