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 14:12 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 0-1 Federer

In true Roger Federer fashion, the eight-time champion starts the final with an ace out wide, and finishes the game off with a forehand winner.

A hold to 15, Fed on the board first.

[14 July 2019 14:15 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 1-1 Federer*

Federer in the points in that opening game, but three astray forehands and a backhand into the net means a love hold for world number one Djokovic to open up.

1 apiece.

[14 July 2019 14:19 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer

Federer holds to 30.

Djokovic whips a forehand inside-in to win the opening point, but it's all Federer from then on in.

Three first serves set up 40-15, but a missed forehand isn't capitalised on by Djokovic at 40-30. He nets a drop shot when he really should've made it. Fed escapes.

[14 July 2019 14:24 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (40-40)

A shaky game by Djokovic. He starts it with a double fault and despite setting up two game points at 40-15, a Federer wrong-footer and a Djokovic error means we have our first deuce of the match.

[14 July 2019 14:25 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (40-40)

Federer saves a third game point of the match with a trademark whipped forehand down the line!

Back to deuce.

[14 July 2019 14:26 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (40-40)

Again, Federer strikes down the line on his forehand at ad Djokovic!

Third deuce of the game - can the Swiss get himself a break opportunity?

[14 July 2019 14:26 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (ad Federer)

He can! Djokovic goes wide with a simple backhand crosscourt, and it's BREAK POINT!

[14 July 2019 14:28 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (40-40)

An ace down the T is called in - Federer challenges and it's wide on review! 

Second serve: a window opens for Federer mid-rally on his forehand, but he goes wide!

[14 July 2019 14:29 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 2-2 Federer*

Big, big hold for Novak Djokovic!

On the offensive, a winner and a Federer error means Djokovic escapes, in a game where he was on the edge!

[14 July 2019 14:30 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 2-2 Federer* (0-30)

Two points, two Federer shanks! 0-30....