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 14:59 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 6-6 Federer*

Djokovic holds with ease, to love. 

It's been destined for a while - tiebreak time! First to 7...

[14 July 2019 15:01 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (1-1)

Federer wins the first point as Djokovic misses on return, before a point which has clean shots and mishits aplenty!

Djokovic emerges the winner though, Federer shanking his forehand long (not for the first time)!

[14 July 2019 15:03 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 6-6 Federer* (1-2)

Wow, what a missed chance for Roger Federer!

He seems to have Djokovic in no man's land at the net, but remarkably he strikes his forehand pass long!

[14 July 2019 15:03 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 6-6 Federer* (1-3)

First mini-break of the breaker, as Federer hits a backhand down the line long.

Needs to hold on this point...

[14 July 2019 15:04 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (3-2)

Indeed, Federer serves an ace out wide.

Djokovic with the mini-break though.

[14 July 2019 15:05 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (3-3)

The mini-break is no more, as Federer, gliding around the court as ever, hits a backhand winner down the line!

This time he connects with one of his trademarks, and still nothing to choose between them as they switch ends!

[14 July 2019 15:06 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 6-6 Federer* (4-3)

Wow, Federer now has the mini-break!

Three points on the trot, as a forehand down the line is just in!

Djokovic looks away aghast, and big opportunity now for the Swiss.

[14 July 2019 15:07 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (4-5)

An irretrievable serve, but then a poorly hit forehand wide by Federer after a first serve. Who saw that coming?!

Back on serve...

[14 July 2019 15:08 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (5-5)

Federer wide again with the forehand. 5-5. Tense.

[14 July 2019 15:08 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 6-6 Federer* (5-6)

It'll be Djokovic with the first SET POINT, as Federer nets his attempted forehand pass on the run!