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 14:32 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 2-3 Federer

Federer brings out his best when needed though, and wins four straight points with a combination of powerful first serves and aggressive groundstrokes. 

Five holds thus far, but it's definitely starting to warm-up!

[14 July 2019 14:33 · Kieran Jackson]

[14 July 2019 14:36 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 3-3 Federer*

A stress-free hold for the Serb this time, to 15. 

The highlight of that game: a supreme forehand drive volley by Djokovic, which whizzed pass Federer at the net!

We remain on serve.

[14 July 2019 14:39 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 3-4 Federer

A love hold for Federer, as he opts to attack the net, and does so to perfection!

Some beautiful volleys caressed all over the court, taking Djokovic completely outside his comfort zone!

4-3, on serve.

[14 July 2019 14:42 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 4-4 Federer*

Some stupendous defence from Djokovic to see out the game to 40-15! 

A defensive lob lands bang on the baseline, and the Serb counters and smashes his way to 4 games all!

[14 July 2019 14:46 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer

From 40-0 to 40-30, any worries Roger? Not one bit.

An ace down the T, game clinched!

Nothing to choose between these two in the opening 33 minutes. Djokovic will serve to stay in the first set.

[14 July 2019 14:46 · Kieran Jackson]

[14 July 2019 14:48 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (0-30)

The drop shot-volley combination works wonders for Federer on point no.1, and a drop shot on its own does the trick on point no.2!

Tense times for Djokovic... Federer two points from the set!

[14 July 2019 14:49 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (30-30)

Ace out wide, and a backhand down the line levels things up.

30-30.

[14 July 2019 14:50 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (40-30)

A big serve down the T by the Serb!

Game point.