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 18:11 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Djokovic holds to 15.

At 30-15, Djokovic smashes the ball at Federer, then aggressively puts away the subsequent smash.

Federer gives him a bit of a look, but nothing more!

On we go...

[14 July 2019 18:14 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Federer holds to 15, clinching it with a forehand winner. 

Thrilling drama, between these two sporting giants!

We've just passed the four hour mark!

[14 July 2019 18:17 · Kieran Jackson]

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

From 30-0 to 30-30, as Djokovic nets then goes long!

Is this Federer's moment?

[14 July 2019 18:18 · Kieran Jackson]

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

Djokovic goes wide with a forehand, and it's BREAK POINT!

[14 July 2019 18:19 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer*

FEDERER BREAKS!

And with one more whip of his magic forehand wand crosscourt, Federer breaks serve with a stunning angled pass!

Federer will serve for his 9th Wimbledon title! 

CENTRE COURT IS ABSOLUTELY ROCKING!

[14 July 2019 18:21 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer* (15-15)

Federer goes long, then Djokovic does.

So tense.

[14 July 2019 18:21 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer* (30-15)

Sorry did I say tense?

Federer ACE down the T! 2 points away...

[14 July 2019 18:21 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer* (40-15)

ACE DOWN THE T!

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS!

[14 July 2019 18:22 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer* (40-30)

Federer goes wide with a forehand. 

ONE MORE CHAMPIONSHIP POINT!

[14 July 2019 18:22 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-8 Federer* (40-40)

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SAVED!

Djokovic, forehand pass, crosscourt. WHAT NEXT?!