Wimbledon 2019: Novak Djokovic claims fifth title after beating Roger Federer in longest-ever final
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It took four hours, 57 minutes of tension-filled tennis, but Novak Djokovic is now the 2019 Wimbledon men’s singles champion after defeating Roger Federer in the most dramatic finals in the tournament’s rich history.
The Serbian star, who came into the tournament as the number-one seed and looking to defend the crown he won last year, was forced to battle hard throughout an enthralling contest with the grass-court legend, who was chasing his ninth Wimbledon title.
But, after the match went all the way to a tie-breaker after five gripping sets, it was Djokovic who prevailed to claim the title 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3).
More to follow…
2011: Djokovic def. Nadal – 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
As Djokovic chewed on a piece of Centre Court turf, having just claimed his maiden Wimbledon title by defeating Nadal, no one in the stands would have been left in any doubt as to who was the best player in the world.
It was the Serb’s 50th win in 51 matches in 2011 as he became the first man for nine years other than Nadal and Roger Federer to become the Wimbledon champion.
2014: Djokovic def. Federer – 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-7. 6-4
Djokovic ended his mini-Grand Slam drought, which included defeats in three major finals, with a thrilling five-set victory over Federer.
The Serb fended off break points in an intense final set and clinched victory in just under four hours. He then headed into the stands to celebrate with coach Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, brought in by Djokovic at the start of the year to help end his run of 18 months without a major win.
FIVE OF THE BEST: NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S FIVE WIMBLEDON TITLES
2015: Djokovic def. Federer – 7–6(1), 6–7(10), 6–4, 6–3
Djokovic raced past the likes of Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the all-time list of major winners as the Serb saw off Federer in four sets for his ninth Grand Slam title.
He came up with the big serves to save six of the seven break points he faced, making up for a shock defeat by Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final.
“He was better on the bigger points. He was rock solid, I didn’t play badly myself. But that’s how it goes,” Federer said.
2018: Djokovic def. Kevin Anderson – 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)
Having dropped to his lowest ranking since 2006, and without a major title since the 2016 French Open, world number 21 Djokovic entered Wimbledon still looking for some form after surgery on his elbow.
But he was close to his breathtaking best by the time he outlasted Rafa Nadal in a five-set semi-final, before recording a comfortable win over Anderson in the title decider.
2019: Djokovic def. Federer – 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3)
World number one Djokovic arrived at Wimbledon having missed the chance to win four Grand Slam tournaments in a row for the second time in his career at Roland Garros last month.
The Serb, however, produced a series of clinical displays before overcoming his old foe Federer in a titanic five-set battle to collect his 16th Grand Slam title.
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