Wimbledon 2019 is over. Simona Halep is the women’s singles champion. Novak Djokovic is the men’s singles champion. Roger Federer is Roger Federer. And Andy Murray and Serena Williams played some mixed doubles! It’s been good fun. Thanks for reading and emailing over the past fortnight. Next stop: Flushing Meadows. Bye!
Three tie-breaks Novak Djokovic won. Maybe he should change his name to Ivo.
Four hours and 57 minutes. I believe it’s the longest Wimbledon final of all time.
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Novak Djokovic speaks! “If this was not the most exciting final then it was definitely the top two or three. I was up against one of the greatest players of all time, Roger, who I expect a lot. Unfortunately one player has to lose and we both had our chances. It’s unreal to be two match points down and come back. It’s a bit strange to play a tie-break at 12-all as well. I was hoping to get to the tie-breaks as well. And Roger says he hopes he can inspire others to believe they can do it at 32. I’m one of them. When I was a boy and dreaming to be a tennis player this always has been the tournament for me. I used to make trophies out of different materials in my room and it’s extra special sharing it with my son in the crowd and my parents and my whole team. My wife and daughter are here in London but they are at home. I’ll see them soon. Back to being dad too, I guess.”
Roger Federer speaks! “I will try to forget. It was a great match. It was long, it had everything, I had my chances, so did he. In a way I’m happy. But Novak was great. Well done. I still feel good. I can still stand. Back to dad and husband. It’s all good.”
Novak Djokovic, level on Bjorn Borg with five Wimbledon titles, collects his trophy. He’s up to 16 grand slam titles. Two behind Rafa Nadal. Four behind Federer.
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Roger Federer, somehow managing to keep the tears at bay, collects his runners-up award. He might not get a chance like that again.
Roger Federer had two championship points. Two. On his serve. And he didn’t win.
Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 to win Wimbledon!
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic 7-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic sends a slice wide. As the call is made Federer nets a backhand. Djokovic challenges. It was on the line. They will replay the point. Federer misses a first serve. Djokovic returns well off a second and Federer sends a forehand into orbit! That’s it! Djokovic has won a quite extraordinary and barmy final to become the champion for a fifth time! He pats the grass. He smiles. He points to the sky. And Federer is left to wonder about all those chances and what might have been.
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Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-3 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic whistles a backhand down the line - he has three championship points!
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-3 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic punishes a short return with a fine forehand.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic 4-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic puts a backhand return into the net.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic 4-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer wins the point with a drop shot - as Djokovic slips heavily behind the baseline. He get up and dusts himself down with a towel.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic* 4-1 Federer (*denotes server): Federer balloons another forehand wide.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-1 Federer (*denotes server): Federer hooks a forehand wide.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer dabs a volley wide.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer crushes a forehand down the line. Djokovic challenges in vain.
Fifth set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-0 Federer (*denotes server): Federer sends a backhand long.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-12 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer’s had so many chances to win this. And now he’s serving to stay in it. He’s relieved when Djokovic sends a backhand pass long. Djokovic receives a code violation for swiping his racket at the umpire’s chair. Then Federer produces two sumptuous volleys for 40-0. He holds with an ace. This is the first 12-all tie-break!
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-11 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic stomps into a 40-0 lead. Federer creeps back into it at 40-30. Then he overpowers Djokovic with his forehand during a baseline rally and charges forward to put an overhead away for deuce! Then comes an unbearably tense rally. They both keep brushing the net. Djokovic is straining and screaming. Federer goes big with an inside-out forehand. They both challenge. Turns out it was called out. It clipped the line! Djokovic, for some reason, is furious and has a go at the umpire. He needs to focus. It’s a break point to Federer. Yet Djokovic aims a forehand into the left corner and Federer’s backhand slice goes inches wide. Back to deuce. Good old deuce. Not for long. Federer lands a forehand on the baseline and closes the point with a volley. Djokovic thinks the forehand was out, but his challenge is unsuccessful. Break point. Djokovic is at the net. He just does enough with a smash! Deuce. Djokovic allows himself a smile. He’s mightily relieved when he holds. Federer must hold to force a tie-break.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 11-11 Federer* (*denotes server): Once again Federer serves to stay in it. He hooks a backhand wide for 0-15. He wins the next point with a well-angled backhand that forces Djokovic to hit wide. 15-all. Then Djokovic nets a weary forehand return. 30-15. Federer serves and volleys for 40-15. He holds when Djokovic sends a forehand return long. It’s a bit like Anderson versus Isner. Said no one.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 11-10 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic slides an ace down the middle for 15-0. It’s 15-all after he pulls a backhand wide. Another error from Djokovic makes it 30-all. But Federer lets him off the hook when he sends a forehand return long. Djokovic holds with another granite serve. Will it be a tie-break?
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 10-10 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer smacks an ace down the middle for 15-0. Then he misses a forehand down the line and challenges the call unsuccessfully. He makes up for it with a fine serve down the middle for 30-15. Then he volleys well enough to force Djokovic to dab a lob long. 40-15. Another good serve is enough.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 10-9 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic knocks a backhand long. 0-15. But he wins the next two points. Federer needs quick rallies. But Djokovic looks commanding. He whacks a forehand down the line to make it 40-15. He holds.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 9-9 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer nets a slice. 0-15. He looks totally unsure of himself. On the next point he doesn’t do enough with a volley. He doesn’t do enough with a smash. He looks toast. Somehow he overpowers Djokovic with a forehand for 15-all. Djokovic nets a backhand return. 30-15. Djokovic nets another backhand. 40-15. This time Federer comes up with a good serve and Djokovic hits long. If only Federer had come up with one of those 10 minutes ago.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 9-8 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic cruises into a 40-0 lead. There’s a feeling of inevitability about it all. Then Federer wins the next two points. But Djokovic serves well enough to hold. They march back to their seats before the changeover and Federer will sit down wondering how he let it get away.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 8-8 Federer* (*denotes server): Roger Federer steps up to serve for his ninth Wimbledon title. The umpire has to tell the crowd to pipe down. Federer begins by whacking a forehand miles long. He challenges, presumably just to slow things down. Another tense rally - and Djokovic sends a forehand wide. 15-all. Then Federer bangs an ace down the middle. It’s 30-15. He’s two points away. Then he swings an ace down the middle! It’s 40-15. Two championship points. It’s incomprehensible. Federer nets a first serve. Djokovic returns well off a second serve and Federer, peeling backwards, sends a forehand wide for 40-30. The other one goes begging too: Federer comes to the net, Djokovic comes up with a forehand pass for deuce. Djokovic will not lie down. He bangs a forehand down the line and Federer nets a weak forehand. Break point. And Federer, who had TWO CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS, nets a forehand. He’ll be having flashbacks to the US Open semi-final of 2011 here.
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Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-8 Federer (*denotes server): Two forehand errors from Federer make it 30-0. A good forehand from Federer makes it 30-15. A bad forehand from Djokovic makes it 30-all. Another bad forehand from Djokovic gives Federer a break point! Djokovic approaches the net. But he’s played it into the Federer strike zone! Federer smacks a forehand from right to left and he breaks! He’ll serve for the title! My word.
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Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-7 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer begins with an ace, his 20th so far. 15-0. And another. 30-0. Then Djokovic slices a forehand wide. 40-0. Federer holds to 15 with a forehand winner. He’s 37!
Fifth set: Djokovic|* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 Federer (*denotes server): By the standards of this fifth set it’s a simple hold for Djokovic, with Federer struggling to land a return. Surely this scenario favours Djokovic. How much has Federer got in the tank?
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-6 Federer* (*denotes server): Serving to stay in it again, Federer sprays a backhand down the line for 15-0. But the game goes to 15-all. Then Federer lifts a backhand long. 15-30. Djokovic is two points from the title. Amazingly he sends a backhand long off a second serve. 30-all. Federer wins the next point with a forceful forehand. 40-30. But then he wallops a simple drive volley long. Oh Roger. Deuce. But somehow Federer holds. And on they go.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-5 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic makes it 15-0 with a forehand that’s too hot for Federer. Then he nets a tired backhand. They both need a good nap. Call it a draw? Pint in the bar upstairs? Hmm. Djokovic double-faults. 15-30. It’s a chance for Federer. Yet Djokovic - showing he did learn from Boris Becker - somehow wins the next point when he dives to meet a Federer dink and his shot lands inside the baseline for 30-all. Soon it’s 40-30 – and Djokovic holds. Federer will serve to stay in it again. It remains hard to see him making Djokovic crack. When they sit down, though, Djokovic asks the umpire when they play the tie-break. Not until it’s 12-all, Novak.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the final, Federer begins by punching a backhand volley into the net. There was just enough pep on Djokovic’s backhand and it’s 0-15. The next point’s bizarre. Djokovic drops a return short. Federer moves on to it. Then he flinches and looks like he doesn’t know what to do with his forehand. He plays it straight to Djokovic, who nets a backhand. He got away with that, old Roger. He follows it up with an ace, then nets a backhand. 30-all. Fine margins now. Djokovic almost has the next point with a forehand pass, but Federer’s there with a volley for 40-30. And he holds when Djokovic zaps a return wide.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-4 Federer (*denotes server): Incredible! Out of nowhere Federer comes up with a staggering, spinning backhand drop shot that leaves everyone, especially Djokovic, totally surprised! It’s 0-15. But Djokovic makes it 15-all with a commanding forehand and it’s 40-15 after Federer misses two returns. Federer gets into the next rally and wins it with another drop shot. Yet Djokovic holds to 30. Federer will serve to keep the final alive.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Another tentative rally ends with Djokovic just finding the line with a forehand for 0-15. Federer looks knackered. He’s lucky to get away with a drop shot that Djokovic meets with a backhand into the net. He doesn’t get away with it a second time, though. Djokovic makes it 15-30 with a backhand down the line. Yet he lets Federer off the hook when he clips the top of the net with an easy forehand and the ball drops wide, making it 30-all. Federer finally remembers how to serve. He makes it 40-30 and then he cracks an ace down the middle to hold.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-3 Federer (*denotes server): But who knows what happens next? Djokovic begins this game by sending a forehand long for 0-15. It’s 15-30 when he nets a backhand. But Federer whacks a forehand long. Centre Court’s response: a resigned sigh. Djokovic’s response: a double-fault. And here’s a break point for Federer. Can he take it? Nope. He sends a tentative forehand long. Deuce. The next rally’s torture. You’re willing Federer to have a go. Eventually he does, pouncing on a short ball and drilling a forehand down the line. Break point. This time it’s Federer’s. This time Djokovic, yelping as he hits his shots, lifts a forehand long. Centre Court’s response: celebratory. Poor Novak.
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Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer opens up with a backhand that lands a few yards past the baseline. It’s a worrying sign for the Swiss. Another errant backhand from Federer has Djokovic feeling very lively at 0-30. Federer’s struggling to make first serves now. Another fatigued backhand gives Djokovic two more break points. Another twist: Djokovic nets a forehand return off a second serve. Federer can’t buy a first serve here, though. He gets drawn into a long rally, gets drawn into the net and can’t stop Djokovic passing him with a backhand. The title is Djokovic’s to lose.
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Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 3-2 Federer (*denotes server): A few weary shots from Federer allow Djokovic to establish a 40-0 lead. Djokovic looks to be in control. But three consecutive errors from the world No 1 take the game to deuce. It’s a small chance for Federer, but Djokovic holds firm and holds serve.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic enjoys a slice of luck on the first point, a net cord off a forehand return going his way. Federer won’t like that at all. And he’s under a bit of pressure when he drags a forehand wide for 15-30. It’s a game defined by net cords, this one: when a Federer forehand flicks the top of the net it drops wide and Djokovic has two break points. He breathes a sigh of relief when Djokovic sends a backhand return long off a second serve, though, and then he produces a great shot, a swerving inside-out forehand to Djokovic’s backhand. Deuce. Yet Djokovic has another chance when Federer sends a tired forehand wide. Federer’s response is an ace that sends dust flying into the air. From there Federer holds. And the fans roar. And Djokovic looks annoyed.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic opens up with a pretty bad double-fault for 0-15. There have been a few of those today. The game goes to 30-all. Then deuce, Federer forcing it with a stunning 85mph backhand down the line. Yet Djokovic’s serve clicks into gear and he holds. You sense Federer’s the one who needs an early break here.
Fifth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): A stat flashes up showing Djokovic hasn’t lost a five-setter at Wimbledon since 2006. Mario Ancic beat him back then. Remember him? What a player. Anyway, Federer’s quick to move into a 40-0 lead here. He ends up holding to 30, good serving keeping Djokovic at arm’s length.
Fifth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 Federer (*denotes server): This is the fifth time Federer has been in a five-set Wimbledon final. He beat Nadal in 2007 and Roddick in 2009; he lost to Nadal in 2008 and Djokovic in 2014. Djokovic has also been in his fair share of five-set grand slam finals. This is familiar territory for both of them. Indeed Federer won the 2017 and 2018 Australian Open finals in five sets. But Djokovic does love a long race. You sense he should be the favourite here. And he begins the decider by holding to 15.
Roger Federer wins the fourth set 6-4 to level the final!
Serving for the set again, this time Federer begins by meeting a Djokovic backhand with a deft volley for 15-0. Then comes a big serve for 30-0. Soon he has three set points. He takes the first by thrashing a drive volley into the open court. Mind you, he almost bashed it long. That would have summed it up.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-5 Federer (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Djokovic holds to 15. What must Federer be thinking now? He’ll serve for it again.
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 3-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Serving for the set, Federer moves into a 15-0 lead. Then he double-faults. Then Djokovic nets a rotten backhand. But he isn’t done yet. He makes it 30-all and earns his first break point of the final with a pinpoint backhand. It’s taken him two hours and 47 minutes. But somehow Federer saves it, winning a 35-shot rally with a gorgeous backhand for deuce. Yet Federer nets a forehand, giving Djokovic another chance – and this time the Swiss nets a backhand slice! Dearie me, this is just ridiculous.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-5 Federer (*denotes server): Federer smells blood. At 30-all he punches a forehand into the corner to earn a break point. Djokovic plonks a backhand long. Federer will serve for the fourth set. This is very strange. It’s mindboggling.
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Looking to consolidate the break, Federer glides into a 40-0 lead with a gentle drop shot. He holds when Djokovic pulls a forehand well off target.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-3 Federer (*denotes server): Federer moves to 0-15 with a fizzing backhand pass, but Djokovic produces a moment of genius on the next point, stretching into a forehand drop shot for 15-all. Then Djokovic double-faults. Then he smacks a forehand deep towards the baseline. Federer challenges. And he gets a challenge right! Federer has two break points. At which point Djokovic drags a backhand miles wide. It’s not over yet!
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Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer looks in control at 40-15, only for a burst of excellence from Djokovic to force deuce. But there’s still no sign of a break point for Djokovic. Federer holds.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-1 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic holds to love.
Fourth set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Still no break points for Djokovic. Federer holds with a few cracking forehands. Just you try and make sense of this final!
Fourth set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 1-0 Federer (*denotes server): What happens next? It’s been such a strange match since the start of the second set. My tip, though: Djokovic to win this set and the title. It’s tough to see Federer having enough in the tank to outlast the world No 1. Djokovic holds to 15. Incredibly he hasn’t had a single break point yet - and he’s winning the match.
Novak Djokovic wins the third set to lead 7-6, 1-6, 7-6!
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 7-4 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic knocks a backhand down the line and Federer nets a forehand. Djokovic’s will is extraordinary, but Federer will be kicking himself. From 5-3 up in the first-set tie-break, he’s won four points across the two of them.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 6-4 Federer (*denotes server): Federer lifts a backhand slice wide. He challenges in vain. Djokovic has two set points.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic 5-4 Federer* (*denotes server): And that’s an ace from Federer.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic 5-3 Federer* (*denotes server): A bit of serve-volley from Federer. It’s not over yet.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-2 Federer (*denotes server): Federer gets one back, forcing Djokovic to net a forehand on the run.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-1 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic enters wall mode, overpowers Federer in an exhausting rally and punches the air as he watches his opponent’s backhand drift long.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic 4-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer nets a backhand. Oh Roger!
Third set tie-break: Djokovic 3-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic nets a forehand return.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-0 Federer (*denotes server): Federer sends another backhand wide. He looks the tighter player now.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-0 Federer (*denotes server): Federer sends a forehand return long.
Third set tie-break: Djokovic 1-0 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer begins by mishitting a backhand.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 6-6 Federer (*denotes server): They’ve been going a shade over two hours now. This game begins with a lengthy, even rally - and it goes Federer’s way when Djokovic takes a chance, goes to the net and watches a backhand whizz past him for 0-15. Djokovic responds with a venomous backhand for 15-all. Three points earn him a tie-break.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 5-6 Federer* (*denotes server): A quick game. Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic cracks a few into the net. Federer holds to love. Djokovic will serve to stay in the set again.
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Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 5-5 Federer (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Djokovic falls to 0-15 after missing a forehand. Solid serving takes him to 15-all, but then he knocks a backhand long, handing Federer a 15-30 lead. The fans urge Federer on. Djokovic gets to 30-all. But Federer bangs a forehand down the line before charging forward to earn a set point with a classic backhand volley. Under pressure, Djokovic stays calm and a good serve forces Federer to block a backhand return wide. Deuce. From there Djokovic holds. He’s pretty astonishing, isn’t he?
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 4-5 Federer* (*denotes server): A good return from Djokovic unsettles Federer, who sends a forehand wide for 0-15. An ace makes it 15-all, but Djokovic is beginning to look increasingly alert. It goes to 30-all. Federer needs first serves. He gets one: 40-30. Then he finds a good second serve and Djokovic hooks a backhand long.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 4-4 Federer (*denotes server): There’s a sense of Djokovic knuckling down on serve. No more messing around. It’s an admirable quality, the ability to survive the storm simply through efficiency. Lesser players would probably be a break down in this set but Djokovic actually hasn’t given Federer a sniff of one. He holds to 15.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 3-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer skips into a 40-0 lead. He’s serving very well. He closes the game out with an ace.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 3-3 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic begins by netting a tame forehand for 0-15. He responds with a tough volley for 15-all. There’s a sense he’s waking up. He moves to 30-15 and makes it 40-15 with a forehand down the line. He holds when Federer balloons a forehand.
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Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 2-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to 15, serving crisply and accurately. “Maybe Djokovic was slightly injured by his slip early in the second set, just enough to lower the level of his game a bit,” Harry Shannon offers.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 2-2 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic is serving so badly at the moment he’d probably lose a point to one of those chumps who reckon they could take one off Serena Williams. But there’s a sense he’s more dialled in when the rallies go longer. And he lands a backhand on the baseline to hold to 15. He might just be perking up.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 1-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to love, rounding off four straight points with a smash.
Third set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-6, 1-1 Federer (*denotes server): This feels like a big game for Djokovic, who wins the first point with a backhand down the line. But he follows it with a double-fault. At this point you’re beginning to wonder if this is a ruse from Djokovic, a way of lulling Federer into a false sense of security, like he did against Murray in the 2015 Australian Open final. He does enough to hold to 30. The rot has been stopped. For now.
Third set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 0-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer picks up where he left off, pinging a forehand past a flailing Djokovic. Two accurate serves make it 40-15. Djokovic’s vibe remains off. I’d like to nip down there to give him a hug. Is that allowed? Perhaps during a changeover. Federer holds with an ace.
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Novak Djokovic has nipped off for a comfort break. Anything to disrupt the momentum generated by Roger Federer.
Roger Federer wins the second set 6-1 to level the final!
Fed slaps a forehand away to make it 0-15. Then he reaches to his left and produces a stunning backhand drop shot for 0-30. Djokovic, thoroughly out of sorts, knocks a dreadful forehand long - and then he double-faults. Bizarre. It’s almost as though Djokovic tanked it there - something I suspected Federer of doing in the second set against Nadal.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 1-5 Federer* (*denotes server): The game goes to 15-all after a double-fault from Federer. Djokovic wakes up a bit, belting a forehand down the line for 15-30. But Federer does enough to win the next two points. An ace closes it out. Djokovic will serve to keep this odd little set alive.
Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 1-4 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic tries to mix it up with a drop shot but Federer is wise to the move and dinks well to make it 0-15. But just as we’re starting to wonder whether it’s going to be a bagel, Djokovic holds to 30.
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 0-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Just like that the set is Federer’s to lose. Djokovic’s energy has been very strange since it started. He keeps making uncharacteristic unforced errors. Up the other end Federer is moving serenely, acing for 40-0. He ends up holding to 30.
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Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 0-3 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic knocks two backhands long to make it 0-30. This is a weird little slump from the Serbian, who’s facing three more break points after putting a volley into the net. Djokovic saves the first with a wicked backhand. But Federer takes the second with a clean forehand. What a momentum shift!
Second set: Djokovic 7-6, 0-2 Federer* (*denotes server): The game goes to 15-all after a double-fault from Federer. He makes it 30-15 with an ace. Djokovic responds with a crunching forehand. But Federer makes it 40-30 with a volley and backs up the break when Djokovic swipes a forehand wide.
Second set: Djokovic* 7-6, 0-1 Federer (*denotes server): Federer has never beaten Djokovic from a set down at a grand slam, which seems problematic. But he’s on the prowl at the start of this set, earning two break points with a big forehand into the corner. Wrongfooted, Djokovic slips behind the baseline. He dusts himself down, but he’s broken for the first time when he batters a forehand wide. That’s the boost Federer needed.
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Novak Djokovic wins the first set 7-6!
First set tie-break: Djokovic 7-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer miscues a backhand, sending it wide, and he’s lost a tie-break he really should have won. Djokovic leads and you’re left to wonder if Federer really believes he can beat this guy.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 6-5 Federer (*denotes server): Federer nets a forehand on the run. Djokovic has the first set point.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 5-5 Federer (*denotes server): Federer hoicks a forehand wide and long.
First set tie-break: Djokovic 4-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer drags a forehand horribly wide.
First set tie-break: Djokovic 3-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer serves well, Djokovic can’t do anything with the return.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-4 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic rushes to the net and this time Federer picks his spot with a forehand down the line.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-3 Federer (*denotes server): Federer cancels out the mini-break with a lovely backhand down the line.
First set tie-break: Djokovic 3-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer comes back with an ace.
First set tie-break: Djokovic 3-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer knocks a backhand long.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-1 Federer (*denotes server): With Djokovic at the net Federer rips a forehand long! What a miss! He should have won the last two points.
First set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-1 Federer (*denotes server): A lengthy rally ends with Federer blinking first and blootering a forehand.
First set tie-break: Djokovic 0-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Djokovic sends a return long.
First set: Djokovic* 6-6 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic begins with an ace down the middle. Then he makes it 30-0 with an amazing dink. His serving’s improved since 0-30 at 4-5. He holds. Tie-break.
First set: Djokovic 5-6 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer swings an ace out wide for 15-0. Djokovic doesn’t look too convinced as he challenges. It brushed the line. But Djokovic hits back. A ripped return down the line makes it 15-all. Then he reads a poor drop shot from Federer and runs into a backhand to make it 15-30. The defending champion’s threatening here. Federer’s response is a massive backhand deep into the left corner to make it 30-all. Then he goes for the classic one-two punch, a serve out wide, a forehand into the opposite corner. But he follows it with a double-fault for deuce. The tension grows. Federer peels backwards, runs round a forehand and finds the line with a forehand down the line. What a shot. Such skill. He holds from there. This is a high-level match. They’ve both been superb.
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First set: Djokovic 5-5 Federer (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Djokovic falls to 0-15 after Federer feathers a drop shot over the net and wins the point with a volley into the open court. A long rally follows that one. Then, out of nowhere, Federer produces a gorgeous drop shot that clips the line and leaves Djokovic stranded at 0-30. All of a sudden Federer’s two points from the set. But Djokovic responds with an ace for 15-30 and a backhand down the line for 30-all. Another accurate serve makes it 40-30. A double-fault makes it deuce, but Djokovic digs in and holds. He’s hard as nails.
First set: Djokovic 4-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer races into a 40-0 lead without much of a fuss. His serving remains on point. It has to be against Djokovic, who’s ready with a fizzing return whenever there’s a chance. A couple of big returns from Djokovic take the game to 40-30 - but Federer holds with another ace.
First set: Djokovic* 4-4 Federer (*denotes server): At 15-0 Federer decides to attack a short ball and come to the net, only for Djokovic to pick him off with a backhand from left to right. Then Federer chips and charges off a return. He wins the point with a smash. He’s always trying different directions. But Djokovic holds to 15, smashing well at the net.
First set: Djokovic 3-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer is serving well, nailing most of his first serves, and it’s helping him dominate with ball in hand. He holds to love, polishing off the game when he meets Djokovic’s attempt at a backhand pass with a sharp volley.
First set: Djokovic* 2-3 Federer (*denotes server): Federer admonishes himself after doing all the hard work of pulling Djokovic into the net, only to send a fairly easy backhand pass long for 15-0. Djokovic shows him how it’s done on the next point, flaying a forehand past Federer, exposed at the net. 30-0. He makes it 40-15 with an ace down the middle.
First set: Djokovic 2-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Having saved that break point, Djokovic raises his level and moves into a 0-30 lead after two wild misses from Federer. These are dangerous times for the Swiss. But three booming serves get him to 40-30. Federer holds thanks to a forehand down the line.
First set: Djokovic* 2-2 Federer (*denotes server): Djokovic begins the game with a double-fault. 0-15. Federer is trying to play big early on, but he sends a forehand wide on the next point and wastes a challenge. Djokovic cruises into a 40-15 lead. Federer hits back with a forehand down the line for 40-30 and the game goes to deuce after Djokovic lifts a backhand long. Deuce is where they stay for a while – before Djokovic sends a backhand wide and finds himself facing the first break point of the final. Yet Federer fires a forehand wide for no good reason at all. Djokovic stirs from there and holds. He’s passed the first test.
First set: Djokovic 1-2 Federer* (*denotes server): The first long rally could be instructive: as it goes on it becomes clearer and clearer Djokovic has the upper hand and he wins the point with a crisp forehand for 0-15. His crosscourt backhand did some damage there. Federer races through the next three points, however, and holds to 30 when Djokovic fails to clear the net with a drop shot.
First set: Djokovic* 1-1 Federer (*denotes server): Federer misses a couple of forehands, allowing Djokovic to move into a 30-0 lead. Soon it’s 40-0. Djokovic holds to love when Federer nets another forehand.
First set: Djokovic 0-1 Federer* (*denotes server): It’s Roger Federer to open the 2019 men’s singles final - and he begins with an ace for 15-0. Cue some whooping and cheering from the crowd. Poor Novak. Someone give him a hug. Another ace from Federer makes it 40-15. A belter of a forehand to close the game is the start Federer wants.
This could be another classic @JacobSteinberg, Federer's ageless, fluid tennis v Novak's elastic skills. You'd have thought that Djokovic would want to get a fast start and take Federer deep, but if the Swiss legend plays like he did on Friday, it'll be tough. We're spoilt.
— Guy Hornsby (@GuyHornsby) July 14, 2019
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up. The No 1 seed and the No 2 seed go through a few final paces.
Time for the coin toss. Then some pictures with the lucky young chap who spun the coin.
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Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer emerge from the locker room. Both have hired a couple of young squires to carry their bags for them. And so they set off on their walk. They both looked relaxed. They’ve done this so many times. It’s Djokovic’s sixth Wimbledon final, Federer’s 12th. So there’s no point wasting them. They head straight out on court. Let’s get down to business.
Today’s umpire is Argentina’s Damian Steiner. Novak Djokovic had a bit of a run-in with him in Rome in 2016. Steiner also wound up Andy Murray in Miami in 2014. Here’s hoping for more spice today!
This will be the 48th meeting between these two. Novak Djokovic leads the head-to-head 25-22 and won his two matches with Roger Federer last year, beating the Swiss in Paris and Cincinnati. This is their first meeting in 2019.
“Just wanted to get this out there about yesterday’s match,” says Abhijato Sensarma. “If one credits the weight of history as the main factor which brought down Williams in the Final yesterday, they would be missing the point. Anyone who watched the match knows the truth, and will speak about it for years to come - it was tennis at its brutal best. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more dominating display against the GOAT. The sport is played both on the field and in the mind... Halep did well enough in the former department to win the decisive edge for the latter one too! The critics shall rave, the fans shall boast, and the player herself shall revel in glory. At the grandest stage of tennis, Simona pulled off something spectacular. When she woke up today, surely she needed some convincing to believe all of this hadn’t been a dream.”
Here’s what Roger Federer thinks about taking on Novak Djokovic.
It’s the same like going into a Rafa match. I think the moment you’ve played somebody probably more than 15 times, you know, especially in recent years also a few times, there’s not that much more left out there. Especially you know where the players go when it really matters, how much can you still surprise somebody. At the end of the day it comes very much down to who’s better on the day, who’s in a better mental place, who’s got more energy left, who’s tougher when it really comes to the crunch. In the tennis, there’s always somebody who’s going to be a little bit better because there’s no draws in our sport. It’s always quite brutal sometimes. Don’t want to say always the better player wins, but sometimes it can be tough. Look, I’m excited about the game against Novak. Like you said, we’ve played each other so, so much. I don’t mind that, I think it’s more of a clear game plan.
Pre-match reading
Preamble
Quote of the tournament: “If. If. If. Doesn’t exist” – Rafael Nadal, 4 July 2019. The Spaniard had just been asked whether Nick Kyrgios is capable of winning a grand slam if he focuses on tennis and his answer offered a telling insight into the mindset of a champion. Put simply, Nadal doesn’t deal in what ifs and maybes. He deals in cold, hard facts and was in no mood to indulge all the ifs surrounding Kyrgios. If. If. If. Doesn’t exist. The contempt flies off the screen, doesn’t it?
And this is the truth before today’s men’s singles final at Wimbledon. Ultimately we know that the last point is all that matters – but we all have ideas about the journey Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will take to get there. So if Federer hits his spots with his serves - like he did against Nadal - he could well win his ninth Wimbledon title. If he goes for the lines in the rallies, he’ll be in with a chance of beating the world No1. If his backhand doesn’t break down, he could overcome the Serbian cyborg for the first time at a grand slam since their 2012 Wimbledon semi-final. And if he holds his nerve in the big moments, this year’s Wimbledon champion could be a father of four who turns 38 next month.
If. If. If. The challenge, however, is putting theory into practice and we have been here before with Federer and Djokovic. I seem to recall the conversation was similar before their final here in 2015. Federer had served magnificently in his semi-final win over Andy Murray, one of the best returners around, but he found it difficult to replicate that level against Djokovic, who was just so good at making his side of the court look smaller, closing the space, forcing errors and taking control with the brilliance and efficiency of his groundstrokes. It all fell rather flat in the end and it seemed Federer simply couldn’t do Djokovic over five sets. It was too much to ask against such a supreme athlete. Djokovic would dominate. He won their 2014 and 2015 Wimbledon finals. He won their 2015 US Open final. He won their 2016 Australian Open semi-final. Each time Federer finished looking as steady on his feet as Woody Harrelson in the Royal Box.
But that was the era of Imperial Novak. The vibe is slightly different now. Federer has been a different player since returning from injury at the start of 2017. The Swiss has gained the edge in his rivalry with Nadal in the last two years, something that seemed unthinkable not so long ago, and now he gets a crack at Djokovic. You just know he’ll be feeling confident before play begins.
All the same it’s still Djokovic who sits at the top of the rankings. Sure, he had a duff period after completing the career slam at the French Open three years ago, but the 32-year-old has been the best player in the world since his restorative win at Wimbledon last year and he starts as a slight favourite here. He hasn’t been at his peak over the past fortnight, but he hasn’t really been pushed and there’s always a sense he can up his level in the biggest matches. He’ll be dying to disappoint all the Fed Fans on Centre Court.
If – if, if, if – Djokovic does then he moves up to 16 grand slam titles, two behind Nadal. If Federer wins he moves up to 21 grand slam titles, three clear of Nadal. As ever history is on the line.
Play begins at: 2pm BST.
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