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 17:20 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Big Federer down the line winner on the backhand side - even Djokovic can't reach that one!

Deuce - first deuce of the 5th set...

[14 July 2019 17:21 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Ace down the T. Pressure... what pressure?

[14 July 2019 17:22 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Djokovic holds, as Federer's return flies long!

A significant hold for the Serb. 

[14 July 2019 17:24 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer misses, and an opportunity for Novak here...

[14 July 2019 17:25 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer's forehand pass looks destined to be a winner crosscourt, but it clips the net and goes wide!

TWO BREAK POINTS for Djokovic!

[14 July 2019 17:26 · Kieran Jackson]

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

TWO BREAK POINTS SAVED!

Ice cool from Federer, forcing Djokovic into two errors...

[14 July 2019 17:26 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Not that time though. Federer's forehand goes wide. BREAK POINT NO. 3!

[14 July 2019 17:27 · Kieran Jackson]

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

BREAK POINT SAVED! Ace out wide!

[14 July 2019 17:27 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Djokovic goes a tad long on return.

[14 July 2019 17:28 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer holds, and saves three break points in the process!

A forehand winner into the open court clinches it! What a save from the Swiss!

We remain evenly poised on serve...