Right, that’s it from me for today. Thanks for reading/emailing/tweeting. Federer v Nadal 2019 was never going to trump the classic of 2008 but it was still some sequel, especially that gripping finale in which Nadal saved four match points. Do join me again tomorrow when another 37-year-old great will be looking to write her own piece of history. Bye!
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Amazing match well deserved win by @rogerfederer I had some chances but... Roger played better. Good luck for the final @Wimbledon 2019. Thanks all for the support. Always fantastic to be here. See you next year! 😘
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 12, 2019
Kevin Mitchell’s match report:
So Federer’s prize – or perhaps punishment – for victory is a final with Novak Djokovic. It will be the first time they’ve met in a grand slam final since the 2015 US Open and their first meeting here since the final also four years ago, which Djokovic won in four sets. Djokovic, as the defending champion and world No 1, will be the favourite, no doubt, on Sunday but if Federer can reproduce the form he showed against Nadal, then he’ll have a superb chance.
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Rivals on the court. Friends off it. 🤝#Wimbledon | @RogerFederer | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/Kvc4TWk6Jy
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
That was a worthy successor no doubt. What a performance from Federer to win 7-6 (3) 1-6 6-3 6-4. Rafa a touch off and that made the difference. What a final in store.
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
The moment @rogerfederer reached his 12th #Wimbledon final... pic.twitter.com/AJrP3yYCns
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
A near flawless #Federer defeats #Nadal to get into yet another #Wimbledon final! Godlike tennis from the 37 year old. Unreal stuff!
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 12, 2019
Congratulations to @rogerfederer, who is headed to his 31st Grand Slam final! And to @DjokerNole, who is headed to his 6th #Wimbledon final! Should be thrilling to watch! 🎾
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 12, 2019
Federer is interviewed. And he’s actually sweating!
I’m exhausted. It was tough at the end. Rafa played some unbelievable shots to stay in the match. I enjoyed it. The crowd were amazing. I had spells where I was serving very well and probably the biggest points in the match went my way. That first set was huge as well, to get the lead.
Novak played great against Bautista Agut. He’s supreme again. He’s not No 1 just by chance. He’s been so good for the last year. I’m very excited to say the least.
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Federer beats Nadal 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4!
Nadal decides to take off his shoe at the changeover and fiddle with a blister. No sign of the trainer though. It would take some nerve to call them on at this stage of the match. So Federer steps up to serve for a place in the final. Will he come to regret those two missed match points? It doesn’t look like it at 30-15, but a Federer error follows and it’s 30-all. He uses up his final Hawk-Eye challenge with an unsuccessful appeal. Federer makes an absolute hash of the smash! 30-40, break point. An enthralling rally ensues ... but Nadal bludgeons a backhand into the net!
Deuce. Advantage Federer, a third match point, as Federer holds firm at the net. Time stands still as the pair play out a gripping point, and Nadal eventually pummels away a forehand winner! Mirka has her head in her hands. But she’s celebrating when Federer soon brings up another match point. Again Nadal pulls off the winner! Here’s a fifth match point, and this time Federer takes it when Nadal biffs a backhand long! The 40th instalment of their rivalry comes to an end with a warm embrace at the net. Federer is into his 12th Wimbledon final and one win away from a record-extending ninth title at the ripe old age of 37! The King of Wimbledon holds court in front of his adoring subjects while Nadal, ever the gentleman, still signs a few autographs despite his second consecutive semi-final defeat here.
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@KatyMurrells The 2009 Australian final between Rafa and Fed was epic. All it lacked was a right-to-the-wire fifth set. The quality of rallies was outstanding, throughout...possibly the best I've ever seen.
— Kaitain Jones (@kaitainjones) July 12, 2019
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
I haven’t seen this level of intensity from Federer in quite some time. He can get edgier than he did earlier in his career, but there’s absolutely no indication that’s going to happen here. Nadal seems comfortable at 40-15. Federer fights back to deuce. And he’s two points from victory! Some Hawk-Eye drama as Federer stops the point to challenge. He’s wrong. If he hadn’t challenged it would be match point! Instead it’s Nadal’s advantage. But Federer puts that Hawk-Eye moment out of his mind to get back to deuce. And here’s a match point! Federer’s return is well long. Deuce. Ace, advantage Nadal. A fourth deuce. Advantage Federer, a second match point. Deuce. Advantage Nadal, after a quite wonderful rally. Game Nadal. There were two match points in the fourth set of their 2008 final before it went the distance. Could history be repeating itself?
Fourth set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 3-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
“I think that 2008 final was indeed the greatest match of all time,” emails Mark Pulfer, “but I really liked the 1992 final between Ivanisevic and Agassi; that was a five setter that swung back and forth and was only decided by a hairline margin at the end of the fifth. It was Agassi’s first major against a gut wrenching performance by Ivanisevic. I felt so bad for Ivanisevic that day (although I was supporting Agassi) and was glad to see him win Wimbledon years later.” Federer is showing no sign of blinking near the finish line, and another fuss-free hold has Nadal needing to hold serve to stay in this semi-final.
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Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 3-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
“Safin v Federer, Aus Open, SF 2005 without a doubt,” declares David Hindle. Federer defies physics with a ridiculous angled cross-court winner on the run, which causes thousands of jaws to fall on to the floor on Centre Court. 30-all. But it doesn’t cause Nadal’s shoulders to drop. He takes the next two points for the game.
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Fourth set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 2-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
A punishing rally on the third point, in fact the most punishing of the day at 26 shots, and this time it’s Nadal who takes it. 15-30. But Nadal is furious with himself when he can’t take advantage of an inviting second serve. 30-all. 40-30. Game Federer, who swats the balls straight back to Nadal for the Spaniard to serve.
#Rafa looking very unhappy out there. Dropping the ball short and handing #Federer a lot of unforced errors. He's in big trouble. Can he find a way agains a near flawless Roger? #Wimbledon
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 12, 2019
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 2-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
I must admit I didn’t think Federer would be able to dominate Nadal like this, especially given the way Nadal surged to the semi-finals. Usually it’s Nadal who has his opponents on a piece of string, lassoing those viciously spun forehands and catching them in his noose. But Nadal is the one struggling to breathe here and, despite a hold to 15, has so much to do to turn this around.
Fourth set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 1-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
“I think Halep v Kerber Australia semi in 2018 deserves a shout here as one of the best tennis matches,” emails Gordon Hunt. “In terms of finals, the Wozniaki v Halep match two days later is up there. Nadal v Djokovic Australia 2012, also. Obviously. I’m not an Aussie, which I feel I should note after tipping three from that event! But Fed v Nadal 07, 08 were total gems.” Federer is showing no signs of letting up here and holds to love.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 1-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Federer is on the charge at 0-30 but is checked by a net cord. 15-30. Nadal apologises. But given the severity of the situation, I doubt he’s too sorry. A rocket of an inside-out forehand from Federer and here are two break points. His level of aggression today has been staggering. He’s gliding around Centre Court like a 27-year-old rather than a 37-year-old. But Nadal then crunches a winner of his own. 30-40. Nadal appeals to Hawk-Eye when his serve is called out by the umpire on an overrule. The umpire was right. Nadal gets his second serve in, but Federer blows him away with his return, and Nadal overhits his backhand!
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Fourth set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Another superb volley to add to the Federer showreel on the fourth point. You wouldn’t know he’s 37 looking at his lightning reflexes today. Federer also holds to 30.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-6, 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
This match has a completely different complexion to that 2008 final, in which Federer was always chasing, having been two sets to love down. And he’s such a formidable frontrunner. Federer gives Nadal a does of his own medicine at the start of this fourth set as he makes the Spaniard wait to serve. Federer is the king here, after all. He can do what he likes. It doesn’t put off Nadal, who holds to 30.
This is already a terrific match. Will it become a great one?
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
Such an impressive third set from Federer. Played an incredible return game to break, then defended and moved so well in the couple of service games that were under siege. 15 winners, 2 unforced errors.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 12, 2019
#Federer takes the 3rd set! Signs of frustration from #Nadal now. He just can't seem to find his flow. He'll need to find a way fast or else he's in deep trouble against a Federer this good. #Wimbledon
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 12, 2019
Federer wins the third set 6-3
So Federer is serving for the set. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, when Nadal races forward and Federer picks him off with the pass. Three set points. And Nadal nets on the first! Federer serves out nervelessly to love and the eight-times champion is a set away from yet another Wimbledon final!
Updated
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 3-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Federer looks as if he quite fancies breaking Nadal here, perhaps so he can serve first at the start of the fourth. 0-30. Nadal steadies himself for 15-30, before storming back to 30-all with an ace out wide. The camera pans to Uncle Toni, who’s no longer Nadal’s full-time coach but is watching today from the players’ box. Nadal holds from there, to at least ask the question of Federer.
Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 2-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
Some more reminiscing, this time courtesy of Kenneth Ross. “1) Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe 2) Federer v Nadal 3) Goran Ivanisevic v Pat Rafter 4) Venus Williams v Lindsay Davenport. There’s a reason why the All England Club recently did a theatrical recreation of the 1980 Borg, McEnroe final before this year’s tournament. It was classic to watch then and remains a classic nearly four decades later. Best tennis match I’ve ever seen on television. (Best live one I’ve ever seen - 1984 US Open women’s final, Evert v Navratilova, along with Lendl v Cash and McEnroe v Connors the same Super Saturday.)” Federer holds to 15, and could be only a game away from taking a two sets to one lead that would leave this humble game-by-game reporter eating my words, given I predicted a Nadal win in four.
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 2-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
“Nadal v Federer 2007 is the second best final,” says Steve Holt. Meanwhile this from Antony Powell: “Ashe v Connors without a doubt! Never forget the lone voice from the crowd, “Come on, Jimmy!” Connors: “I’m trying, dammit!”” And look here, Federer has 0-30 on Nadal’s serve. Could this third set be as one-sided as the second? These are wild swings in momentum. 0-30 becomes 15-40. Nadal neutralises Federer on the first break point with an unreturned serve out wide. Another strong first serve sets up the second break point too. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. Game Nadal, but he’s living extremely dangerously.
One hell of a hold from Federer. A guy who couldn't find the strings about 20 minutes ago is making music again
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 1-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
But Federer just can’t shake Nadal off. Every time he thinks he’s put some daylight between them, Nadal comes back at him, much like Nadal did after the first set. 15-30 turns into 15-40 when Federer double faults for the first time. Federer fends off the first break point. The pair trade blow after blow on the second, and Nadal knocks himself out when he goes long! That was the longest rally of the match at 23 shots. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Game Federer. That’s a huge hold.
Updated
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 1-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
With this third set yet to really get going, a question for you: apart from Nadal v Federer in 2008, what’s your favourite Wimbledon final? Goran Ivanisevic v Pat Rafter? Venus Williams v Lindsay Davenport? Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe and that 18-16 tie-break? Any others? But just as my thoughts drift away from today’s action, Federer drills a backhand down the line for 30-all and then flicks away a forehand cross-court winner for 30-40, break point. Can Federer break Nadal for the first time in this match? A wonderful game of cat and mouse plays out at the net, Nadal appears to be in the ascendancy, but Federer emerges victorious with a backhand volley on the line!
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Third set: *Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
James Keothavong, the umpire and brother of Britain’s Fed Cup captain, Anne, is almost taken out by an errant ball, but that’s about as much drama as there is in this game. Federer whizzes through to love again.
Updated
Third set: Nadal 6-7, 6-1, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
So can Federer regroup at the start of this third set? A love hold suggests he can. “I wonder who would Novak want to play against,” muses Abhinav Bhadula. “For obvious reasons, Federer seems like lesser of the two evils... older, strength waning out.... But playing a Wimbledon final against Fedrer would be like playing against the complete stadium and almost whole of the world. How do you play when everyone in the stadium wants you to lose?” Nadal responds with a speedy hold of his own.
Rafa levels in double quick time. Fed went right off the boil. Can he find the level he produced in the first set again?
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
The good thing for RF2.0 that set was not taxing what so ever
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 12, 2019
— Not Roger Federer (@PseudoFed) July 12, 2019
Nadal wins the second set 6-1
Federer is a shadow of the player he was in the first-set tie-break and is again broken when a framed forehand flies into the stands. With Nadal serving for the second set, desperate times call for desperate measures, as Federer launches a SABR – sudden attack by Roger – charging in off his return. It doesn’t pay off. Nadal has three set points at 40-0 and needs only one. After an absorbing first set, an all-too-quick second. We’re all square.
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Second set: Nadal 6-7, 4-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Having missed the chance to break in that previous game, Federer finds himself having to fight off three break points on his own serve at 0-40. As the shadows start to drift across Centre Court, Federer flaps into the net. His level has suddenly dipped and he may live to regret not being able to make the most of those break points at 1-1. Nadal consolidates the break with the minimum of fuss and the momentum of this match has quickly changed, just as it ebbed and flowed in that 2008 final.
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Second set: Nadal 6-7, 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
The 37-year-old Federer has a little break before commencing the next game. Usually it’s Nadal keeping his opponent waiting with this tics and tricks. Speaking of which, have you noticed his eccentricities are so exact that he touches his shorts twice, shirt twice, nose twice and hair twice before every first serve? It’s quite draining to watch when you focus on it. I wonder what would happen if he cut loose once in a while. Perhaps Centre Court would spin off its axis. But then perhaps it already has, because Federer has two break points at 15-40. Both come and go. Federer will feel he should have done better on the second, when he nets a second-serve return. And Nadal doesn’t give him another chance. Two points later it’s game.
Second set: *Nadal 6-7, 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Beware a wounded Nadal. He first holds to 30, before getting himself a break point at 30-40 in the next game. It comes and goes, but a breathtaking point at deuce goes Nadal’s way. The match took a while to really get going, but this is staggering stuff. Even Federer, usually so quiet, is grunting on every ball because of the sheer effort he’s having to put in. On the second break point Federer withstands a barrage of balls at the net to get it back to deuce. And after another couple of deuces he’s able to hold. Centre Court breathes again.
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#Federer takes the 1st set! Great returning from Roger in that tiebreak got the job done! Fantastic stuff. #Wimbledon
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 12, 2019
You have to go back to 2013 to find the last time the winner of the first set between these two didn't go on to win the match
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
Federer/Nadal last four sets @Wimbledon 7-6, 7-6, 7-9, 7-6.... #Wimbledon
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) July 12, 2019
Crucial first set for Federer: in their previous matches, he has a fairly hopeless 2-18 record when Nadal wins the first set.#Wimbledon
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 12, 2019
Return points won Vamos-Rafa 7 RF2.0 14 Fed doing great 👍 job keeping points very short
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 12, 2019
Updated
Federer wins the first-set tie-break 7-3!
... and this time Federer forges ahead for the first time in the tie-break, going to Nadal’s backhand, before conjuring up a forehand winner! 4-3 Federer with the mini-break. Make that 5-3, 6-3, after two stinging first serves. Three set points, the first of which is on Nadal’s serve. But no bother, Federer wins it anyway, with a great return, rounded off with another forehand strike! He leaps into the air, the crowd are on their feet, as is his wife, Mirka. After 12 consecutive holds, Federer has taken five points on the spin to claim what could be a crucial first set. They’re both such great frontrunners; in their contests the player who’s won the first set has taken the match 31 out of 39 times. It’s the first set Nadal had dropped here since that acrimonious arm-wrestle with Nick Kyrgios in the second round.
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That 2008 final was not only the Greatest Match of All Time ™, it featured two of the best tie-breaks the game has ever seen. What can they produce here? A quite ridiculous first point has the crowd on their feet as Nadal shows stunning speed to chase down the drop volley and dispatch it for the winner. But Nadal concedes the mini-break immediately. 1-1. Which becomes 2-2. Federer feathers a slice into the net, giving Nadal another mini-break for 3-2. Again, Nadal can’t capitalise and his lob loops long. 3-3 at the change of ends ...
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First set: Nadal 6-6 Federer* (*denotes next server)
“Katy, what do you think will be the deciding factor in this match?” asks Kenneth Ross. “Offence or defence? Serving aggressively or attacking on the returns? So glad these two are back on Centre Court playing each other. As a lifelong tennis fan and player approaching 50, I still vividly remember watching their 2008 final that Sunday in July - first at home, then in a newspaper newsroom, where all of us reporters and editors were watching the end of the match, absolutely spellbound.” Well both are going for offence at the moment. It’s a cliche, but the way this first set has played out, it will most likely just come down to very fine margins and who can take their chances. Federer didn’t in the eighth game. But he may get another here, because it’s deuce on Nadal’s serve. Federer goes for the forehand down the line to Nadal’s weaker side, the backhand, but his balance is off. Advantage Nadal. Game Nadal. This will be settled by a tie-break.
First set: *Nadal 5-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
Both players are looking so business-like at the business end of this set. These are short, sharp points, and they’re both battering the poor lines to within about a millimetre of their lives. Federer fizzes through to love. Cue Abhinav Bhadula. “People keep saying Nadal is favourite to win this tie... somehow I feel that’s insulting to Federer. No one would call Federer the favourite on a clay court against Nadal. Federer deserves the same respect on grass.. I think he’ll prove many people wrong today.”
First set: Nadal 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
The camera zooms in on a boy who’s reading a book in the stands. Get him out! There’s several thousand spectators around the grounds who’d bite his hand off for his ticket. Nadal holds to 15.
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First set: *Nadal 4-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
Now it’s Federer’s turn to feel a little pressure on serve at 30-all. But he responds by firing down not one but two aces for the game.
RF2.0 serving tremendous to start this match 7 aces already
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 12, 2019
Incredible depth from both Federer and Nadal so far
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) July 12, 2019
First set: Nadal 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Nadal is serving with new balls, as if he needs any more serving assistance right now. His serve has been so strong this tournament. But as soon as I write that Nadal slips to 15-30. He decides attack is the best form of defence as he strides toward the net, forcing the error from Federer. 30-all. He launches an all-out attack on the next point but fires long. 30-40, the first break point of the match, and it’s come out of nowhere. The pair go at each other in the longest rally of the match, the crowd gasp when a viciously spun Nadal forehand they thought was going out dips in, and after 21 shots Nadal is victorious. Deuce. Advantage Nadal. And Nadal slams the door shut just as quickly as it opened.
First set: *Nadal 3-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
You can guess what happens next, right? 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Federer. Both players are more aggressive than they were 11 years ago and are looking to finish the points more quickly. Federer’s conceded only three points on serve in four games, Nadal two points in three.
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First set: Nadal 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
There’s absolutely nothing giving on serve right now. Nadal holds to love. I’ve been asked to plug this women’s final preview, but the way these two are ripping through their service games the first set may nearly be over by the time you come back:
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First set: *Nadal 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
“Nadal = GOAT,” emails Abhijato Sensarma. “Nadal is my favourite player. Nadal is fresh off another inevitable Roland Garros triumph. Nadal is virtually impossible to beat if he wins the first set, which he should. In conclusion, Nadal is going to the final after a victory against Federer, where he will lose to Djokovic again.” Federer looks as if he quite fancies proving Abhijato wrong as he flies through another service game, this time to 15.
First set: Nadal 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
At 15-0, Federer’s effort stops dead on the line. 15-all. The first point he’s won on Nadal’s serve. But he shanks his return and it’s 30-15. A classic one-two punch straight from the tennis textbook from Nadal, with a serve out wide backed up by a forehand to the other side, and it’s 40-15. Federer reduces his arrears to 40-30 but is unable to make further inroads into Nadal’s serve.
#Federer already showing that he's willing to serve and volley when #Nadal returns far back. Smart. #Wimbledon
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 12, 2019
Three games into Federer vs Nadal and there are still empty seats in the Royal Box in a country with no shortage of royals pic.twitter.com/azxZeRU6x1
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
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First set: *Nadal 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
The crowd are by no means muted but they’re not in full voice either. Perhaps they’re conflicted as to who to support. Federer is, of course, the king of Wimbledon. But then the crowd also adore the King of Clay. Federer responds to Nadal’s love hold with one of his own.
First set: Nadal 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
I mentioned the need for Federer to get off to a strong start – he’s only beaten Nadal twice after dropping the first set – so he could do with finding his feet quickly on Nadal’s serve. But that doesn’t happen here, with Nadal racing to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game.
First set: *Nadal 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Are you ready for Federer v Nadal XL? They’re ready. Let’s play. It took 14 strokes to settle the first point of that 2008 final; this one is over in one as Federer rattles down an ace. The whole game looks as if it’ll be over in less than 14 shots at 40-15, but Federer fires long, before coming through to 30.
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Predictions?? I’m going Rafa in 4 but tennis is the winner 🙌🏼
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) July 12, 2019
Tim Henman says he’s also going for Nadal in four. Boris Becker is hedging his bets and can’t decide between Federer in three or Nadal in four. But his indecision does highlight that it’s more important for Federer to get off to a quick start.
The stage is set pic.twitter.com/eemjwbjbtG
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
Tik! Tok! Tikity! Tok! They’re warming up. The last time these two met only four weeks ago, Federer was blown away by Nadal in the Roland Garros dust bowl, in some of the worst conditions seen at French Open. Conditions are set fair today, with the sun broken up by only a few clouds.
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They arrive on court to a rip-roaring welcome. It would have been fun if Federer had rocked up in his daft gold-trimmed cardigan of 2008 and Nadal had opted for the sleeveless top and long shorts. But some things don’t change, as Nadal carefully lines up his two water bottles with the labels facing the court, jumps up and down during the coin toss and then does his raging bull charge to the back of the court for the warm-up.
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But I digress. Here they are waiting to step on to court. Nadal makes sure he’s not under the door frame as he performs his obligatory jump.
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What a difference a year makes. At this stage 12 months ago, time became one flat circle as Kevin Anderson and John Isner drove themselves - and Centre Court - to despair with that 26-24 final set in a serving slugathon lasting six hours and 35 minutes. There’s no chance of a repeat of that scoreline today, what with that match having prompted this year’s introduction of a fifth-set tie-break at 12-12, but I’m sure everyone here would take a 50-game decider between Federer and Nadal.
Nadal says: “Playing against Roger is always a unique situation. I’m excited to be back on Centre Court against him after 11 years. It means a lot for me and probably for him, too. The opportunities to play against each other are becoming less, but we still here.
“I’m not expecting to learn new things about him. I just expect to play against probably the best player in history on this surface. I know he’s playing well. He feels comfortable here.
“I’m playing well, too. I am playing with a very high intensity, playing aggressive, serving well and returning very well. I know that I have to play my best.”
Federer says: “Rafa has improved so much over the years on this surface. He’s also playing very differently. I remember back in the day how he used to serve, and now how much bigger he’s serving, how much faster he finishes points.
“We have a lot of information on Rafa, as does he on us. So you can dive into the tactics like mad, or you say: ‘It’s grass-court tennis so I’m going to come out and play my tennis.’ I’m excited to play him again.”
Prediction time. I’m conflicted. My heart says Federer – this is his tournament, after all – but my head says Nadal. He’s arguably been the better player this fortnight. And he’s usually the better player when these two meet, leading the head-to-head 24-15. Though we probably shouldn’t read too much into Nadal’s 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Federer at the French Open four weeks ago given it was on clay. I’m going for Nadal, probably in four, as is Greg Rusedski:
. @RafaelNadal meets @rogerfederer for the 2nd slam in a row in the semis. Rafa will be the favourite due to the fact the grass courts are slower. Federer will not get enough free points in my opinion to win. Nadal in 4/5 sets today. Djok vs Nadal final is my prediction.
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) July 12, 2019
Which gives you enough time to read this. And perhaps watch this. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about that match.
If history is anything to go by, prepare to be entertained...#Wimbledon | @RafaelNadal | @RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/gnhS78HbWo
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
There’s a 30-minute break between the semi-finals, by the way, so Federer and Nadal will be on court in around 10 minutes’ time.
Here’s Simon Cambers’s match report:
It wasn't easy by any means but Djokovic is through to a sixth Wimbledon final. Keeping good company with Borg, Connors and Laver - and maybe Nadal
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
Lot of suspense left @Wimbledon but this we know: Big Three will now have won 51 of the last 59 Majors. Which is comical ...
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) July 12, 2019
Novak Djokovic comes through 6-2 4-6 6-3 6-2 over Roberto Bautista Agut to reach his 6th Wimbledon final. Djokovic was outplayed (and passive) for a set, but otherwise a clean match.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 12, 2019
Finally, the men's tournament can begin.
Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam record since the start of Wimbledon 2018
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
32-1
With @DjokerNole's SF win, Big 3 clinches 2019 #Wimbledon title and has won...
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) July 12, 2019
* 11 straight Grand Slams since 2017 @AustralianOpen (100%)
* 15 of 17 Slams since 2015 @Wimbledon (88%)
* 50 of 58 Slams since 2005 @RolandGarros (86%)
* 54 of 65 Slams since 2003 Wimbledon (83%)
Updated
Back to defend his crown…
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
Reigning champion @DjokerNole advances to his sixth #Wimbledon final where he’ll bid to win a fifth title after beating Roberto Bautista Agut pic.twitter.com/OYtfSUC7Hv
I’m back. Thanks for seeing that out John. It was a tasty enough appetiser to the main event. Things were in the balance after two sets but then Djokovic did what Djokovic does. He’s just so damn hard to beat. The world No 1 seems to have fully recovered from the disappointment of losing in the French Open semi-finals last month when his bid for a second Novak Slam ended, and whoever wins between Federer and Nadal next, Djokovic will be the favourite to win a fifth Wimbledon title – which would draw him level with Bjorn Borg – on Sunday. As for Bautista Agut, having just gone four sets with the world No 1, including that 45-shot rally, he’ll now have to find some energy for his stag.
According to IBM, that 45-shot Djokovic-Bautista Agut rally is the longest at #Wimbledon since they started tracking rally length here in 2005.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 12, 2019
(Previous record was 42, Nieminen-Tursunov in 2006; women's record is 39, Dechy-Dementieva in 2007)
(H/t @raviubha)
Djokovic speaks:
This has been a dream tournament for me as a child, to be in the final is a dream come true. Playing finals at Wimbledon is something different.
I had to dig deep. He was not overwhelmed with the stadium and occasion. The first set he was probably managing his nerves but at the beginning of the second he established himself. I got a bit tight.
It was a very close opening four or five games of the third set. I’m glad it went my way.
Of course I’ll watch [Federer v Nadal]. It’s one of the most epic rivalries of all time.
Updated
Djokovic wins 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 6-2!
That was harder work than expected, but the job is completed. Bautista Agut initially lets Djokovic off with a failed forehand winner. Then comes an ace. The celebrations are temporarily delayed by a scrabbling winner from the Spaniard. A whipped smash that sends his opponent the wrong way takes Djokovic takes him to match point. But...a brilliant passing shot evades his dive. Then, a drop shot forces a run from Bautista Agut and his own drop volley. It’s called out. But is challenged and we are back to deuce. Then comes a wide service return to force another match point, and that’s not taken up when Djoko hits the net cord. We go again, for a third match point after a weary backhand. OK, here it comes..no, failed attempt at an ace. Then there’s another save. Four match points saved, in fact. Then an ace on second serve forces a FIFTH match point. Then it comes, as his serve cannot be returned. The champion is into the final once more and has the chance of a fifth title.
Ok, cue Roger and Rafa. And Bautista Agut’s stag do can be properly convened.
Updated
Fourth set: Djokovic* 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 5-2 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
A dead cat bounce? Bautista Agut recovers some lost pride with three points in a row, including an ace to make it 40-0. Then a decent second serve forces mistake from Djokovic. Bautista Agut holds to love and all credit to him.
Fourth set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 5-1 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
No mistake made here, with Bautista Agut looking bereft of spirit. A serve volley takes it to 30-0, then a wild ground shot takes it to 40-0. Then comes an ever wilder attempt at a forehand winner. Two successive service games to love from Djokovic.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 4-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Oh dear, this one looks over. Bautista Agut could not afford to lose this one, but his serve fails him as he double faults to make it 30-30 and give Djokovic the glimpse of another break. Then another of those disastrous drop shots hands Djokovic that break point. Djokovic steps up to bully his way to seizing it. Bautista Agut needs a miracle.
Fourth set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 3-1 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
This looks ominous. To force home his advantage, the champion drills home a service game to love. Bautista Agut is now playing on sudden death, his efforts now failing him.
This match has already gone on longer than both women’s semifinals combined #Djokovic #Wimbledon
— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) July 12, 2019
Fourth set: Djokovic* 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 2-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
First break of the fourth set. Djoko is making far better use of the drop shot than his opponent. There is a gasp as Djokovic falls to the ground as he is beaten by a forehand winner. No harm done, and he is swiftly back on his feet. It goes to 30-30, and then another failed Bautista Agut drop shot is chased down to force a break point. Then the Spaniard goes long, too long when Djokovic ramps up the pressure with some fierce baseline hitting.
Fourth set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 1-1 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Djoko begins the game a little lazily once more. Then finds his gears to chase Bautista Agut all over the court. Bautista makes a challenge on a shot that would have made it 15-30 but he had misjudged the flight of the ball. He then misses a winner that would have given him break point. Djokovic serves his way to levelling the score in the fourth set.
Fourth set: Djokovic* 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 0-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
This was a marathon. A hold. Just. Djokovic looks a little weary after blasting through that last set but he takes Bautista Agut to deuce with a shot right to the apex of the court. Bautista Agut a little wobbly on his serve, and even wobblier when he plays a drop shot after a long rally. Djokovic was lost, but the ball came off the net to hand over a break point. The Spaniard serves and volleys his way out of that. Djoko calls to the heavens and his prayers are answered with his execution of a far better drop shot. Another break point, but “vamos” from Bautista Agut indicates that one is saved. Then a drop volley offers the Spaniard a way out but after missing his first serve he is out-rallied by the defending champion. Then he makes a mess of a another drop volley, getting his angles all wrong. Yet another break point. Saved yet again with a crashing overhead slam dunk. Then a forehand winner to force another advantage by the server. Then a serve and volley - only his fourth of the entire tournament - means Bautista Agut holds his serve.
Updated
John Brewin is here to take you through the fourth set. Over to you, John ...
Net cord winner from Bautista to win the 2d set. Net cord winner from Djokovic to win the 3d. Thin margins. Fun match.#GETTY pic.twitter.com/6k6QN0ityW
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
Djokovic wins the third set 6-3
Bautista Agut has enough in the tank after that draining duel to hold comfortably, forcing Djokovic to serve this out. A rare sign of frustration from Bautista Agut as he slaps the net with his racket after slipping 30-0 down. He’s soon 40-0 behind. Three set points for Djokovic. Djokovic steps up to the plate ... and produces only his second double fault. It matters not, though, because he secures the set on the next point with a cross-court volley, aided by a net cord. So they’re even after Bautista Agut’s good fortune at the end of the second. But there’s nothing even about the score, with Djokovic potentially a set away from his sixth Wimbledon final.
Updated
Please guys do take your time, there's no hurry. Why not take it to 5 sets?
— Not Roger Federer (@PseudoFed) July 12, 2019
One of the best rallies of the tournament: Djokovic and Bautista trading flat groundstrokes. Metronome vs Metronome. Fans start to laugh. Other fans shush them, not wanting to distract genius at work. Backhand winner down the line from Djokovic breaks the chain: Cups hand to ear
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 12, 2019
Third set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 5-2 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
However a tennis player is always at their most vulnerable just after they’ve broken and the world No 1 is no different. 15-40. Two break-back points for Bautista Agut. The first comes and goes. The second is a more drawn-out affair, neither is willing to budge, neither wants to pull the trigger ... it goes on ... and on ... and on ... I’m not sure how they’re still breathing, I’m not. Djokovic eventually settles matters on the 45th shot! And has the energy to turn to the crowd and put his finger to his ear. Deuce. After the longest rally of the match, Djokovic is grateful for a free point on his serve. His advantage. Bautista Agut rifles his return long and Djokovic roars once more. He maintains his breathing space.
Updated
Third set: Djokovic* 6-2, 4-6, 4-2 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
David Beckham is in the Royal Box this afternoon, after all. Perhaps Fergie has gone for a break. Djokovic, with his elastic limbs at full stretch, gets to 15-30 on Bautista Agut’s serve. He’s kicking himself when he lets Bautista Agut recover to 30-all. Djokovic always seems in control of the fifth point, setting it up for a simple put-away at the net. A first break point of the third set. And Djokovic’s first since the first set. Djokovic carves Bautista Agut up with several slices before sticking the knife in with a one-two punch and a defiant smash. He roars in delight. He’s managed to ride out the storm and has the break.
Third set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 3-2 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
My colleague Jacob Steinberg and I were just wondering whether that ankle Djokovic rolled in the fifth game of the match is causing him problems. Something is awry. As if to illustrate the point, Djokovic then misses a forehand he could make in his sleep. It’s 40-30. Make that deuce. A defiant Djokovic takes the next two points to hold.
Doha: Djokovic wins first set 6-3, Bautista Agut wins second set and then the match.
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) July 12, 2019
Miami: Djokovic wins first set 6-1, Bautista Agut wins second set and then the match. #Wimbledon: Djokovic wins first set 6-2, Bautista Agut wins second set and then ???
Third set: *Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 2-2 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Djokovic holds to 30, though the highlight of the game was a brilliant backhand from Bautista Agut, perhaps his best of this contest so far. With the score level at one set all, this is effectively a three-set match now. And we know Bautista Agut’s already won two of those this year against Djokovic. What Djokovic would give for Bautista Agut’s friends to jump out of the box and bundle him on to a plane for that stag do right now. But I’m rambling. Bautista Agut holds to 15, showing no signs of dropping his level from the second set.
My favourite Djokovic is pissed off Djokovic.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) July 12, 2019
Third set: *Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 1-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Having let out a bit of frustration on the crowd, Djokovic then releases some more with a dismissive hold. He’s soon pushing on Bautista Agut’s serve, but at 30-all Bautista Agut pulls off a forehand winner down the line with laser-like precision. 40-30. Djokovic goes long, before almost taking a chunk of grass out of the court with his racket. He pulls away at the last moment, which is probably wise given Serena Williams’s fine this tournament for damaging the sacred grass. There again what’s a $10,000 fine to a man who’s earned more than $130m in prize money?
Novak Djokovic taking on a tennis crowd (cheering for the other bloke) - haven’t seen that for a while. Usually works for him.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) July 12, 2019
When it's just not going your way... #wimbledon #bbctennis pic.twitter.com/sygMEOrSDy
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) July 12, 2019
A dead net cord gives Bautista Agut the second set. Strange how Djokovic went off the boil. Hadn't anticipated that. It is pretty breezy today so that may be a factor
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
Well, well....great effort by Roberto Bautista Agut to level things up with Novak Djokovic. Lapse in concentration at the start of the second by Novak, (after a great first set) and a bit of extra aggression and intensity from Bautista Agut and we're one set all....
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) July 12, 2019
Roberto Bautista Agut levels Novak Djokovic at 2-6 6-4.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 12, 2019
Bautista had 11 winners, 5 unforced errors, 93% first serve points won and didn't face a break point. Could be worse.
Bautista Agut wins the second set 6-4
So Bautista Agut is serving for the set. This is usually the moment when Djokovic laughs in the face of danger and breaks. But he slaps into the net at 15-all. A nervous-looking Bautista Agut fails to land a timid first serve, makes the second, before Djokovic takes the point by wrong-footing his opponent and blocking the ball for a winning volley. 30-all. 40-30, set point, with Bautista Agut allowing himself a little fist pump. That’s probably the first emotion we’ve seen from the Spaniard today. And he’s both celebrating and apologising moments later when his shot clatters into the top of the net and just trickles over! Djokovic, meanwhile, is bizarrely telling the crowd to applaud. We’re all square.
Updated
Second set: Djokovic 6-2, 4-5 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
This is such a crucial game. If Djokovic can hold and find a way to break Bautista Agut and go on to win the set, this will surely be over in three. But if Bautista Agut seizes the second, then we may be here for some time. Djokovic comes through to 30. The crowd, it has to be said, are rather quiet. Perhaps they’re thrown by the way this match has changed. Perhaps they’re not sure who to support. Or perhaps they’re saving themselves for Federer and Nadal. Whatever it is, it won’t help Djokovic feel loved. And all he wants – well, apart from another grand slam title – is to be as loved as those two.
Updated
Second set: *Djokovic 6-2, 3-5 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
A massive miss from Djokovic on the opening point, that was so far out it probably landed on Wimbledon Common. He quickly puts it out of his mind for 15-all. Djokovic has taken his cap off as he tries to get down to business, but it’s just not happening for him in this second set. An error-strewn game from the Serb and Bautista Agut remains in charge of this set, holding to 15.
Second set: Djokovic 6-2, 3-4 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic appears in control at 40-15. But Bautista Agut scraps to 40-30, and then strikes his way to deuce when the pair trade forehand after forehand after forehand, with Djokovic then hitting beyond the baseline. Djokovic runs to his chair, hoping a change of racket will change his fortunes. It does the trick, but he needs another deuce before advancing.
Second set: *Djokovic 6-2, 2-4 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Oohs and aaahs and cheers after a drop shot/lob showdown on the second point. Bautista Agut emerges victorious, much to the delight of his stag do friends in his box. They probably thought they’d be catching a flight back to Ibiza at 3pm given the way the first set went. But Bautista Agut is determined to make a match of this and holds superbly to love.
Second set: Djokovic 6-2, 2-3 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Bautista backs up the break with the minimum of fuss, one netted shot the only blot in an otherwise perfect game for the Spanish 23rd seed. However there’s a risk his momentum could be checked, when a spectator is taken ill. Both players sit down for a few minutes. But when they’re back under way, Bautista Agut starts exactly where he left off, with a ferocious forehand. 0-15. Which is soon 15-40! Two points for a double break. Well, well. Bautista Agut blazes a backhand well wide. Djokovic drills down an ace. Deuce. The pair are moving each other this way and that way and t’other way on the next point, it’s the longest rally of the match at 23 shots, and Bautista Agut blinks first. Djokovic’s advantage. Djokovic’s game. The world No 1 dug himself out of a hole there but he’ll still have to find his way out of a bigger one if he’s to win this set.
Second set: Djokovic 6-2, 1-2 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Distracted by Federer’s sweat, I look up and realise Bautista Agut has not only one but two break points. He had a bit of luck to get there, with Djokovic’s string breaking at 15-30. There’s nothing fortunate about the way Bautista Agut breaks though. He flashes a forehand winner past a stranded Djokovic and the stag do crew are on their feet. Their man has his first break!
Man just wants to collect his £588k and he to Ibiza to blow it all on his stag
— David (@dsheadhunter) July 12, 2019
Second set: Djokovic* 6-2, 1-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Two straightforward holds get the second set under way. Meanwhile in far a more newsworthy development: proof that Roger Federer does actually sweat. Such is the effort he’ll put in on the practice courts before his meeting with Nadal later.
Updated
A Centre Court capacity crowd on men's semi-finals day...#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/tROh9jsjVr
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
Bautista Agut understandably a bit nervous but nothing he could have done about that set from Djokovic. Unplayable
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) July 12, 2019
Djokovic wins the first set 6-2
Djokovic looks ready to pounce at 30-all. But instead of going straight for the jugular, he bides his time on the next point, eventually working his way to the net. It puts Bautista Agut off and the Spaniard nets. 40-30, set point. A strong serve, but a Djokovic return on the spin bamboozles Bautista Agut, who fires out!
Updated
First set: Djokovic 5-2 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Time for some emails. “Although it feels like the same-old same-old, this is the first time the Big Three have reached the semis of the same Wimbledon since 2007. The heart wants Federer or Nadal, but the head says Djokovic. As for a Big Three name, I rather like Fedalvic,” writes Greg Phillips. And this from krishnamoorthy: “I wrote this blog in June 2011 after Nadal destroyed Federer yet again. Eight years on, Federer is still playing and Nadal is still playing, and they are competing as fiercely as ever. Only one word for them: respect. And one word for me, having written this blog eight years ago: moron.”
A lightning hold from Djokovic, meanwhile, leaves Bautista Agut needing to hold serve to detain the world No 1 in this set for any longer.
First set: *Djokovic 4-2 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
With the sun shining brightly, both players have got their caps on, which makes it slightly difficult for spectators to differentiate between them. Djokovic’s trademark spinning and sliding helps them out on the second point though, however his defensive scrambling isn’t enough to prevail. 30-0. Djokovic comes back at Bautista Agut for 30-all. Bautista Agut produces a big first serve just when he needs it, surely 5-1 would be too big a mountain for him to climb. 40-30. Deuce, Djokovic finishing off an absorbing point with a stop volley. Advantage Baustista Agut. Game BA.
First set: Djokovic 4-1 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Gasps from the crowd when Djokovic slips on the grass while attempting to charge towards the net. 15-30. A glimmer for Bautista Agut? No, because Djokovic slams the door shut with a brutal backhand down the line backed up by a colossal cross-court forehand. 30-all. 40-30. Game.
Updated
First set: *Djokovic 3-1 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
Bautista Agut’s players’ box is looking rather crowded, with the friends who had flown to Ibiza for his stag do arriving en masse here to watch him in action. But Centre Court must feel like a lonely place for the Spaniard right now, he really needs a game on the board. And that he does, squeezing through from deuce to get off the mark after the longest game of the match so far. Brad Gilbert, though, has already written this set off:
Worst possible start for Robbie Bats 🦇 moving along to 2nd set shortly
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 12, 2019
First set: Djokovic 3-0 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Djokovic doesn’t have it all his own way, with Bautista Agut getting to 30-all, but yet another failed forehand and it’s game point for the Serb. Bautista Agut’s favoured shot is his forehand so he really needs to get that going if he’s to stand any chance this afternoon. He shows fight to get to deuce, but then chops wide. Advantage Djokovic. Game Djokovic, after a delightful angled half-volley.
First set: *Djokovic 2-0 Bautista Agut (*denotes next server)
The crowd are appreciating Bautista Agut’s effort early on, as he sprints forward to Djokovic’s drop shot, putting it away with a tightly angled winner. 15-all. But Djokovic is already applying the pressure on the Spaniard’s serve at 15-30, and he gets two break points when Bautista Agut slaps into the net. That’s four forehand errors from the Spaniard already, who may well become known as BA for RSI-preventing purposes if this match is long. No indication yet that that’s going to happen; Djokovic gobbles up the first break point and the defending champion’s already making it clear who’s the boss.
First set: Djokovic 1-0 Bautista Agut* (*denotes next server)
Bautista Agut wins the first point for 0-15 on Djokovic’s serve. “He’d like the match to end right there,” parps John Inverdale on the BBC commentary. A longer second point plays out, and the Spaniard eventually makes the error. Expect plenty of long rallies; Bautista Agut loves nothing more than scampering around, getting everything back, much like his now-retired fellow Spaniard Daveeeed Ferrrerrrrrr and much like the opponent he’s facing this afternoon. But can he out-Djokovic Djokovic? He can’t in this opening game, which Djokovic wins to 15 with a forehand winner.
Updated
Bautista Agut says: “The difference to previous years is that I’ve put in even more hard work. I have always had a will to progress, to improve my game. My goal has always been to become a more complete player. Not wanting to stop being a better player has brought me here now.
“[Djokovic] is very solid from the baseline. He likes to play a lot of rallies. Well, I like to play against opponent like this, to play a match with a lot of rallies. Against Novak, that’s what we do.”
Djokovic says: “I’ve been playing [my] best tennis in this tournament in the last two rounds, fourth round and [quarter-final]. The ball all of a sudden looks and seems larger than it actually is. It’s a good feeling, I must say.
“[Bautista Agut’s] been definitely playing some very, very high-quality tennis in this tournament. He has won twice against me so far this year. That’s certainly going to give him confidence.
“Obviously playing on grass, it’s different. [It is the] semi-finals of grand slam, [so I am] going to try to use my experience in being in these kinds of matches, get myself tactically prepared. Hopefully I can execute everything I intend to do.”
It may seem as if Bautista Agut is here to make up the numbers today, but he has beaten Djokovic in both of their meetings this year and in three of their past five. So perhaps he’s Superman’s kryptonite. Though those were best of three, this is best of five on the biggest stage of all. And Djokovic has had an aura of invincibility this fortnight.
Updated
Here they are, Bautista Agut making his way on to Centre Court for the match of his life with his head down, perhaps looking a little nervous, just a few steps ahead of the defending champion and world No 1, who is smiling and appears extremely relaxed.
For a place in the #Wimbledon final...
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
The defending champion @DjokerNole and first-time semi-finalist @BautistaAgut take to Centre Court
Listen LIVE 📻 https://t.co/6um4tJKvjs pic.twitter.com/VBm5zkqBsz
Updated
Ho hum.
It’s one o’clock. No sign of Djokovic and Bautista Agut yet.
Starting to get a few butterflies in the tummies #Wimbledon
— Not Roger Federer (@PseudoFed) July 12, 2019
Laver’s among the big guns in the Royal Box this afternoon. The names include Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir David Attenborough, Hugh Grant, Bear Grylls, Jude Law, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Michael Stich and Pat Cash. David Beckham was also on the list originally handed out in the press centre but his name has now mysteriously disappeared. Maybe Fergie came armed with a flying boot.
Here are the thoughts of the great man Rod Laver:
It’s hard to go past @DjokerNole to reach the @Wimbledon final, there to face ... as much as I’d like to stay neutral I think @RafaelNadal has the slight edge today unless @rogerfederer can produce some of his classic wizardry. Rafa in 5.
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) July 12, 2019
And some pre-match reminiscing:
Some pre-match reading:
A few results already:
The first ever quad wheelchair champions at #Wimbledon@DylanAlcott and @lapstar11 beat Koji Sugeno and David Wagner to win the doubles title - and they celebrated in some style pic.twitter.com/NDmPlRmAv0
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2019
Daria Snigur into the Wimbledon girls' final with a 6-3 6-0 win over top seed and French Open finalist Emma Navarro.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 12, 2019
Snigur might be the closest thing I've seen to Ostapenko. Hard, flat, pinpoint groundstrokes with a really unorthodox, arm-y forehand.
Updated
Today's order of play
CENTRE COURT - 1pm
1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] 1 vs Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [23] 56
2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) [3] 96 vs Roger Federer (SUI) [2] 128
No 1 COURT - 1pm
1 Gabriela Dabrowski (CAN) / Yifan Xu (CHN) [4] 48 vs Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) / Katerina Siniakova (CZE) [2] 64
2 Timea Babos (HUN) / Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) [1] 1 vs Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) / Barbora Strycova (CZE) [3] 17
3 Bruno Soares (BRA) / Nicole Melichar (USA) [1] or Matwe Middelkoop (NED) / Zhaoxuan Yang (CHN) 12 vs Robert Lindstedt (SWE) / Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) or Franko Skugor (CRO) / Raluca Olaru (ROU) [12] 25
No 3 COURT - 11am
1 Jamie Delgado (GBR) / Jonathan Marray (GBR) vs Xavier Malisse (BEL) / Max Mirnyi (BLR) (RR)
NOT BEFORE 12.45
2 Jacco Eltingh (NED) / Paul Haarhuis (NED) vs Greg Rusedski (GBR) / Fabrice Santoro (FRA) (OD)
3 Cara Black (ZIM) / Martina Navratilova (USA) vs Iva Majoli (CRO) / Magdalena Maleeva (BUL) (SL)
COURT 12 - 11am
1 Marion Bartoli (FRA) / Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) vs Conchita Martinez (ESP) / Barbara Schett (AUT) (SL)
2 Arthur Fery (GBR) / Toby Samuel (GBR) 18 vs Brandon Nakashima (USA) / Valentin Royer (FRA) 23 (BD)
3 Mary Joe Fernandez (USA) / Ai Sugiyama (JPN) vs Anne Keothavong (GBR) / Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (ESP) (SL)
4 Martin Damm (USA) / Toby Kodat (USA) [3] 9 vs Jacob Fearnley (GBR) / Connor Thomson (GBR) 15 (BD)
COURT 18 - 11am
1 Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) [8] 16 vs Martin Damm (USA) [4] 17 (BS)
2 Carlos Gimeno Valero (ESP) 47 vs Harold Mayot (FRA) [17] 56 (BS)
3 Natsumi Kawaguchi (JPN) / Adrienn Nagy (HUN) [3] or Polina Kudermetova (RUS) / Giulia Morlet (FRA) 11 vs Funa Kozaki (JPN) / Amarissa Kiara Toth (HUN) 13 (GD)
4 Liam Draxl (CAN) / Govind Nanda (USA) [7] 25 vs Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) / Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune (DEN) [2] 32 (BD)
COURT 5 - 11am
1 Emma Navarro (USA) [1] 1 vs Daria Snigur (UKR) 26 (GS)
2 Diane Parry (FRA) [4] 48 vs Alexa Noel (USA) [10] 56 (GS)
3 Kamilla Bartone (LAT) / Oksana Selekhmeteva (RUS) or Robin Montgomery (USA) / Maria Camila Osorio Serrano (COL) 4 vs Holly Fischer (GBR) / Matilda Mutavdzic (GBR) or Chloe Beck (USA) / Emma Navarro (USA) [7] 8 (GD)
COURT 8 - 11am
1 Savannah Broadus (USA) / Abigail Forbes (USA) 26 vs Alina Charaeva (RUS) / Anastasia Tikhonova (RUS) [2] 32 (GD)
2 Jonas Forejtek (CZE) / Jiri Lehecka (CZE) [1] 1 vs Cannon Kingsley (USA) / Alexander Zgirovsky (BLR) or Shunsuke Mitsui (JPN) / Keisuke Saitoh (JPN) [6] 8 (BD)
3 Hurricane Tyra Black (USA) / Shavit Kimchi (ISR) [8] or Aubane Droguet (FRA) / Selena Janicijevic (FRA) 19 vs Joanna Garland (TPE) / Sohyun Park (KOR) [4] 24 (GD)
COURT 14 - 11am
1 Dylan Alcott (AUS) / Andy Lapthorne (GBR) 1 vs Koji Sugeno (JPN) / David Wagner (USA) 2
2 Diede De Groot (NED) [1] 1 vs Kgothatso Montjane (RSA) 3
3 Stephane Houdet (FRA) / Nicolas Peifer (FRA) [1] 1 vs Alfie Hewett (GBR) / Gordon Reid (GBR) 2 (DM)
4 Sabine Ellerbrock (GER) / Kgothatso Montjane (RSA) 3 vs Marjolein Buis (NED) / Giulia Capocci (ITA) [2] 4 (DW)
COURT 15 - 11am
1 Stephane Houdet (FRA) or Nicolas Peifer (FRA) 6 vs Gustavo Fernandez (ARG) [2] 8
COURT 17 - 11am
1 Shingo Kunieda (JPN) [1] 1 vs Stefan Olsson (SWE) 4
2 Aniek Van Koot (NED) 5 vs Yui Kamiji (JPN) [2] 8
3 Gustavo Fernandez (ARG) / Shingo Kunieda (JPN) 3 vs Joachim Gerard (BEL) / Stefan Olsson (SWE) [2] 4 (DM)
4 Diede De Groot (NED) / Aniek Van Koot (NED) [1] 1 vs Yui Kamiji (JPN) / Jordanne Whiley (GBR) 2 (DW)
MATCHES TO BE ARRANGED
NOT BEFORE 5pm
1 Wesley Koolhof (NED) / Kveta Peschke (CZE) [5] 33 vs Ivan Dodig (CRO) / Latisha Chan (TPE) [8] or Evan Hoyt (GBR) / Eden Silva (GBR) 60
2 Colin Fleming (GBR) / Ross Hutchins (GBR) vs Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) / Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) (RR)
Preamble
The release of Nelson Mandela. The fall of the Berlin Wall. The inauguration of President Obama. Just some of those “where were you when …” moments in history. And if any tennis match merits a place on such lists, surely it’s that Wimbledon final of 2008.
The match widely seen as the greatest of all time had it all: a five-times defending champion against a fierce rival who he had beaten in the past two Wimbledon finals but had just denied him the French Open title for the third consecutive year; the contrast in styles between the calm and artful Swiss and the punkish and piratical Spaniard, all fist pumps and jumps and whose game plan was to wear his opponent down and drive him to despair; a quite staggering level of play punctuated by two rain breaks that added to the drama; a recovery from two sets to love down and the saving of two championship points to force a decider; and a 9-7 final-set finale in near darkness in which a new champion was crowned after the longest Wimbledon final in history. This wonderful piece from Andy Bull is well worth a read if you want to relive the spectacle.
Now here Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are again, meeting at Wimbledon for the first time in 11 years. The fact they’re still going so strong, aged 33 and 37 respectively, ranked second and third in the world and having shared the past 10 grand slam titles along with Novak Djokovic (Nadal has four, Federer and Djokovic three), is almost as staggering as that final itself. For all the talk of the so-called Next Gen, this great tennis triumvirate just keep going on, and the gap between them and the rest of the field is arguably wider than ever.
Which brings us on to the great subplot to this Wimbledon finale: the battle to be the greatest of all time. A third Wimbledon triumph for Nadal, who added the 2010 title to his 2008 crown, would move him only one behind Federer’s tally of 20, which would be the closest he’s ever been to the record holder. Meanwhile victory for Djokovic would put him on 16 and, at the age of 32, with plenty of time to out-GOAT the GOAT.
In the context of all of this, spare a thought for the odd man out today, Roberto Bautista Agut, who’s appearing in his first grand slam semi-final. Being a 30-something, he does at least have something in common with Fedalovic – if SerAndy/Murena is bestowed on Serena Williams and Andy Murray, surely the Big Three deserve a combined name of their own? – while Bautista Agut will take comfort from the fact he’s beaten Djokovic twice already this year, in Doha and Miami.
Defeating a fully focused Djokovic in the best of five sets at a grand slam is an entirely different proposition, however, and the world No 1 was in devastating form in the quarter-finals against David Goffin, dropping only six games. Bautista Agut has had to rearrange his stag do to be here today, but if his opponent is in a similar mood to Wednesday, things could get just as messy for the Spaniard as a week partying in Ibiza.
Play begins at: 1pm BST.
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