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 17:31 · Kieran Jackson]

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

What looks like a routine hold to love for Djokovic quickly evolves to 40-30, and an forehand into the net has given Federer a lifeline. 

Deuce.

[14 July 2019 17:32 · Kieran Jackson]

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

It came with a scare, but Djokovic holds as Federer goes long and then nets.

[14 July 2019 17:34 · Kieran Jackson]

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

[14 July 2019 17:34 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (0-30)

Two backhands are comfortably long by Federer - is the 20-time major winner cracking here?

[14 July 2019 17:35 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (15-40)

And there goes another one long... TWO BREAK POINTS for Novak Djokovic!

[14 July 2019 17:36 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (30-40)

A flimsy return into the net by Djokovic, off a second serve.

Wasteful. Still one more break opportunity though...

[14 July 2019 17:37 · Kieran Jackson]

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

DJOKOVIC BREAKS!

It's been coming.... Federer's approach is too short, and Djokovic's backhand pass has too much gas for Federer, who can only frame it downwards.

We have our final set twist... will we have another one?!

[14 July 2019 17:38 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Is it right now?! Djokovic nets a backhand at 15-15...

[14 July 2019 17:39 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer goes for a very makable forehand down the line, but it's long!

[14 July 2019 17:40 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 4-2 Federer (30-40)

Djokovic double faults, wow!

BREAK BACK POINT for Federer!