Concise News reports that the match was classic.
For the first time in Wimbledon history, a fifth-set tiebreaker had to be used to decide who would take home the coveted trophy, and it took four hours and 57 minutes—the longest match in the tournament history—to officially make that decision.
With the fifth set being so closely contested, unlike the two sets that Federer won, it almost seemed apparent that the Serbian was going to the title at a reasonable hour, particularly when he led 6-5.
But after forcing several battles at deuce, the Swiss legend was finally able to put two incredible serves back-to-back to keep pushing his opponent.
The most notable moment of the match might have happened as a result of physical exhaustion from Federer when he had a 8-7 lead over Djokovic in the fifth set.
After smashing an ace to go up 40-15, Federer was just one score away from securing a victory that seemed so unlikely just moments ago.
After faulting his first serve, he was unable to win on the first go-around, hitting the ball just out to put the score at 40-30.
His second attempt while on the precipice of glory did not fare much better, as Djokovic was able to smack the ball just out of Federer’s reach.
Federer still continued to press on and while trying to put that grave error behind him the end.
His mental fortitude showed out to a certain extent as he was able to force the match into Wimbledon’s first-ever fifth-set tiebreaker.
Ultimately, however, Djokovic’s perseverance and talent for getting out of tiebreakers victoriously reached new heights when it mattered most, allowing for the 32-year-old player to methodically chip away at Federer’s title chances.
The Swiss phenom picked an odd time to show his age when down 6-3 in the tiebreaker. Federer massively misjudged the ball and sent it to the moon as Djokovic cockily sauntered over to centre court to bask in the glory of what he had just done.
After the match, Federer told the crowd he’ll try and put this loss behind him and that he was happy “in a way” because he seemed to understand that he had just been a part of a huge moment in sports history.
Djokovic proud
Djokovic didn’t seem to feel let a victors’ fatigue get to him and gave an emotional speech about accomplishing his childhood dream.
“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 respect 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.”
