WIMBLEDON: Novak Djokovic has clinched his fifth Wimbledon title after maneuvering his way past Swiss nemesis Roger Federer 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(7-3), in a pulsating five-set classic.
Djokovic, who has now won four out of the past five grand slam tournaments, overcame some patchy play to prevail at The All England Club. Saving two championship points he faced during a marathon final set. He claims his 16th grand slam title in what is the third highest tally in the history of men’s tennis. The thrilling clash saw Djokovic withstand 25 Federer aces as he hit 54 winners to 52 unforced errors.
“I think this was one of the most exciting and thrilling finals I have ever been a part of.” Said Djokovic.
“The top two or three in my career against one of the greatest players of all time who I respect a lot.”
“Unfortunately in these circumstances one of us had to lose.”
Taking to the court for their 48th clash on the tour, there was little to distinguish between the two tennis titans early on. Federer’s elegant movement around the court was matched by Djokovic’s sublime defensive skills. 12 games went by with only one break point opportunity occurring. That took place during the fourth game when Federer saw his chance come and go due to a loose error from the Swiss maestro.
Federer’s inability to convert went on to haunt him during the opener. A Series of mini breaks during the first tiebreak saw continuous changes of momentum. A four-point streak for Djokovic saw him fight back from behind to nudge ahead 5-3. Holding his nerve, the top seed clinched the first set after almost an hour at the expense of another mistake from across the court.
After the tense start came a dramatic lapse in Djokovic’s form and intensity on the court. The fierce fighting spirit of the Serbian banished in the second frame. Paving was for Federer to seal a double break with ease on route to a 4-0 lead. The nightmare set, in which he only won 12 points, stunned the crowd as Djokovic then double-faulted to enable his rival to draw level in the match.
After the puzzling display, Djokovic managed to regain his footing in the match. Much to the relief of coach Marian Vajda and his team watching in the crowd. Weathering the storm, he saved a set point on the route to triumphing in the second tiebreak. Ironically during the tiebreak, it was Federer’s turn to fall apart. Four errors from the eight-time champion guided Djokovic to a 4-1 advantage. Enough of a margin for him to go on and retain his lead.
Still, it was not enough to halt Federer, who electrified the crowd by dismantling the Djokovic serve twice in another resurgence during the fourth set. Making the top seed once again visibly frustrated on the court as he made mistake after mistake. Despite reclaiming one of those breaks, the damage was already done as a Federer serve and volley took the final into a decider.
In the history of Wimbledon, only one man has ever managed to defeat Djokovic in five sets. That was Mario Ancic back in 2006. Bidding to continue that record, the decider turned out to be one of the most dramatic in the history of grand slam tennis. Lasting just over two hours.
Crowd favorite Federer position himself to be within striking distance of the title after serving for the match at 8-7 (40-15). However, he failed to shake off Djokovic who came roaring back to draw back level. With little to separate the two tennis icons, it was only fitting that another tiebreaker would decide their fate. A Federer forehand shot landing out rewarded the world No.1 the 2-1 advantage as he moved to championship points of his own. Then at his first chance of prevailing, Djokovic claimed victory with the help of a Federer shank. Bringing an end to one of the most memorable clashes in the 48-match history between the two.
“I will try to forget,” Federer said after his loss.
“It was a great match. It was long, I had my chances, so did he. We played some great tennis.”
Whilst a disappointed Federer waits another year to see if he can match Martina Navratilova and win a ninth Wimbledon title, his rival Djokovic has paid tribute to him.
“We both had chances. It’s quite unreal to be two match points down and come back. It is strange to play a tiebreaker in the final set at 12-12.” Djokovic reflected.
“Roger said he hopes that he can give people inspiration to play at 37 and I am one of them. He inspires me.”
Djokovic in the fourth man in the open Era to win a fifth Wimbledon title. He exits the tournament with 2000 rankings point to boost his world No.1 ranking, as well as £2,350,000 in prize money.
