Djokovic edges Federer in 5 sets for 5th Wimbledon trophy
Defending champion Novak Djokovic claimed his fifth Wimbledon title on Sunday beating eight-time champion Roger Federer 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 13-12 (7/3) in the longest ever final and settled by an historic tie-break. The 32-year-old Serbian saved two match points as he took his Grand Slam tally to 16, four off Federer's overall record. Djokovic's victory extends to 11 successive Grand Slams won by the big three, himself, Federer and Rafael Nadal.
- Sports
- AP
- Published Date: 09:29 | 14 July 2019
- Modified Date: 09:34 | 14 July 2019
Novak Djokovic became the first man in 71 years to win Wimbledon after facing match points in the final, coming back to beat Roger Federer in an unprecedented fifth-set tiebreaker Sunday.
By barely emerging to win 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (3) after nearly five tight, tense and terrific hours, Djokovic claimed his fifth championship at the All England Club and second in a row.
This triumph also earned Djokovic his 16th Grand Slam trophy, moving him closer to the only men ahead of him in tennis history: Federer with 20, and Rafael Nadal with 18.
Federer has ruled grass courts since the early 2000s; he has won Wimbledon eight times dating to 2003, and this was his record 12th appearance in the title match. But Djokovic is now 3-0 against Federer in finals at the place and 4-0 against him in five-setters.
This one was unlike any other, though.