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 16:32 · Kieran Jackson]

At this rate, Djokovic could win Wimbledon without having a break point, let alone breaking Federer's serve!

The Serb will serve first in set number four - 2 hours and 20 minutes gone.

[14 July 2019 16:34 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 1-0 Federer*

No second set repeats after the tiebreak for Djokovic.

He holds to 15, and looks right in the zone now.

[14 July 2019 16:36 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 1-0 Federer* (30-30)

Federer goes to the serve-and-volley combination at 15-30, and the drive volley has too much venom for Djokovic.

[14 July 2019 16:37 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer holds, with another serve and volley execution and a forehand winner inside-in!

Djokovic, after 2 hours and 26 minutes of tennis, STILL hasn't had a break point!

[14 July 2019 16:40 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-1 Federer*

A hold to love for Djokovic - Federer now seems to be really struggling for any rhythm on return.

The shanks continue, on both wings, for the Swiss.

Incidentally, in their 2014 final, it went to five sets and Djokovic won the third set by exactly the same scoreline: 7-6(4)!

Who won on that tight occasion? Djokovic. Omens...

[14 July 2019 16:43 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-1 Federer* (40-40)

Djokovic recovers from 40-15 to deuce, and does so with a backhand fizzed down the line - Federer can get nowhere near it!

[14 July 2019 16:44 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-2 Federer

Federer holds!

The number two seed covercomes a sticky situation on serve again, with a volley winner and a Djokovic error seeing out that game!

Still in it.

[14 July 2019 16:46 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-2 Federer (15-30)

A sublime opening point by Federer, winning it with a forehand pass.

Djokovic double faults at 15-15, the door is ajar...

[14 July 2019 16:46 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-2 Federer (15-40)

Djokovic goes long, after a successful challenge by Federer!

TWO BREAK POINTS...

[14 July 2019 16:48 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 2-3 Federer*

FEDERER BREAKS!

Djokovic goes wide with a backhand, and to a huge Centre Court roar, Federer breaks serve!

Shouts of "Roger!" around the stadium now! It's very pro-Roger in here!