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As it happenedended

Wimbledon 2019: Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in five-set classic

The all-time greats produced an instant epic at the All England club, with the Serb triumphing 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) in five hours, two minutes

Kieran Jackson
Wimbledon
Sunday 14 July 2019 14:50 EDT
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Wimbledon Championships in numbers

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Novak Djokovic triumphed in a five-seat, five-hour epic over Roger Federer after a thrilling Champions tie-break.

The Serb prevailed 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) and saved two Championship points in a back-and-forth contest on Centre Court.

Djokovic now moves to 16 Grand Slams, and is only four away from Federer's all-time record of 20.

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*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 2-2 Federer (40-40)

What looks like a routine hold to love for Djokovic quickly evolves to 40-30, and an forehand into the net has given Federer a lifeline. 

Deuce.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:31

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer*

It came with a scare, but Djokovic holds as Federer goes long and then nets.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:32

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer*

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:34

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (0-30)

Two backhands are comfortably long by Federer - is the 20-time major winner cracking here?

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:34

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (15-40)

And there goes another one long... TWO BREAK POINTS for Novak Djokovic!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:35

Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 3-2 Federer* (30-40)

A flimsy return into the net by Djokovic, off a second serve.

Wasteful. Still one more break opportunity though...

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:36

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 4-2 Federer

DJOKOVIC BREAKS!

It's been coming.... Federer's approach is too short, and Djokovic's backhand pass has too much gas for Federer, who can only frame it downwards.

We have our final set twist... will we have another one?!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:37

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 4-2 Federer (15-30)

Is it right now?! Djokovic nets a backhand at 15-15...

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:38

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 4-2 Federer (30-30)

Federer goes for a very makable forehand down the line, but it's long!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:39

*Djokovic 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 4-2 Federer (30-40)

Djokovic double faults, wow!

BREAK BACK POINT for Federer!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 17:40

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