Wimbledon 2019: Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in five-set classic

The all-time greats produced an instant epic at the All England club, with the Serb triumphing 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) in five hours, two minutes

Wimbledon Championships in numbers

Novak Djokovic triumphed in a five-seat, five-hour epic over Roger Federer after a thrilling Champions tie-break.

The Serb prevailed 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) and saved two Championship points in a back-and-forth contest on Centre Court.

Djokovic now moves to 16 Grand Slams, and is only four away from Federer's all-time record of 20.

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Key Points

• Djokovic takes the first set 7-6, rattling off four straight points in the tie-breaker to triumph 7-5 and lead 1-0
• Federer storms back to breeze the second set in quick time at 6-1, levelling the match at 1-1
• Djokovic edges a tight third set, 7-4 in the tie break, to move within a set of the title
• Federer rushes into a two-break lead in the fourth, only for the Serb to grab one back, but the 37-year-old will not be denied, clinching it 6-4 to confirm a fifth set
• Djokovic prevails in a Champions tie-break 7-3 after the pair were tied up at 12 games all

[14 July 2019 16:20 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer* (0-3)

Federer goes long, then wide, and the Serb has opened up a three-point lead...

[14 July 2019 16:20 · Kieran Jackson]

[14 July 2019 16:21 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer (4-1)

Federer nets a poor backhand at 3-1 down, and the momentum is all with Djokovic in this tiebreak now. 

He has a 4-1 lead.

[14 July 2019 16:23 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer (5-1)

Djokovic outlasts Federer in another very lengthy rally!

He punches the air, and walks to his chair with a 5-1 lead in this pivotal third-set tiebreak! Is there any way back for Federer?

[14 July 2019 16:24 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer* (2-5)

Well, there's one of the mini-breaks recovered. 

An aggressive forehand crosscourt by Federer hits the line, and Djokovic nets on the stretch.

Djokovic still 5-2 up though.

[14 July 2019 16:24 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer* (3-5)

Big first serve, followed by a drive volley into the open court...

[14 July 2019 16:25 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer (5-4)

Ace down the T!

Federer has asked the question... Djokovic with two points, on serve, for a two sets to one lead!

[14 July 2019 16:26 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 6-6 Federer (6-4)

Well, Federer was in the rally, but he slices wide down the line - shown to be a good inch or two on hawkeye.

TWO SET POINTS!

[14 July 2019 16:26 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) Federer

DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET!

Djokovic approaches, and Federer nets a forehand. 

The world number one punches the air, gesturing to his box, and he has a two sets to one lead in the Wimbledon final!

A tale of two tiebreaks, which have both gone Djokovic's way!

[14 July 2019 16:29 · Kieran Jackson]