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
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Your support makes all the difference.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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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.
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.
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.
*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!
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...
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!
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.
*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...
*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...
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