In a match lasting four hours and 23 minutes, the defending champion fought back from two sets down to retain the trophy.
The crowd on Centre Court gave both players a standing ovation, recognising one of the greatest finals in tournament history.
At 19 years old, the runner-up became the youngest Wimbledon finalist in the Open era, signalling a changing of the guard.
The champion's victory extends their Grand Slam tally to eight, placing them among the all-time greats of the sport.