Novak Djokovic successfully defended his Wimbledon singles title against a concerted effort by Roger Federer, who was hoping for a record eighth Wimbledon title.
Advertisement
The Swiss looked to be on his last lags, but he showed resilience to save two break points when 4-2 down.
“I’m 28. I feel good. If you would have asked me as a 14-year-old back in Serbia trying to find my way, that this is how I’m going to end up at 28, of course I would sign the deal and take it right away”, he said.
Swedish super-coach Edberg won Wimbledon twice among his five major titles, and remains adamant Federer can still add to his grand slam haul.
Becker helped Djokovic recuperate after a bruising defeat in the French Open final five weeks ago, when the Serb had been expected to complete his set of major titles. Djokovic threatened to put real daylight between himself and his opponent as he moved 7-6 clear, only for Federer to summon a magnificent recovery to save himself from seven set points before sealing an epic 12-10 tie breaker.
“It’s been an absolute priviledge and honour to be back on Centre in a match like this”. A finalist trophy is not the same.
Djokovic capitalized on his escape, racing through the tiebreaker with 6 consecutive points to claim the opener when Federer served up a double fault.
“It’s really an fantastic chapter of my life that I’m trying to enjoy as much as I can”.
“Well Roger playing at his best I believe within myself if he performs at his very best he can still win here, and at the US Open”, said Edberg.
But the weather improved quickly and within 20 minutes the court covers were taken off, leaving Federer feeling slightly flustered as tournament officials hurried to get the players back on court.
He pushed hard for a break at the start of the third, missing two break points in game one before Federer netted under pressure in game three.
After his loss, Federer – who won Wimbledon in 2012 in what was his last Grand Slam triumph – quashed any rumours that he may be considering retiring.
It was merely a delay in Djokovic’s march to the title, though, and he roared with delight before eating a piece of the famous Centre Court grass following a forehand victor into the corner that earned him yet another Wimbledon trophy. I didn’t play too badly either, but that’s how it goes. The surface doesn’t matter because even today, aside from the slips and falls we saw from him, Djokovic played like he was on a clay or a hardcourt.
Is he done winning Grand Slam tournaments? In a match like this, I can have a great performance. I got lucky to win the second, had chances in the third. Significantly, Djokovic won 16 of his 17 1st serves in the 3rd set (94%) and 11 out of 14 (74%) in the 4th set. Djokovic then went on to win the set 6/4.
He meekly allowed Djokovic to close out the set and then surrendered his serve in the fifth game of the fourth set as the Serb surged to victory.
Advertisement
“Whether I’m winning or losing, she’s always there”, he exclaimed with a huge smile on his face.
