Novak Djokovic won his fifth Wimbledon title on a final set tie-break after a thrilling five-set final against Roger Federer. The 32-year-old world number one and defending champion was taken all the way in a topsy-turvy final on Centre Court as Federer refused to give up on trying to win his ninth title on the grass at the All England Club.
Djokovic won the first set on a tie-break, before Federer hit back emphatically in the second to level the match. Another tie-break in the third was won by Djokovic, before a break of serve in the fourth was enough for Federer to again level matters to ensure a fifth and final set. And, as the duo could not separated with the score locked at 12-12, it was Djokovic who grabbed the stunning 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3) win in four hours 57 minutes.
Related: Nadal Faces Potential Kyrgios Grudge Match At Wimbledon
It’s a 16th Grand Slam title for Djokovic, while Federer, who also lost in the previous longest final against Rafael Nadal in 2008, will look back on spurning two championship points at 8-7 ahead in the final set. Federer said: “I will try to forget this final, but it was a great match! “It was long and had everything.
I had my chances, but so did he. I have to be happy with my performance. But Novak congratulations, that was crazy. “I hope I give some other people a chance to believe around the world. I gave it all I had and I can still stand. I hope the same can be said for all the other 37-year-olds.”
