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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 2-3 Federer

Federer brings out his best when needed though, and wins four straight points with a combination of powerful first serves and aggressive groundstrokes. 

Five holds thus far, but it's definitely starting to warm-up!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:32

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:33

Djokovic 3-3 Federer*

A stress-free hold for the Serb this time, to 15. 

The highlight of that game: a supreme forehand drive volley by Djokovic, which whizzed pass Federer at the net!

We remain on serve.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:36

*Djokovic 3-4 Federer

A love hold for Federer, as he opts to attack the net, and does so to perfection!

Some beautiful volleys caressed all over the court, taking Djokovic completely outside his comfort zone!

4-3, on serve.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:39

Djokovic 4-4 Federer*

Some stupendous defence from Djokovic to see out the game to 40-15! 

A defensive lob lands bang on the baseline, and the Serb counters and smashes his way to 4 games all!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:42

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer

From 40-0 to 40-30, any worries Roger? Not one bit.

An ace down the T, game clinched!

Nothing to choose between these two in the opening 33 minutes. Djokovic will serve to stay in the first set.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:46

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:46

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (0-30)

The drop shot-volley combination works wonders for Federer on point no.1, and a drop shot on its own does the trick on point no.2!

Tense times for Djokovic... Federer two points from the set!

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:48

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (30-30)

Ace out wide, and a backhand down the line levels things up.

30-30.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:49

*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (40-30)

A big serve down the T by the Serb!

Game point.

Kieran Jackson14 July 2019 14:50

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