NOVAK DJOKOVIC HAS claimed his second Wimbledon Men’s Singles title after edging out Roger Federer in an epic five-set encounter at SW19.
The Serbian survived a stunning Federer fightback to claim the fifth set, over an hour after an ace from the Swiss had cancelled out his first championship point. He won 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4.
Federer, who was aiming for his eigth Wimbledon crown, won the first set in a tie-break but Djokovic responded well to win the next two, 6-4 and 7-6. Djokovic was 5-2 up in the fourth set but Federer began to go for broke and won the majority of the crowd over with a collection of stunning, outright winners.
32-year-old Federer claimed the next five games of that fourth set — surviving a match point thanks to an ace, courtesy of a video replay decision reversal — to win 7-5.
The fifth set was back and forth, with serves holding sway until the 10th game. Federer, having battled gamely in his previous service game, fell behing 15-40 and could not cling on any longer. He put a backhand into the net and Djokovic was the champion.
Federer said, “Going into a match with Novak, you know it’s going to be tough. I can only say congratulations to him. It was an amazing match and an amazing tournament. It’s well-deserved.” He left the Centre Court crowd with a ‘See you next year’ exclamation, indicating that he is nowhere near ready to give us his Wimbledon dream.
Djokovic responded, “He’s a tremendous athlete and a great champion. Thank you for letting me win today.”
Two incredible tennis players, full marks to both.
Thought it was a brilliant sporting occasion, two heavyweights toe to toe giving their all, gracious and sporting afterwards one in victory the other in defeat … True corinthian spirit of sport!
Brilliant match, every point fought for
Fantastic stuff. Well done to Novac!! Federer is an unbelievable sportsman. Mr Murray would want to look and learn how he conducts himself on the court when when winning or loosing.
Incredible match and kudos to both men. After his 4th set collapse Djokovic could have wilted but instead showed his indomitable spirit. 7 grand slam wins now and if he didn’t play in the Federer/Nadal era it would be twice that amount. Will be an all time great, along with the aforementioned pair by the time his career ends.
Was hoping Roger could make it number 18 in slams and a record 8th mens title but not to be. He might not get too many more chances but he is such an incredible athlete you wouldnt bet against it. We are in not just a golden era of mens tennis, but a golden era of sporting excellence with Nadal, Federer and Djokovic all battling it out. And they are all such classy individuals on and off the court.
Ah gwan roger ya legend!!ya magician ya!its relaxing just to watch how pure and fluid he is win he is on the tennis court.Getting abit older but still plugging away when he us supposed to be in decline,pluggin away like a true champion!well done to novak,tough test that would give him unbelievable confidence!