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 15:24 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 0-4 Federer

From 40-0 to 40-30, but no deuce drama for Federer, as Djokovic nets a return. 

Four games in front now. 

[14 July 2019 15:29 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-4 Federer*

Djokovic gets on the board in the second set, as a Federer forehand drifts way long.

Still not clicking completely is Federer, but it looks like he's going to level things up here, as Djokovic's level has dropped dramatically. 

[14 July 2019 15:32 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-5 Federer

Federer holds to 30, from 15-30 down, sealing it with an ace.

One game away now is Federer... this second set has only lasted 21 minutes as well!

[14 July 2019 15:33 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-5 Federer (0-30)

VINTAGE FEDERER!

A forehand winner, before a slice crosscourt by Djokovic is returned with an immaculately hit drop shot!

[14 July 2019 15:33 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-5 Federer (0-40)

Djokovic wayward, and it's THREE SET POINTS!

[14 July 2019 15:35 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 Federer*

FEDERER WINS THE SECOND SET!

Djokovic double faults, almost like he threw it in the end!

We're all level here on Centre at one-set apiece. 

After 12 games on serve, three breaks for Federer in that set!

[14 July 2019 15:36 · Kieran Jackson]

[14 July 2019 15:37 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic has taken a toilet break, so a little delay here before we start the third set!

[14 July 2019 15:38 · Kieran Jackson]

[14 July 2019 15:40 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 0-1 Federer

Federer finding his range on first serve straight away - an easy hold to 15. 

Given how that second set went, pretty important game coming up for Djokovic here!