The two Dutchmen won in an epic four-hour final 2-6 6-4 7-6 5-7 10-8. They have become the first pair in the open era to win all four grand slam doubles crowns.

Brink of victory

The Australians took control in the opening stages with two breaks in the first set, but Eltingh and Haarhuis fought back to the brink of victory in the fourth set.

The Dutch pair won the first of their three championship points on Woodbridge's serve, with the number two seeds trailing 4-5, but Eltingh's volley fell just wide.

In the final set Woodbridge's serve was broken in the 18th game to hand the Dutch duo their first Wimbledon doubles title and their fifth grand slam crown.

Historic record

The Australian's share their record of five straight Wimbledon wins with two Britons, Reggie and Laurie Doherty, who first accomplished it in 1897-1901.

Woodforde said: "It's disappointing to lose, but when you look at not only five straight Wimbledon titles but to participate in a match like that, that's what tennis is about.

"We created a niche and a name for ourselves with all the wins and this loss in the final."

Woodbridge said it would take time to fully realise their achievements over the past six championships.