Novak Djokovic has saved two match points to claim a fifth Wimbledon singles crown with an epic five-set final win over eight-time champion Roger Federer.
In a captivating four-hour, 57-minute final of wildly fluctuating fortunes, Djokovic denied Federer 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 12-10 (7-3) to retain the title he won last year and add to the trophies he also landed at the All England Club in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
Following a rule change introduced only this year, Sunday’s epic final set – which stretched more than two hours alone – was the first ever decided in a tiebreaker after games were locked at 12-all.
Djokovic’s 16th grand slam title vaulted the Serbian superstar to within four of Federer’s record 20 and two behind Rafael Nadal’s 18.
After winning four of the past five slams, few would back against the 32-year-old from reeling in Federer’s benchmark haul as the battle for greatest of all time (GOAT) status intensifies.
For now, Djokovic can savour emulating the five-time Wimbledon feats of the legendary Bjorn Borg (1976-80) and Englishman Laurie Doherty (1902-1906) in the most extraordinary fashion.
Novak Djokovic lifts the 2019 Wimbledon trophy after an extraordinary final against Roger Federer. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
Three weeks shy of his 38th birthday, Federer had been bidding to become the oldest grand slam singles champion in 51 years of professional tennis.
Alas, it all ended in heartbreak for the veteran Swiss, who lost for the third time at grand slam level after holding match points.
He endured the same devastating fate in the 2010 and 2011 US Open semi-finals.
Federer also won more points and more games, conjured more break points and delivered almost three times as many aces as the Serb.
But it was Djokovic who celebrated by eating the famous centre court grass following an exceptional counter-punching performance.
Federer will forever rue also blowing the first and third sets in tiebreakers having dominated Djokovic for much of the match with some breathtaking attacking tennis.
Neel
Roar Guru
Greatest night of sport ever, Ric. Unfortunately for the Blackcaps, the result didn’t go their way. The British Grand Prix was epic as well. I wonder whose idea it was to stage all three major sporting events on the same day? Bloody hell, nearly gave me a heartache.
Neel
Roar Guru
Exactly what I thought. I don’t think any of the female tennis players would have lasted for 3 hours, let alone 5 hours and too at the same intensity as well as skill set that Djokovic and Federer displayed.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Federer should have closed it out. The statesman was actually playing sublime tennis the whole tournament and had the upper hand in the final. He certainly has his opportunities. Credit to Novak but this fan is disappointed that the best player to grace a court couldn't rack it up when it mattered; I'm not sure he'll be back.
Charlie
Roar Rookie
The big 3 all do charity but only one of them – bounces the ball for a minute before he serves it This is nothing compared to Rafa's carry-on before serving. Rafa also regularly takes longer than allotted before stepping up to serve (25 secs) and has had umpires stood down if they've had the temerity to warn him. – wanted to strike because the squillions he makes are not enough for him As president of the player's council, he was looking out for all players, not just himself. This should be seen as a positive. Worth noting that both Djokovic and Nadal were critical of Federer's time as president. – carries on court when he loses a point This is baseless. Many players carry on after losing a point, including Rafa. Murray, Hewitt, Agassi, Roddick, Safin and countless others carried on far worse than Novak, but they were still popular. There may be reasons why people prefer Roger and Rafa (I prefer Roger myself), but they aren't the reasons you have listed. And I would suggest that there are some reasons, but none of them are particularly "good".
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
On a different topic Serena said she "would continue to fight for tennis equality". Womens Final = 1 hour. Mens Final = 5 hours. Equal pay for men & women. What exactly are you fighting for SUPERMOM?
Brian
Guest
The big 3 all do charity but only one of them - bounces the ball for a minute before he serves it - wanted to strike because the squillions he makes are not enough for him - carries on court when he loses a point people prefer Rodger and Rafa for good reasons. You may not like the reasons but they exist.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Great match - to still be at that level at almost 38 is just amazing. Of course the crowd is going to be pro Federer - it's like his home ground. This does seem to be a small chink in his game. He missed a couple of match points against Novak at the US Open a few years ago and his break point conversion isn't great - but the pressure is so great.
anon
Roar Pro
It was like Djokovic was up against a Davis Cup crowd on foreign soil. Completely unfair, Federer gets that home court everywhere he goes in the world when he plays Djokovic or Nadal. It was be worth a set or so advantage to Federer.
Gordon Smith
Guest
All champions but you can be the greatest by winning more slams but never the best when two others have a dominant win loss record against you. So Federer will never be the best player but may end up the greatest due to longevity.
Charlie
Roar Rookie
Your comment will go down as one of the most stupid ever, and that's saying something given the quality of most of your other posts. If you honestly think that the winner of 20 grand slams doesn't have a "champion mentality", then you are beyond help.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
Djokovic stood up when it counted. 1st set down 5-3 in the tiebreak, wins 4 straight, 3rd set tiebreak wins 7-4 after being down early, down two match points and breaks fed, wins the tiebreak, outrageously good game of tennis. I think fed was better overall, but djokovic played the big moments better.
Nick
Guest
Great game such a shame the crowd didn't show Djokovic the respect he so deserves. We all appreciate the qualities of Roger Federer, his superb classical technique and his great sportsmanship however the Djoker is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and certainly deserves greater respect from the crowd. The booing the took place when he waled to the umpire to query a line call late in the match was terrible. Most tennis supporters do not know how much work the Djoker does with charities especially in his native Serbia where we donates and funds numerous charities to help underprivileged children. A class act
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Federer has been in scintillating form all week and I really though he would do it one more time. Alas, that pernickety and resourceful joker just wouldn't lie down. What a match, although I had one eye on the Cricket as well! Some superb tennis. We are blessed to be living in a time where three of the all time greats continue to duke it out on court although I fear this may be roger's last real opportunity at this great tournament.
Andre Leslie
Roar Guru
Two greats, who both showed plenty of respect to each other, despite a hard-fought encounter. What a showpiece for the sport.
anon
Roar Pro
What a night of sport. Djokovic was gone for all money. Crowd was completely against him. Federer couldn't have played much better I thought. Djokovic was at about 80% (as he was throughout much of the tournament). Got it done against all odds like champions do. Federer choked. It's why Djokovic will go down the greatest ever and not Federer. Champion mentality. Federer doesn't have it.