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As it happenedended

Wimbledon 2019: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal result, Novak Djokovic through to final

Federer and Nadal served up a classic on Centre Court after Novak Djokovic secured his place in Sunday's showpiece

Kieran Jackson
Wimbledon
Friday 12 July 2019 14:54 EDT
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Wimbledon Championships in numbers

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A vintage display from Roger Federer took him past Rafael Nadal into the Wimbledon 2019 final in an eagerly-anticipated first grass court match between the great rivals for 11 years on Friday.

The 40th career meeting between the golden duo with 38 Grand Slam titles between them, swung this way and that before Federer seized control to claim a 7-61-6 6-3 6-4 victory.

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic now stands between the 37-year-old Federer, the oldest finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974, and a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon title in Sunday's showpiece


Preview:

Wimbledon order of play

1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] 1 vs Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [23] 56

2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) [3] 96 vs Roger Federer (SUI) [2] 128

Last five Fedal meetings

2019 Nadal d Federer 6-3 6-4 6-2 (French Open, clay)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-4 6-3 (Shanghai, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-3 6-4 (Miami, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-2 6-3 (Indian Wells, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 (Australian Open, hard)

I must confess it's just out of my eye-line below me, but from what I'm hearing someone in the crowd is receiving some medical attention from some paramedics - hopefully it's not serious. 

The players, who were sitting down, now back out on court. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:04

*Djokovic 6-2 1-3 Bautista Agut (15-40)

Djokovic, who looked so unflappable in the first set, suddenly looks a tad edgy.

A few errors of the forehand, and Bautista Agut now has TWO MORE BREAK POINTS, for a double break lead!

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:06

*Djokovic 6-2 1-3 Bautista Agut (40-40)

The old Djokovic is temporarily back: Bautista Agut diverts a backhand wide, and an ace by the Serb claws the score to deuce. 

Two break points saved.

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:08

Djokovic 6-2 2-3 Bautista Agut*

A very important hold in the end for Djokovic, who outlasts Bautista Agut in a lengthy rally before an error off return gives the four-time champion the game. 

Bautista Agut still with the break though....

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:10

*Djokovic 6-2 2-4 Bautista Agut

Another comfortable hold for Bautista Agut, who is now more than matching Djokovic's stamina in these long rallies. 

Momentum with the Spaniard now, a capacity Centre Court crowd is captivated. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:14

If you didn't believe me....

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:15

*Djokovic 6-2 2-4 Bautista Agut (40-40)

Djokovic can't quite finish the game off, as a forehand duel this time goes in the Spaniard's favour.

Djokovic goes to change his racket, again...

Deuce.

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:18

*Djokovic 6-2 2-4 Bautista Agut (40-40)

For Djokovic's standards, a shocking miss at game point, netting a forehand that sat up nicely for him.

Back to deuce.

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:19

Djokovic 6-2 3-4 Bautista Agut*

Djokovic eventually comes through, as Bautista Agut falters slightly at the end of that game. 

Oh how much he'd have loved a double break. Nonetheless, two holds of serve will do it for the Spaniard. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:21

*Djokovic 6-2 3-5 Bautista Agut

A hold to 15, as Djokovic can't find his range as the rally progresses. At all. 

The Serb will now have to serve to stay in the second set. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:24

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