It’s Novak Djokovic’s ninth grand slam. He is 28. There will be more. There will surely be more. He did what was beyond Andy Murray: he broke down Roger Federer’s serve with the depth and ferocity of his returns and whenever he was in trouble on his own serve, he always found a way. It was a bit anti-climactic in the end. The brilliant Djokovic refused to be steered off course after losing that tie-break in the second set. Early break, early break, thank you very much, thanks for coming, you might be the greatest, but I’m the best now. Is it time crowds started to show him some more love? I’ll leave you to argue that one amongst yourselves once you’ve read Kevin Mitchell’s match report.
Updated
“Ok, well done Nov... but Andy Murray is going to win the US Open,” says Simon McMahon. “Roll on Flushing Meadows.”
That’s one way of looking at it.
Novak Djokovic wins 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 to win his third Wimbledon title!
Djokovic wins his fifth straight point with a cracking return. Then he sees a forehand called out, only for the umpire to overrule the line judge. Federer accepts it with good grace and he has to dust himself down quickly, because he’s down 0-30. It’s almost 0-40 but a Djokovic backhand clips the top of the net and sails wide. He makes up for it with a frighteningly good backhand return down the line to earn two championship points! This is it. Federer’s race is run. He’s out of fuel. Djokovic is all over him. He pounds Federer, forcing him back until he’s almost in the Royal Box. Federer leaves a ball short, Djokovic marches forward and you know what’s coming: a forehand into the left corner to seal his third Wimbledon title! He pumps his fists and roars! The crowd don’t exactly sound overjoyed, but what a performance from the world No1. There can be no debate about who rules the tennis world now.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 3-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Stefan Edberg is trying to encourage Federer as his charge walks to the line, ready to return. His words have a rousing effect on Federer. He wins the first point with a drop shot and Djokovic then plonks a backhand long to make it 0-30! Yet Djokovic is so resilient. When he needs a big serve, he always seems to come up with a gigantic one. Two of them make it 30-all and Federer then nets a forehand, before bashing another wide. Djokovic roars at someone in the crowd. Don’t mess with him.
Fourth set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer has to hold here, but Djokovic is such a good frontrunner. A double fault from Federer, who is feeling the strain, makes it 30-40, handing Djokovic a virtual championship point. Federer digs deep. He finds a first serve to force deuce, only to pull a forehand wide to give up another break point. Again, though, Djokovic nets a forehand return and Federer somehow dodges a bullet.
Fourth set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): It’s been a long fortnight: I’ve just been alerted to the scoreline being the wrong way round in the third set. That should be amended now - obviously Djokovic won it 6-4. And he wins this game to, consolidating the break with a hold to 30 thanks to an ace.
Fourth set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Once again, Federer finds himself down 0-15. Boris Becker likes what he sees from Djokovic, who is trying to turn the screw. Soon Djokovic has a 15-30 lead and two break points appear to be his for a taking when he rips a forehand down the line. Federer hangs on and forces his way to 30-all, yet Djokovic carves out a break point anyway. He drops a deep return right on Federer’s feet and a backhand sails sadly into the net. The magnificent Djokovic breaks for a potentially decisive lead. His response to losing the second set has been outstanding.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 2-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): A sloppy game from Federer allows Djokovic to hold easily. Djokovic curves an ace down the middle on the final point.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer’s 15th unforced forehand error makes it 0-15, music to Djokovic’s ears. So Federer decides to make his listening a little less pleasant, celebrating audibly after winning the next point, making sure his opponent knows this is still a contest. Indeed one ace from Djokovic on his backside and he holds by extending his racket to reach a backhand pass for a lovely volley.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): At 15-all, an absurd, crowd-pleasing rally full of slices, dinks, deints and drop shots ends with Djokovic just reaching a Federer flick and dabbing a forehand down the line. He was down 0-15; he wins three straight points to hold 40-15. Djokovic holds.
Updated
Fourth set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 Djokovic (*denotes server): The scoreline is very similar to last year’s final, when Djokovic led 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 after three sets. Not quite the same, but it’ll do. Federer won the fourth set 7-5, so maybe he still has hope. He begins this one with a serene hold.
Updated
Novak Djokovic wins the third set 6-4 to lead 7-6, 6-7, 6-4!
Djokovic begins with two ruthless points for a 30-0 lead, before Federer nets a backhand to hand over three set points. A scrambling Federer is forced into a desperate lob and Djokovic is in the right place for a smash. That was all very routine. A total lack of drama there. He was brilliantly unflustered, so calm, so collected. He won 94% on his first serve in that set.
Third set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 4-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer fulfils his side of the bargain, holding to love to ensure Djokovic will have to serve for the third set.
Third set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 3-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer goes for an ambitious backhand pass down the line but it lacks control and Djokovic is able to leave it, providing him with the platform for a 40-0 lead. He holds to love and is a game away from winning the third set.
Third set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic has played some lousy lobs today. Federer treats another contempt at 15-0 and holds to love.
Updated
Third set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Play resumes with Djokovic on serve and a break up. Who will the delay have helped most? There’s only one way to find out, isn’t there. It could be Federer: he wins the first point. But it could be Djokovic: he wins the next. Djokovic then takes a 40-30 lead with a perfect backhand pass and he seals a tricky hold when Federer whacks a forehand wide.
Actually there will be a warm-up. I’ve been lied to!
The players are back. There will be no warm-up.
The covers are coming off. The players will be back on soon and there’s no need for the roof yet.
Play is suspended!
Third set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer whips out a couple of aces to lead 40-0 and holds to love just as the heavens open and the umpire tells everyone to eff off that we’ll have a short delay.
Updated
Third set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 1-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): It’s starting to rain. Djokovic consolidates the break by holding to 15.
Third set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Trailing 15-0, Djokovic tries to catch Federer out with a backhand lob. He reaches and clatters a backhand overhead down the line for 30-0. He skips merrily into a 40-15 lead, only for Djokovic to raise his game and fight back to deuce, before showing delightfully soft hands to stick a drop shot over the net for a break point. Federer plays a horrible point. Djokovic frames a return and that should be that - but Federer plays one of the worst forehands of his or anyone’s career. Djokovic breaks! “Following on from David Wall’s comment of ordering a soufflé and getting a collapsed mess, Novak now looks like someone who ordered The Hungary Caterpillar and got The Human Centipede 3,” says Andy Gordon.
Third set: Federer 6-7, 7-6, 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic hints at a wobble when he frames an easy forehand long and Federer then takes a 0-30 lead with a scorching forehand down the line! I wonder if Djokovic is being affected by the crowd’s support for Federer. It’s disrupted his flow in the past and at 30-all, he puts a forehand into the net to give Federer a break point. Yet Federer overcooks a forehand to make it deuce. He’s let a lot of break points slip and Djokovic grits out a vital hold.
Third set: Federer* 6-7, 7-6, 1-0 Djokovic (*denotes server): Is this a dip? Djokovic is charging around like a man possessed and wills Federer to drop a backhand long to make it 15-40. Amazingly Djokovic nets a gimme of a backhand with to pass up the first break point and Federer smacks an ace down the middle to save the second! Federer holds and unsurprisingly he has the crowd on his side.
Roger Federer wins the second set 7-6 to level the match!
Second set tie-break: Federer* 12-10 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer serve-volleys and against all the odds he wins the second set with an obdurate backhand block volley! He’s back from the brink and what we’ve just seen is an exhibition of one of Federer’s more underrated qualities: his fight.
Updated
Second set tie-break: Federer 11-10 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic nets a forehand and Federer has a set point on his serve!
Second set tie-break: Federer 10-10 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic spanks a forehand long!
Second set tie-break: Federer* 9-10 Djokovic (*denotes server): A superb return from Djokovic forces Federer to net a backhand.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 9-9 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer saves another set point with a forehand! Djokovic slips! This is incredible. Jaws are rooted to the floor.
Second set tie-break: Federer 8-9 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer was on top - but he drags a backhand wide.
Second set tie-break: Federer 8-8 Djokovic* (*denotes server): A cracking serve from Djokovic salvages the situation.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 8-7 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer earns a set point with a classic serve-forehand one-two!
Second set tie-break: Federer* 7-7 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer bounces a vicious second serve out wide and charges forward to put away the overhead.
Second set tie-break: Federer 6-7 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer nets a backhand! Djokovic has another set point.
Second set tie-break: Federer 6-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer saves the third set point! He gets a massive serve down the middle back and then reads a huge forehand from Djokovic, belting a backhand down the line!
Second set tie-break: Federer* 5-6 Djokovic (*denotes server): An amazing rally ends with Djokovic whistling a forehand down the line inches long.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 4-6 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer saves the first with a big serve.
Second set tie-break: Federer 3-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic is too powerful now. He has three set points.
Second set tie-break: Federer 3-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer nets another forehand.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer has to win this point. Djokovic nets a forehand return.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 2-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Djokovic arrows a backhand down the line and Federer, with too much ground to make up, nets a forehand.
Second set tie-break: Federer 2-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer draws Djokovic forward and picks him off with a backhand!
Second set tie-break: Federer 1-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer nets a forehand. Djokovic is in control.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer sneezes a backhand into the net.
Second set tie-break: Federer* 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): An awful drop shot from Federer is rightfully punished by Djokovic.
Second set tie-break: Federer 1-0 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer’s forehand return hits the line and Djokovic seems to leave it!
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 6-6 Djokovic (*denotes server): A worrying start for Federer, who nets a forehand on the run. It goes to 30-all when he spoons a forehand long and then Federer takes a chance with a rush to the net. He’s a bit lucky that Djokovic hits a poor lob. We will have a tie-break again. “While there is little more aesthetically pleasing than an arrowed Federer forehand, like you say, is there much in sport more disappointing than when he shanks one up into the roof?” David Wall says. “It’s must be like ordering souffle and getting served a collapsed, chewy lump.”
Second set: Federer 6-7, 5-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): At 15-0, Djokovic sees Federer edging to his left, so he curves an ace down the middle, winning a game of bluff with consummate ease. Yet Djokovic is then forced to drill a sharp volley wide, before Federer makes it 30-all with a rasping backhand, which he follows up with an even raspier forehand to earn a break point. The rally is cagey. Djokovic goes close to knocking it long. Federer bangs on the door - but it won’t budge and he nets a forehand to make it deuce, which is where we stay for a while, the suspense reaching tipping point, until Federer mistimes his umpteenth backhand. That game lasted almost 10 minutes and Federer has nothing to show for it.
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 5-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the second set, Federer looks confident when he slashes an ace past Djokovic. Yet the doubts creep in when Djokovic wins the next two points. Federer makes it 30-all with a massive forehand but then he gifts Djokovic a set point with a double-fault. My word. The serving machine needs some maintenance. But not to worry: Djokovic slams a forehand long, Federer sticks a clutch volley out of reach, and eventually he holds. A turning point?
Second set: Federer 6-7, 4-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic holds with the minimum fuss, a forehand into the net at 40-0 of little consequence, and Federer must hold to stay in the second set. Since saving two break points in the fourth game of the second set, Djokovic has served ominously well.
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 4-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer skelps an ace away to hold to 15. There’s nothing in this set. The tension grows. “What is more aesthetically pleasing, Federer’s forehand or back hand?” asks Ruth Purdue. “I can never decide.” The forehand is a bigger shot and more reliable but that one-handed backhand is a sight to behold when he connects with it properly. Ah, who am I kidding, I can’t choose, it’s like being asked to choose between Xavi and Iniesta.
Second set: Federer 6-7, 3-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic picks his spot, goes for it, finds it and lands an ace out wide for 15-0, before zinging a backhand into the corner to lead 30-0. He’s not about to give up any break points here, holding to 15, sailing serenely on, eager to make Federer regret all those missed chances.
Updated
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 3-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): A stress-free hold for Federer. He’s still finding his range with his serve and that is reason enough to believe he can still win this final.
Second set: Federer 6-7, 2-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): The first two points are shared, one for me, one for you, but then the pattern changes, two for Djokovic, then two for Federer, deuce. Federer then murders a forehand to earn a break point. A lengthy rally ensues and Djokovic wins it when a forehand skids off the line, completely duping Federer, who challenges in vain. Yet he earns another opportunity, Djokovic slipping heavily behind the baseline and slicing long, knocked off his stride by a huge Federer forehand. Djokovic, though, will not budge. A booming forehand rescues him again and he spies calmer waters when Federer balloons a forehand. Djokovic holds with a stunning forehand down the line. What a hold. He has nerves of steel.
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 2-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer rattles into a 40-0 lead with a couple of aces and ends up holding to 30. “Every time I read about Federer, people bang on about his age,” Matt Dony says. “The man is a mere two weeks older than me, therefore, still young and in his physical peak. I refuse to see him as old. It does strike me, though, that I’m yet to win my first Grand Slam, and I’m starting to worry I might never catch up with him.”
Second set: Federer 6-7, 1-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer has come from behind to win three Wimbledon finals: against Andy Roddick in 2004 and 2009 and against Andy Murray in 2012. Perhaps he’ll remember, too, that it was only last month when Djokovic lost the final of the French Open to Stan Wawrinka despite winning the first set. It’s far from over. Yet he’s not been able to challenge the Djokovic serve at the start of this second set.
Second set: Federer* 6-7, 1-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer looks like an angry man when he lashes a forehand away for a 40-0 lead. He holds to love with a forehand volley. It’s important for him to remember that he actually did very little wrong in that first set.
Second set: Federer 6-7, 0-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Losing that first set will be very difficult for Federer to absorb. He broke for a 4-2 lead, had two set points at 6-5 and ended up playing a horrible tie-break. Djokovic, who begins the second set with a hold to love, stepped it up a level at crucial moments; he’s so mentally tough. You think you have him beaten but he’s just reaching into his pocket so he can bring out an even bigger shot.
Novak Djokovic wins the first set 7-6!
First-set tie-break: Federer* 1-6 Djokovic (*denotes server): What cruel irony! A double-fault from Federer hands Djokovic the first set! Who would have seen that coming?
Updated
First-set tie-break: Federer 1-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer nets a backhand and Djokovic has five set points.
First-set tie-break: Federer 1-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer loops another backhand return long.
First-set tie-break: Federer* 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): This is brilliant from Djokovic. He works Federer over and then pounces on a short ball, ramming a forehand down the line.
First-set tie-break: Federer* 1-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer takes his time and overpowers Djokovic with a smash.
First-set tie-break: Federer 0-3 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer knocks a backhand return long. This is problematic for him.
First-set tie-break: Federer 0-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer flaps a forehand wide.
First-set tie-break: Federer* 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer plays what looks like a delightful volleyed winner - but Djokovic speeds on to it and wins the first point with a deft flick down the line!
First set: Federer 6-6 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Djokovic is uncomfortable when he comes to the net. He’s forced to do so by a slice from Federer, who then passes him brilliantly with a backhand that kisses the line for 0-15. These are dangerous times for Djokovic, who’s delighted to win the next point at the end of a brutal rally, before belting a serve down the middle to lead 30-15. Yet are these nerves from the cyborg? A double fault makes it 30-all. Two false moves here and the set is Federer’s, who earns a set point when Djokovic nets an attempted backhand winner down the line. Yet Djokovic picks a good moment to produce a good serve, forcing Federer to slice a backhand return well wide to make it deuce. Federer keeps pushing, though, and grabs a second set point by closing the net and punching a backhand volley into the wide open space in the middle of the court. Djokovic goes for the same serve again, though, and the ball whizzes past Federer! That’s clutch. Djokovic holds with an ace.
First set: Federer* 6-5 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer continues to serve to his heart’s content, a spot of serve-volley giving him a 30-0 lead. He gets away with it on the next point too, Djokovic missing a seemingly simple backhand at the net. Djokovic claws his way back to 40-30, but Federer loosens his grip in typically subtle fashion, winning the game with a beautiful drop shot.
First set: Federer 5-5 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Two solid aces from Djokovic quell any suspicions that he might crumble in this game. He leads 30-0, then 40-15, then holds when Federer nets a backhand. That was impressively nerveless from the world No1.
@JacobSteinberg I don't recall a time when Federer missed a smash.
— Gordon Inglis (@climategordon) July 12, 2015
First set: Federer* 5-4 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer’s first serve percentage dipped when he failed to consolidate the break for 4-2. He heeds the warning and regains his level, asserting himself again with a hold to love. Djokovic now has to serve to stay in the first set. It’s scoreboard pressure and it told on Murray. But Djokovic might be made of even tougher stuff than the granite Scot.
First set: Federer 4-4 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Serving with new balls, Djokovic swings an ace out wide for a 15-0 lead. Soon it’s 40-0, Federer’s return deserting him. Djokovic holds to 15, banging an ace down the middle. Is momentum shifting his way?
First set: Federer* 4-3 Djokovic (*denotes server): There’s a surprised gasp from the crowd as Federer, who has the look of a man who means business, plonks a volley wide. And Djokovic is stirring, whistling a forehand past Federer to lead 15-30. All of a sudden, the mood changes and Federer shanks a backhand into the darkening sky to give Djokovic two break points. He’s not making his first serve now. He saves one break point but Djokovic comes up with an outstanding backhand pass down the line under pressure and Federer nets a forehand volley. It’s only the second time he’s been broken and boy did Djokovic need that.
First set: Federer 4-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): This could be a big game. A swerving return from Federer down the line unbalances Djokovic, whose unconvincing low slice goes into the net. Then Djokovic drops a backhand long to give Federer 0-30 for the first time. Federer has started well and when Djokovic comes to the net, he seizes three break points. Federer’s backhand is good and Djokovic nets a backhand volley. Djokovic is in trouble here, even more so when he nets a low backhand at the net! Federer breaks!
First set: Federer* 3-2 Djokovic (*denotes server): Federer glides into a 40-0 lead thanks to some more immaculate serving and holds to love again - he’s won 80% of his first serves so far. He always glides, doesn’t he? I sometimes wonder if his feet ever touch the ground.
First set: Federer 2-2 Djokovic* (*denotes server): The first two points of the game are shared, before Federer whips a forehand return just wide. He went for that one and he makes up for it with a forehand missile to win the next point, Djokovic barely moving a muscle from his position on the middle of the baseline. This final is bubbling up nicely. Djokovic eventually holds thanks to two Federer errors, but you can see that both men have brought their A-games with them today.
First set: Federer* 2-1 Djokovic (*denotes server): At 15-0, Djokovic wins his first point on the Federer serve, a low backhand return that catches Federer out down by his feet. That doesn’t deter Federer from serve-volleying. He puts away a smash easily enough. Yet Djokovic wins the next point. He’s always in control of this rally and rips a backhand from left to right for 30-all. This time, Djokovic has a look at a second serve, only to knock a forehand long. The game ends with Djokovic netting a forehand return.
Updated
First set: Federer 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes server): Federer looks like he’s in the mood. He pings a forehand cross-court to seize control of the first rally. Djokovic is on the back foot, unable to cover as Federer’s forehand gives him a 0-15 lead. But Djokovic does well to respond and win the next three points, his first of the final. The games to 40-30, Federer this time showing Djokovic just what an awesome weapon his backhand can be as well, yet Djokovic holds, wiping his brow as Federer nets a backhand return.
First set: Federer* 1-0 Djokovic (*denotes server): And so the 129th men’s final begins with tennis royalty serving towards the Royal Box. Roger Federer won the toss and he chose to serve. A wise move: the scoreboard pressure affected Murray on Friday and Federer makes a similarly dominant start on serve, rattling an ace down the middle for 40-0. Then, when they engage in the first proper rally, a forehand down the line from Federer forces Djokovic to slash wide. That didn’t take long.
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up.
Updated
The rain has still not arrived. The final will begin with the roof off.
The walk begins. Novak Djokovic is pacing around as they start, stretching his left shoulder a little, and then they’re off. Djokovic leads the way, Federer a few paces behind the defending champion. Round and round and round they go, through the corridors of Centre Court, down the stairs, past the pictures of past champions. How are their nerves? What must be going through their minds? Federer has a little smile on his face. Djokovic is betraying no emotion. He closes his eyes for a moment. And then they emerge, striding out on to Centre Court, and they hear the applause and the cheers, and they know that the moment has arrived, there’s no going back now.
“What do you think of the addition of Roddick to the BBC line up of pundits this year?” says David Wall. “I think he’s been a resounding success, insightful but entertaining. And despite his natural niceness he’s not been afraid to make sharp criticisms where appropriate (for instance about Kyrgios throwing a game specifically, not any of the other antics). I hope he comes back next year. Now if only they could get a replacement for Andrew Castle. Mark Petchey, of the former UK players who do main commentary is a bit better, but getting Jonathan Overend from the radio would be a marked improvement too (although he’s gone more general than just tennis recently).”
Roddick is great. He was very insightful on the travails of Nick Kyrgios the other day.
“You never rule out Roger Federer,” Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 champion, says. “He is a magician.” Truer words have never been spoken.
If the roof is on, then consider this: Novak Djokovic has not lost on an indoor court since 2012. That’s a run of 32 straight wins! He’s won his previous three indoor matches against Federer.
In the BBC studio, Andy Roddick and Tim Henman are wearing matching green and purples ties and they look like they’re off to school.
If I may, a Joy of Six on Roger Federer from January. By me!
It’s not raining in SW19 yet, but it’s grey and cloudy out there. Amusingly plenty of punters are dressed for summer. They might be about to get a very damp surprise.
Preamble
He’s past it. He’s a busted flush. He’ll never win another grand slam. He’s an irrelevance at the highest level these days. It’s getting hard to watch. It’s becoming embarrassing. You’re beginning to feel sorry for him. What is he getting out of it? Where’s the dignity? He’s got nothing left to prove. He’s only won one slam since 2010. Isn’t he time he packed it in? Isn’t it time he retired? For crying out loud, he’s losing to Sergiy Stakhovsky. How much longer can this go on before he calls it a day? He’d be doing himself a favour.
We should have known better. At the age of 33, a few weeks shy of his 34th birthday, Roger Federer is in the form of his life. Which is saying something. Is it better than his 03-07 peak? It’s a big call. But his performance against Andy Murray on Friday will be remembered as one of his greatest. It was made more special by the fact that Murray didn’t even play badly, rather he was unfortunate enough to come up against a man who was at the very height of his genius, a place where most people need an oxygen mask just to breathe, but where Federer glides on unhindered, zapping forehands away, making your heart melt, your knees go weak, your mouth make that weird gurgling noise, your face go all gooey-eyed. It’s okay. We’ve all been there. “When people can talk about someone like Messi, people love the way he plays the game,” Murray sayid. “He makes it look easy. It stands out more, too.”
Federer is Messi, Messi is Federer. When Messi ripped the rug from underneath Jerome Boateng’s feet back in May, before scooping the ball over Jerome Boateng, it could have been Federer running around a forehand, or pulling off that tweener lob against Sam Querrey, or defying physics, geometry and the sheer limitations of the human body and mind with that astonishing flicked top-spin backhand winner in the final game against Murray.
He has been building towards this day. If everything goes to plan, Federer will have his 18th slam and he will finally have moved ahead of Pete Sampras by winning his eighth Wimbledon, 12 years after he won his first by beating Mark Phillipousis in a one-sided final, 14 years after he introduced himself to Centre Court by stunning his hero Sampras in the fourth-round. That dreadful ponytail is no more, replaced by a decidedly more stylish cut, but his love for the sport - and winning - remains as strong as ever.
Standing in Federer’s way, however, is the world No1 and Novak Djokovic gives up nothing easily. Yes, it’s probably about time he got a mention. He is the defending champion, after all, the world’s best player, a technician and a fighter and a runner all in one. As ever, he has maybe not been at his best over the past fortnight, a hangover, perhaps, from his defeat to Stan Wawrinka in the final of the French Open. That was a hard one to take. With Rafa Nadal out of the way, it was supposed to be a case of the king of clay is dead, long live the new king of clay, but Wawrinka had other ideas, and dreams of a calendar slam died.
And so Djokovic arrived in SW19 looking a little vulnerable, the scars from Wawrinka’s backhand still visible. A few drops of blood have been spilt on his way to the final. Djokovic was almost a goner in the fourth round, when he trailed by two sets to the big-serving Kevin Anderson. But he fought. Of course he fought. He knows no other way. He won and subsequent matches against Marin Cilic and Richard Gasquet didn’t cause him much bother. The defending champion wants to emulate his coach, Boris Becker, by winning his third Wimbledon title (apropos of nothing, and make of this what you will, it’s 25 years since Becker lost a five-set final here to Federer’s coach, Stefan Edberg).
Last year, Djokovic beat Federer in five sets in an astonishing final. He starts as the slight favourite to do so again. Although Federer leads their head-to-head record 20-19, Djokovic is closing in and there are few weaknesses to his game. Yet Federer has been imperious and his serving has been god-like throughout the tournament. Murray, the second-best returner in the game behind Djokovic, had one break point against Federer, who has only been broken once, by Gilles Simon in his quarter-final. He has won 85% of his first serves and that is a crucial statistic: Federer has won eight out of eight matches against Djokovic every time the points won on his first serve has been 79% and above.
Federer has been showing us the difference between big serving and great serving. He has been hitting his spots, mixing it up, using variety to keep his opponents guessing. Murray had no riposte. Now it’s up to Djokovic to come up with a solution. If he can, and his returning game is slightly superior to Murray’s, he’ll have a great chance of winning, because his own serve is not as easy to attack as Murray’s can be at times.
And finally, in the great British tradition, the weather could be a factor. If the forecast is right and it rains all afternoon, then the roof will be on - just as it was when Federer beat Djokovic in four sets in their semi-final here in 2012, the last time he won a slam. Time for a Swiss rain dance?
Play begins at: 2pm.
