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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)

Djokovic 6-2 4-5 Bautista Agut*

Bautista Agut almost recovers the game to deuce from 40-0, but his forehand pass just hits the net at 40-30. 

This set has been really, really difficult for Novak Djokovic, and he's on the verge of dropping his second set of the tournament...

The Spaniard will serve for the set, next. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:29

Djokovic 6-2 4-5 Bautista Agut* (30-30)

Once again, Djokovic faltering in the long rallies - this time, it's the backhand which lets him down. 

But at 30-15, a powerful forehand approach by Djokovic is clinically followed by a backhand drop volley.

30-30, tense. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:33

Djokovic 6-2 4-5 Bautista Agut* (40-30)

Bautista Agut finds his first serve, Djokovic nets. 

SET POINT...

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:34

*Djokovic 6-2 4-6 Bautista Agut

BAUTISTA AGUT WINS THE SECOND SET!

And what a way to win it! Mid-rally, a dead net cord which just creeps over!

Bautista Agut holds his hand up in apology, but deep down he will be delighted. It was a set he definitely deserved to win. 

One-set all on Centre - Roger and Rafa will be kept waiting!

Thrilling stuff.

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:37

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:37

Djokovic 6-2 4-6 1-0 Bautista Agut*

Bautista Agut hurries and harries to win the first point with a beautiful forehand pass crosscourt!

But his opening at 15-30 is quickly eradicated by an ace, a forehand winner and a return into the net.

Djokovic holds.

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:40

*Djokovic 6-2 4-6 1-1 Bautista Agut

At 15-15, both players engage in what may as well be a backhand crosscourt drill, with Djokovic eventually approaching and winning the point!

But Bautista Agut wins the next two with two superbly played points, the second being a forehand winner drilled down the line!

Djokovic sends his return long at 40-30, and Bautista Agut draws level. 

Nothing between them right now. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:45

Djokovic 6-2 4-6 2-1 Bautista Agut*

Djokovic holds to 30, but again barely anything in it. Bautista Agut just netting towards the end of a more lengthy rallies.

Enthralling match this is now. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:50

Mr Beckham was here yesterday too!

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:53

*Djokovic 6-2 4-6 2-2 Bautista Agut

Bautista Agut holds to 15, and holds his nerve. 

Excellent, efficient serving by the Spaniard - there hasn't been a break of serve now since the third game of the second set. 

Kieran Jackson12 July 2019 14:55

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