World number one, Novak Djokovic, has successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (10-12) 6-4 6-3 win over seven-time champion, Roger Federer.
Djokovic was the dominant force throughout the final despite giving away seven set points in an epic second set against Federer who was bidding for a record eighth title at the All England club.
The twenty-eight year old has now won a third Wimbledon and ninth Grand Slam to overtake the likes of Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the all-time list of major winners.
At the age of 33, with 17 Grand Slams, Federer would have been a hugely popular winner with the support of the Centre Court crowd, but the Swiss will have few complaints about being beaten by a better man on the final day.
Federer was quick to admit that Djokovic deserved to win. “I had my chances in the first set. I got lucky to win the second, had chances in the third.
“But he was better on the bigger points. He was rock solid, I didn’t play badly myself. That’s how it goes.”
Explaining his tradition of munching grass after his wins at Wimbledon, Djokovic said: “It tasted very good this year. As a little kid it is something you dream of”.
It was the Serb who came up with the big serves when it mattered, however, saving six of seven break points, two of them on set points in the opening set.
After Federer failed to consolidate an early break his first serve deserted him in the tie-break and Djokovic took advantage, moving into a 6-1 lead before the Swiss double-faulted to hand it over.
The Serb won 14 of 15 points and then fended off two more break points in game five with his forehand, as Federer continued to chase him.
With Federer fighting to hold on in the fourth set, Djokovic suddenly began to breeze through his service games while his returning and movement were a joy to behold.
The next Grand Slam event is the US Open in New York next month, and if Djokovic wins, it means he has clinched the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in one calendar year. (Channels TV)
