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.

Please allow a moment for updates to load

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 18:01 · Kieran Jackson]

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

DJOKOVIC HOLDS! 

Federer's backhand drifts long - Djokovic's nose in front once again!

Federer will serve to stay in it again (I may be saying that a lot more in the next 30 minutes)!

[14 July 2019 18:03 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Genuinely...

[14 July 2019 18:04 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer mistimes his backhand long... Djokovic two points from victory once again!

[14 July 2019 18:04 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Off a second serve, Djokovic goes long with a backhand. 

Opportunity squandered?

[14 July 2019 18:05 · Kieran Jackson]

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

It looks that way... aggressive serve-forehand combination does it for Federer, Djokovic netting.

Game point.

[14 July 2019 18:05 · Kieran Jackson]

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

He's missed it!

It looks like we're at 6-6, but Federer's drive volley after his serve goes long!

Deuce.

[14 July 2019 18:06 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Long wait for Federer to serve his second serve, after an unsuccessful challenge, but a forehand inside-in winner takes him to advantage!

[14 July 2019 18:07 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Another stunning point!

Cat and mouse, backhand to backhand, until Djokovic finishes it off at the net!

[14 July 2019 18:07 · Kieran Jackson]

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

ACE down the T!

Djokovic just cannot get to match point!

[14 July 2019 18:08 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Djokovic goes long, FEDERER HOLDS!

6-6 - no tiebreak. On we go... it's like a sudden death sixth set!