Serena Williams held off a last-chance fightback from Spain's Garbine Muguruza on Saturday as the American escaped with a 6-4, 6-4 win to claim her sixth title at Wimbledon.
Heavy favourite Williams was stretched to the limit by the 21-year-old who will rise to ninth in the world after her performance on the grass.
Williams had to dodge a bullet to survive late in the second set in a match where she began with a double-fault and a break of her serve by the inspired challenger.
Trailing a set and 5-1, Muguruza suddenly mounted a charge which included two breaks of the top seed - including a ninth game where she saved a match point and broke for 5-4 on her fifth chance.
But the success was short-lievd as Williams returned the favour in the ensuing game to earn her 21st grand slam title after 83 minutes from her opponent's forehand wide.
"I'm just happy it was such a great match, I can't believe I'm standing her with another Serena slam," Williams said in reference to holding all four grand slam titles at the same time for the second time in her career.
"It's so cool. There was definitely a bit of pressure at the end. She played well and hitting some great shots to that made it even harder.
"I'm having so much fun out here, I never dreamt I'd be out here winning, having so much fun and winning Wimbledon."
The 33-year-old claimed her 68th title and maintains her hold on the world number one ranking.
Muguruza was close to tears in defeat but summoned up her reserves of poise.
"I enjoyed it a lot, I don't have words to say how I feel," said the player who insisted her parents remain at home in Barcelona and watch the match on television so as not to upset her rhythm and luck over the past two weeks.
"I was proud and happy to be playing here. I'm now a fan of grass."
Muguruza started with a break of serve after an eight-minute opening game and led in the first set until the powerful Williams earned the break back for 4-4, winning six straight games to claim the set and lead 1-0 in the second.
"This final was dream come true for me," said Muguruza. "But Serena showed us why she's still number one."
Williams ended with 12 aces and 29 winners, while Muguruza broek three times from ten chances.
