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
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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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Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 1-1 Federer*
Djokovic holds to 30, and looks much more like his normal-self. Connects with his first serve, and looked solid from the baseline again.
*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 1-2 Federer
Federer holds to love, as he serves and volleys his way back in front.
On serve in the third, 1hr35 mins played. When will the next twist come?
Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 2-2 Federer*
Djokovic holds to 15, with a lengthy point at 30-15 eventually concluding with a slice long by Federer. Much more 'first-set-like' between these two in set no. 3.
Quick fact for you: Roger Federer has never beaten both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same Grand Slam.... he's only ever done it once, at the 2010 ATP Finals.
*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 2-3 Federer
Federer holds to 15 - his first serve % in this set is currently at 71%.
On serve in this pivotal third set.
Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 3-3 Federer*
Djokovic holds to 15 - couple of shanks by Federer, and a couple of winners, as Djokovic starts to hit the ball with a little more purpose.
Shall we skip to a tiebreak?
*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 3-4 Federer
Federer holds to love - Djokovic barely hitting a ball in that game.
Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 4-4 Federer*
Djokovic holds to 15, and is playing much more aggressively and on the front foot now.
Yeah, yeah let's skip to a tiebreak I reckon...
*cue immediate break of serve.
Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 4-4 Federer* (30-30)
Now then? A couple of errors by Federer mid-rally, as his first serve goes walkabout on the deuce side.
On the ad side though, no problem. 30-30.
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