Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in longest Wimbledon final to claim fifth title
The legend of Novak Djokovic, a man who could probably look a great white shark in the eye without blinking, can only be bolstered by his extraordinary feat of winning the longest Wimbledon final in history.
Djokovic became the first man in the Open era to save Championship points in a final here and still go on to win the title. He came through three tie-breaks – including the first 12-12 tie-break to be contested in singles, anywhere in the world – to edge Roger Federer by an unfamiliar-looking 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 scoreline.
Not for the first time, Djokovic defied the vast balance of crowd support. There was a memorable moment at the end of the match when he stood and stared up into the screaming mass of fans – not saying anything, but just projecting a “Yeah, you and whose army?” kind of vibe. Then he squatted down on his hips and performed his personal tradition of plucking a blade of grass and eating it.
It was his fifth championship here – an incredible feat for a man who grew up playing in empty swimming pools, and had barely seen a grass court until he first came to Wimbledon in his late teens. And it came in such an epic that even chair umpire Damian Steiner lost count of the score in the final stages.
Jeff Bezos, the world’s most famous shopping magnate, was looking on from the Royal Box as the two greatest Wimbledon champions of this era took the court. Bezos could probably afford to buy Centre Court 100 times over, but you can’t put a price on this kind of final. At 4hr 57min, it outlasted the legendary 2008 showdown between Federer and Rafael Nadal by nine minutes, and came close to achieving the same transcendent drama down the final straight. “I'm the loser both times,” said Federer afterwards, “so that's the only similarity I see.”
Despite that rueful comment, Federer managed to sound surprisingly sanguine about what must have been a difficult result to digest – as difficult, in its own way, as New Zealand’s defeat in the cricket World Cup, which seemed to be developing almost in parallel for those uber-sports fans who were following one drama on their phones while watching the other unfold in front of them.
“You take it on your chin, you move on,” Federer said. “You try to forget, try to take the good things out of this match. There's just tons of it. Similar to '08 maybe, I will look back at it and think, ‘Well, it's not that bad after all.’ For now it hurts, and it should, like every loss does here at Wimbledon. I think it's a mindset. I'm very strong at being able to move on because I don't want to be depressed about actually an amazing tennis match.” But then, a couple of moments later, he added, “I just feel like it's such an incredible opportunity missed, I can't believe it.”
The match was just over four hours old when Federer walked out to serve at 8-7 in the decider. After the first two points were split, he rifled down two aces to move to 40-15: double Championship point. A ninth Wimbledon title was on his racket. But he couldn’t find a first serve. And Djokovic, who has form for fighting his way back from the precipice, was not going to give him a free point.
More than that, Djokovic produced a forehand passing shot on the second match point which echoed the one he delivered when Rafael Nadal had him break point down in the deciding set of last year’s semi-final. He is the surely the hardest man in the game to put away, not just in the modern era but perhaps of all time.
Many British tennis lovers will remember the way that Djokovic nearly derailed Andy Murray’s first Wimbledon title in 2013. That day, BBC radio commentator Jonathan Overend compared him to a Bond villain, suggesting that he might as well be stroking a white cat. Certainly there is a part of Djokovic which feeds off defiance, which relishes that sense of pushing back against the world. As he put it afterwards, “When the crowd chants ‘Roger’, I hear ‘Novak’.”
Having dodged a bullet – or two bullets, rather – Djokovic seemed to play more freely and began going after his groundstrokes with renewed pace and penetration. There was one more gigantic arm-wrestle still to come in his final service game of the match, as he looked to move into a 12-11 lead. Straining every sinew to guarantee himself that deciding tie-break, he fended off two more break points, coming to the net both times to demonstrate his massive cojones.
Djokovic won 204 points to Federer’s 218, and was outdone on the winner count by 94 to 54. But some points are more equal than others in this crazy sport. When the pressure is at its most stifling, Djokovic often goes to a place that his rivals – even the greatest of them – cannot find.
That final set alone ran to 2hr 2min, and it was the meat of the match in every sense. Up until then, we had not seen both players reach top form at the same time. Djokovic’s level fluctuated unpredictably, and at times in the second set – which whipped by in just 25 minutes – he barely seemed interested.
That is just Djokovic’s way. On days like these, it almost seems as if he needs a crisis to bring the best out of him. He lifted dramatically in all three tie-breaks, so that he won seven points on each occasion while Federer finished with five, then four, then three. Perhaps Federer will recommend that the rule be reversed in time for next year’s Wimbledon.
“It was mentally the most demanding match I was ever part of,” said Djokovic afterwards. “I had the most physically demanding match against Nadal in the finals of Australia that went almost six hours. But mentally this was different leve
Well, what a final that was!
Thanks for joining us. Stay tuned for more reaction from our team at Wimbledon. I imagine there will be plenty to read later on today and tomorrow.
Lots of praise for both players
On the BBC coverage, as you'd expect. Roger Federer spoke very well afterwards after losing the longest ever Wimbledon final, they say. Of course, that's his MO. A ninth Wimbledon title wasn't to be his, though.
Federer accepts the applause
It surely won't be the last time he does that here.
Djokovic lifts the trophy
Novak Djokovic reacts to his fifth Wimbledon title
Well, I think this was if not the most exciting and thrilling final I was ever part then definitely top two or three against one of the greatest players of all time, Roger, who I respect a lot. Unfortunately in these kind of matches one of the players have to lose. We both had our chances and it's quite unreal to be two match points down and come back. It's a bit strange to play a tie-break on 12-all as well.
Roger said that he hopes he gives other people a chance to believe that they can do it at 37. I'm one of them! He inspires me. I know I said this before but when I was a boy growing up to become a tennis player this always has been the tournament for me. I used to make the trophies out of different materials in my room. It's extra special sharing it with my son in the crowd and my parents...my whole team. My wife and my daughter are here in London but at home and I give them a big hug.
Roger Federer reacts to his defeat
I will try to forget! It was a great match. It was long, it had everything. I had my chances. I thought we played some great tennis so in a way I am happy with my performance. Novak was great. Congratulations man, that was crazy. Well done.
On being a 37-year-old Wimbledon finalist:
I hope I give some other people to believe at 37 it's not over yet. I feel great. Obviously it's come to take some time to recover physically too. It's all good. I couldn't give more. I gave it all I had and I still stand.
On his family:
They won't be excited with the plate. They'd rather take the golden thing!
Time for the trophy presentation...
...out comes the Duke of Kent, the Duchess of Cambridge and some other less famous people.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS WIMBLEDON!
IT'S OVER! A MISTAKE BY FEDERER! THE LONGEST FINAL IN THE HISTORY OF WIMBLEDON. IT'S OVER! Federer mis-hits his return and the crowd goes moderately wild.
Replay the point
For just a second it looks like Djokovic has won Wimbledon as Federer misses a shot at the net. But it's wide! Federer challenges, is incorrect and the umpire says replay.
Championship point again.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-12 (6-3) Federer
Djokovic serves, returned and then smashes the forehand into the corner. Federer is on the ropes. 5-3.
They exchange shots, Federer gets one back across and Djokovic pulls out the best shot of the match to fire a ball flying past Federer.
Three Championship points. Federer to serve.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-12 (4-2) Federer
Djokovic is in control of this tiebreak. Federer still chasing everything but his shots are letting him down and now it's 4-1! The crowd are roaring encouragement to Federer, who hits a serve into the net, is dragged into a rally that goes for ages until Djokovic slips and gets a face full of grass.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-12 (2-1) Federer
Djokovic takes the first point after a brief pause. "Pliers are ready" says the umpire, meaning players, but possibly referring to pliers needed to hold my eyes open having stared directly at a computer monitor for seven straight hours.
And it's 2-1 to Djokovic. as Federer gets a shot wrong.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-12 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic rushes to the net and hits a ball down the line and then hits a microphone by the court with his racket and is booed. How dare you strike BBC equipment. Don't you know what Britain is? Dastardly. An ambulance arrives on scene to treat the poor microphone.
It doesn't matter, Federer serves an Ace to win.
RIP microphone. Brave soul. All those sounds.
But like this game of tennis, it refuses to die! The microphone lives on! Long live the tennis.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 12-11 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is about to lose a point and challenges the call... but Federer wins it again! His shot is just in! Advantage Federer. Again.
Djokovic at the net... he wins! 40-40.
Advantage Djokovic! He knows that shot is good... and he's too good in the next rally too! Game!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 11-11 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is still full of has some energy left and sprints to reach a shot for 15-0. Some frantic tick tocking of the tennis ball ends with a 30-0 scoreline. Federer can't return the next serve and it's 40-0. Then it's 40-15 and then 40-30.
FEDERER IS BACK AT DEUCE! Another massive rally, both working hard and still able to tennis ridiculously well... and it's 40-40. Some of the best tennis we've seen in the entire match then follows and Federer goes long to the far corner - is it out? In? I dunno. Called out. Federer has challenged. AND IT'S IN. Huge cheer but Djokovic goes to the umpire because he says he deliberately didn't return or something.
It is Advantage Federer. But he's juuuuuust out with a sliced backhand. 40-40.
And Djokovic is back in charge and has Advantage. Fedz goes to the net... and taps over! This is Terminator levels of relentless. 40-40.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 11-11 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer finds some massive shots hidden in his magical racket to drag Djokovic around the place to get back to 15-15 then up to 30-15. A big cheer from the crowd as that turns into 40-15 and Djokovic then shoots long for game! It is 11-11.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 11-10 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic pulls out a biiiig serve for 30-15.
Djokovic sees it through and wins. The umpire gets a laugh as he accidentally says the score is 11-9 instead of 11-10, which it is.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 10-10 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
I know exactly how Federer’s wife feels except my boyfriend can’t play tennis and gets nutmegged a lot during his Thursday night men’s league
— Rachel Bonnetta (@rachelbonnetta) July 14, 2019
Federer is pumped. Here we go. 15-0. Djokovic is like say whaaaat but then Federer faults and challenges a line call which is entirely accurate and it's 15-15 so Djokovic is like WE WILL PLAY TENNIS FOREVER MORE UNTIL THE PLANETS ALIGN UNTIL THE STARS HAVE FALLEN THE SUN DEPLETED ALWAYS SPINNING ALWAYS TENNIS
It's 30-15. Djokovic knocks one a bit long for 40-15. Federer has won 9/10 serve volleys.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 10-9 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is OUT. 0-15. The sun is starting to go down and there's just one corner of the court that is golden and the rest is dark, getting sleepier by the minute as the tennis continues. 15-15.
30-15 after some more relentless hitting. Federer is 37 years old. I get bored doing 2k runs and am 33. How is this.
Djokovic down the line for 40-15. Has the sun actually not gone down? Have these two merely been absorbing its powers for the last 4.5 hours?
Game Djokovic. 10-9. It is 10-9 after five sets.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 9-9 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic goes 0-15 up. Tees up Federer for a couple of overhead smashes as a way to get out of trouble... and Federer stays in it. 15-15. I have played games of poker where you get to the final table after an entire evening of cards and then just go 'ah well all in, I really just need this to end' but these guys would still be up. Monopoly - eight years. They've been playing Monopoly for eight years against each other - it's not even really a two player game. No negotiations. Just straight capitalism.
And Federer wins the game. NEW BALLS PLEASE. It is 9-9.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 9-8 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer's messed up another one. Out. He'll be all over the place after chucking two Championship points down the tennis hole.
30-0.
And he's 40-0 up. It's like both players have to be almost completely beaten before they are allowed to go into turbo tennis mode. For another example, here's Federer pulling off another winner for 40-15.
Djokovic hits the crossbar and the ball bounces out of play. Goal kick to Roger Federer United. 40-30.
Game Djokovic. We go on. We Go Again. We Are Here Forever.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 8-8 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer hits the net, then shoots wide. 40-30.
Championship point. Djokovic won't give it up, runs and what a shot. My god that's good. Djokovic pulls the forehand across the court and tucks it just inside.
Fault. Federer whacks a forehand into the floor. Why Roger? Why would you do this to us? To me? Why would you? Why must you do this? Advantage Djokovic.
GAME DJOKOVIC.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 8-7 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
THANK YOU LADIES AND GENTLEMAN says the umpire all umpireishly.
Federer challenges the first call but is way out and is 0-15 down. Then it's fault. Djokovic shoots long! It's 15-15.
Roger Federer's wife can't even watch. Head buried in hands. If only she'd had previous experience of watching him win things the other 900 times he has.
ACE! That's 30-15. It's coming. Sweet release. A trophy.
It's 40-15.
CHAMPIONSHIP POINT.
Everything shakes.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 8-7 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
I've just found out that this match will go to 12-12 before it's a tie break and I didn't know that. Djokovic is 30-0 up, Federer is more powerful than time itself and pulls things back to 30-15. What happens to these players when the game ends? Do they continue to exist? Is any of this real?
30-30.
Djokovic makes a mistake. The glitch in the matrix. "It's the forehand again!" exclaims Becker. 30-40. Breakpoint. Is this it?
FEDERER BREAKS! HE'S BROKEN DJOKOVIC! OH LORDY LORDY
sirens
Horns
car alarms go off in the distance
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-7 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
"When is the tiebreak--10-all?" is something Novak Djokovic just asked chair umpire Damian Steiner. #Wimbledon
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 14, 2019
I've been typing about this match since 1pm. I've moved away from my screen once for precious water, but still they play on. Determined to play tennis until time itself is irrelevant. It is the year 2034, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are still doing tennis at each other. The earth is on fire. The sea is boiling. David Attenborough is narrating it.
Federer is 40-15 up and then it's 7-7. I am going to die in this office. This match will never end. Ever. It's never going to end. The tennis is really great but when will it stop. Will the tennis ever end
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
At 15-15 Federer shanks a forehand into the ground. At 30-15 Djokovic manages to get to the net, Federer hits straight at him and he decides to send the ball back to hell by hitting it as hard as possible into the floor. The grass repels it and Djokovic merely wins a point. Then another.
Game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-6 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Bang! Federer fires an Ace for Advantage again. Djokovic strikes long. 6-6.
It's a penalty shootout!
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer whips a backhand down the line for 15-0, can't control his next return for 15-15, goes way wild with his next backhand for 15-30... and the crowd gets all anxious. He surely cannot throw it away now.
Djokovic powers one over the line for 30-30, can't lift his next return over the net for 40-30 and Federer misses a -for him - easy volley to make it 40-40!
Federer challenges an out call but is wrong, plays on and wins the rally. Advantage. A great exchange of shots later and Djokovic finds a way to catch out Federer while standing at the net and we're back to deuce.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 6-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
When you see the replay of these lads hitting forehand smashes it looks so simple, like getting your golf swing right but why is it whenever I've tried I've launched balls into the massive field beside the tennis courts? Why do they go up? I know tennis players will know the answer to this but nobody ever told me why. How dare they. I could have been Andy Murray 2: Electric Boogaloo. If only I liked tennis but oh here's a thing now, Federer is 15-30 up. A double fault from Djokovic (he's had a few) has helped out ol' Rog a bit.
Djokovic goes to the net, plants a little drop shot which Federer miiiiiiiiiight reeeeeeeeach - he has! Djokovic reads it and dives for the ball, putting it back over. 30-30.
"Boy, that was important!" says Becker.
Djokovic pings one for 40-30. Game Djokovic! He had to work for that one.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Now then. New balls in play. Federer bounces one for a bit and smacks his first serve out. Djokovic does better tennis and goes 0-15 up.
Federer does a dummy! I've never seen that before. He goes to absolutely launch one, then stops... and places a soft shot low over the net which Djokovic can only hit into the net. Back to 30-15.
Mistake by Fedz makes it 30-30. Becker reckons it's fatigue and says he's tired watching it. Try non-stop typing it. I think at this stage my brain and the code running the software I'm typing on has fused. I am inside the machine.
Federer is 40-30 up.
kill all humans
Federer wins!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 5-4 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer pulls off a sliced drop shot so damn sexy that it would break Tinder. Did not see that one coming. Djokovic swipes left and gets to 15-15. Federer whacks a backhand down the line which I thought was in but is called out for 30-15, then can't get enough behind his next return for 40-15.
Oh my god that is so hot. Federer has put another backspin shot just over the net and it's basically on fire. All the dating apps have been cancelled, Federer's last two shots have all the boys and girls sliding into its DMs. 40-30.
Djokovic cares not for romance and gets rid of this game swiftly. Game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-4 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Suddenly everyone on my Twitter feed knows loads about tennis, which is odd because I followed most of them because they do things on football or comedy, or draw cartoons. Another excellent tennis rally takes place, Federer tries a short little slice and Djokovic batters a forehand down the line to see it away. He follows that up by scampering to the net and knocking the ball into said net. 15-15.
Hmmm. Federer mis-hits a shot which sits up for Djokovic to absolutely bury but he smashes it onto the top of the net. 30-30.
The crowd goes "YEEEEEEHHHHH!" as Djokovic hits the net again. Feels a bit like Rocky vs that Russian one now. FEDERER ACES TO PULL IT LEVEL.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-3 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic's first serve hits the net, the second is returned and another lovely rally of tennis goes on for a while. That's my favourite bit when they're both hitting the ball lots but it only lasts a little while and then everyone's all excited again because Federer has Advantage!
Fault. Rally on the next serve and oh jeez louise, wouldn't you know it? Djokovic is panicking trying to get the ball the hell away from the baseline but Federer is too good! BREAK!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer finds a way to win the first point, a man who sounds exactly like Fozzie Bear yells FAULT for the next serve but the second turns into a rally which Federer backhands into the net. I want to hear more from Fozzie Bear please.
15-15.
Djokovic hits the net with a backhand this time and the crowd are all excited because, as we've discussed, their favourite child is playing.
Federer spots an opening and goes for power to find the back corner but is just a little too aggressive and the ball lands out. 30-30.
DOUBLE FAULT. Red alert. DOUBLE FAULT ALERT.
30-40. Roger's got a way back into this one...
Fault. Roger launches a forehand out.
40-40 again!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 4-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer's creaking. Uh oh spaghetti-ohs! Djokovic goes 0-30 up with a few badly placed returns by Federer, who recovers for 15-30. And he's absolutely gubbed that one, handing Djokovic two break points but Djokovic hits into the net for 40-30.
Federer runs to the net, he thinks he's got this but Djokovic fires a powerful return past him and BREAK! Djokovic has the lead!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 3-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is 40-0 up all of a sudden but Federer gets another big cheer from the crowd as he pulls a point back. And another! Djokovic hits into the net for 40-30.
URrhgrhgrhgr it's 40-40. Out of nowhere. How where when what is going on. Massive.
Djokovic pulls out the big serve, as he has done all match long, for Advantage and just waits for Federer to backhand into the net for game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-2 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer is wide with an open body forehand, trying to catch Djokovic as he sprints across the court but an Ace, lifting the chalk off the floor - which is so cool, the equivalent of a 25 yard shot clipping the bar on the way in - restores things to 40-40. Djokovic shoots a wee bit too far again for Advantage Federer, and is caught slipping on the floor again as Federer finishes him off.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer loves these shots where he rushes to the net and volleys the ball. Djokovic Hates Them - You Won't Believe Number Four!
However, Djokovic is 15-30 up, Federer denied an Ace because the ball's hit the top of the net apparently, and then another forehand from back of the court is out! Two breakpoints for Djokovic.
Federer smashes a second serve/Djokovic messes up the return. 30-40.
Federer recovers for Deuce.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Advantage Djokovic. No messing about. Federer returns the next serve OUT. Game.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
It must be annoying being Djokovic and knowing the entire crowd is on the other players' side. It's like when your parents clearly have a favourite child and it isn't you. Except there are 10,000 parents (I don't know how many people fit in centre-court).
14,979 is the number! That's pretty massive. Djokovic is 30-15 despite Federer being given more pocket money (on the sly) this week but Federer is able to drive him to the back of the court and utilise the space to get to 30-30.
Djokovic does something called a 'body serve' which is type of shot Federer appears to be not great at returning. 40-30.
What a shot! Federer drills a backhand down the line and Djokovic knows it's in, halting his run. Deuce.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-1 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer is up 15-0 but Djokovic challenges a call that says the ball is in... and gets it wrong. The ball is in! That's 30-0.
And then 40-0 with an Ace. Federer next shot is too long, which gives Djokovic a bit of a chance and the next is into the net, handing an even bigger chance at 40/30.
Djokovic shoots long. It's game!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
OK. Here we go. It's tennis time. Still.
Djokovic starts the fifth set with some decent shots and goes 30-0 but Federer claws his way back for 30-15 but messes up a little drop shot for 40-15.. and it's game.
John Bercow
He'd make a good umpire.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6 Federer - FEDERER WINS FOURTH SET
Roger Federer hits the tennis ball really hard a few times at the other man standing opposite him. Roger Federer's wife appears to be staring at her phone, which is understandable considering she's been sat watching him play tennis for three hours.
Roger Federer does the good tennis so well he is 40 tennis goals up to nil - that is an enormous score. Imagine beating someone 40-0. Crazy. Come on referee!
And yes Roger Federer has now completed the game, winning the fourth set.
The tennis organist plays his favourite song, now it's time for adverts.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic makes quick work of the first two points. 30-0 becomes 40-0 in an instant but as Djokovic goes to the net it's as if he forgets what he's doing and hits the ball off a weird part of the racket straight into the net.
Federer then forehands down into the net and it's game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 3-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Advantage Djokovic! A rally follows, Federer all over the court and he slices into the net! Break!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
This match is weird.
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) July 14, 2019
"Federer really is the one to have played all the tennis" says the BBC co-commentator (no idea who but he sounds English so.... Tim Henman? Who else even is there?) but I dispute the claim because I have observed at least two tennis players on the court throughout the match.
Boris Becker believes Federer's only weakness is his inability to use to Hawkeye to any actual advantage. Luckily for him, Djokovic's weakness in this game is hitting the ball into the net. 30-15.
Federer tries more of those nice backhand slice shots but doesn't get enough lift on the last and it's 30-30. Djokovic whips a strong shot down the line for break point.
Wow. That's amazing. 35 shots in a row, all struck with power and accuracy moving the other player around the court and Federer just manages to feint his way beyond Djokovic with a shot sent directly to wear he's standing. Deuce.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer smashes a backhand down the line to claw it back to 15-15 but Djokovic is swift to take control and get to 30-15. Djokovic has begun to make sounds not unlike Ryu from Street Fighter 2 when he serves now but even that isn't putting Federer off. A beautiful, deft wee touch by Fed at the net is enough to bring things back to 30-30.
HELLO TENNIS AND IT'S BREAK POINT. Djokovic at full stretch but it's not happening. 30-40. Fault. Let second serve. Serve is in, returned, Djokovic OUT! Federer has just made it 5-2.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-4 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
My eyes are beginning to merge into one single eye. Four hours of liveblogging without a break so far - the tennis men don't know how easy they've got it. These screens, they're pulling me in. If I stop publishing articles, call the makers of Black Mirror to determine why. Please.
Meanwhile, Federer is 30-0 up and then 40-0 up and then game! My work colleagues are having to hold the chair down to prevent me transporting to Wimbledon through the computer.
More celebrities spotted
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-3 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
The crowd definitely love Federer more. A big cheer as he goes 0-15 up but Djokovic wins the next point with a superb drop shot afterwards. Double fault for 15-30.
This match is going to last forever.
Djokovic takes his time, sends shots to the baseline and wins! The call doesn't come... there's a challenge and Hawkeye says OUT! OOooooohhhHHH.
Tight. Very tight. Just like how Djokovic is wound and he's made a mess of his return to hand the game to Federer! The crowd goes moderately wild. As wild as a Wimbledon crowd can get.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-2 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer hits a strong second serve and catches Djokovic out for 15-0. Chalk flies off the floor from an Ace for 30-0. Djokovic returns but the ball is out at 40-15. Djokovic suddenly turns it on and is back to 40-40 by turning defence into attack (a commentator says that, I don't know) and Djokovic looks thoroughly annoyed with himself, or at Federer, for beating him with some shot out of nowhere for Advantage.
A second serve isn't hit with so much power this time and Djokovic looks angrily at his hand, as though it is either possessed or not working. Regardless, he's lost the game.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic in control of the next couple of rallies and is 30-0 up before you can say 'tennis matches really do last a long time don't they?' and is then 40-0 up before I type it. A BIG serve after that and it's game. Time for a sit down and some orange squash.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 1-1 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
They're still tennising out there on the tennis pitch and neither tenniser can gain an advantage over the other. They're just too darn good at the sport. Can't both be winners? Give them both the trophy and then we can all go to the pub. It's 4:30 - that's basically the best time ever to go to the pub. Don't they realise?
Djokovic hears me and goes 15-30 up quickly to try and get an advantage in this game but Federer doesn't care and moves to the net to drive a volley past him for 30-30, then 40-30.
Oocha what a shot. Federer is falling backwards as he fires a winner to the baseline.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is 30-0 up quickly and seems pretty chilled about it. That's why he wins things. Federer picks out a brilliant shot into the corner for 30-15 though, to show why he wins things. Then Djokovic does a good tennis for 40-15 and Federer does a bad tennis for game.
"New balls please" says the umpire.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 Federer - DJOKOVIC WINS THIRD SET
Djokovic's first serve is out, Federer slices wide but it's out! Federer challenges but the call is correct.
Djokovic can win the set now at 6-4. AND HE DOES! Federer tries to race to the ball and forehand it over the net but can't quite get there.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 6-6 (5-4) Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Big cheer from the crowd as Federer gives himself a chance with a great return away from the running Djokovic for 2-5. A rush to the net to volley for 3-5 and an Ace for 4-5! Ooohhh lordy. Djokovic to serve the next two points.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 6-6 (5-1) Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic can't get the ball back over the net from Federer's powerful first serve, Federer hits the net on the next and it's 4-1 Djokovic! Biiiig moments coming up.
Djokovic fist pumps the air as Federer is dragged too wide after a long rally to get a shot back across and it's 5-1.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 6-6 (3-0) Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic wins the first tiebreak point, Federer is out for the second. 2-0. And Federer is way out for 3-0! He's on serve now.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 6-6 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
That's reeeeeeeeally good from Federer. Djokovic and Federer exchange 26 shots before Federer fires a backhand straight past him to go 0-15 up. Djokovic pulls the ball as wide as he can in his next two shots and Federer can't reach them for 15-15.
Djokovic is in control of the next couple of rallies for 40-15 before Federer backhands straight into the net.
It's a tiebreak. I wonder if any geniuses predicted that earlier.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 5-6 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic has started talking to himself, clearly annoyed about something. Federer goes 30-0 up... then 40-0 up as Djokovic slams straight into the net and then stares at the floor. Frustration creeping in.
And he shanks the next return! Game.
Well done by #Djokovic to hold. Amazing point from #Federer to get break point but Novak held in there and played the big points right. #Wimbledon
— Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) July 14, 2019
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic gains Advantage. Federer puts a ball right in the corner and Djokovic might be in trouble... gets it back and Federer hits the net!
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
"Thank you", says the umpire, misinterpreting the noise in the crowd as appreciation of his umpiring. You're doing a nice job, pal, but chill out.
Federer has a 0-15 lead... and now it's 15-15. Djokovic shoots too far and gives another advantage to Federer! The crowd makes a lot of noise. Again the umpire thinks it's all about him. Unbelievable. It's the tennis players they like. You should've been learning tennis if you like the attention.
30-30.
And Federer pulls out the magic. He strokes the ball about the court sending Djokovic sprinting everywhere before timing his approach to the net perfectly and tapping over. Djokovic needs a big serve here... and there it is!
40-40.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 4-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Boris Becker sounds like he thinks Djokovic is slowly getting better in this match but just as he goes 0-15 up, Federer finds a way to bring it back to 15-15. But then Djokovic hits a few shots to earn a 15-30 lead! And Federer pulls out an unreturnable serve. And then another. 40-30. It's like playing against the computer and you realise the AI isn't going to let you win. It's teasing you into it. Djokovic backhands out and that's game.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is on the same page as Federer and wants to get this to tiebreak as quickly as possible. 15-0 then 30-0 within about five shots. A forehand smash for 40-0.... then he punts the ball high into the sky (by mistake) for 40-15. Federer hits the net for game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 3-4 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer is very quickly up to 30-0. Then 40-0 as Djokovic can't get his return over the net. Then Ace.
Woof.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer wins the first point of Djokovic's serve but just isn't quick enough to reach a shot dropped over the net with a superbly controlled volley. 15-15.
Big forehand smashes from Djokovic get him to 40-15 and shortly after it's game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 2-3 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer hits a big serve for 30-15. BVoris Becker pipes up with some interesting behind the scenes info:
"After so many matches against each other, Djokovic is still not reading the Federer serve well."
How do you know?
"Because he's asking me all the time! Where Roger's going to serve."
Federer wins.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Tick tock go the shots until Djokovic is 15-0 up. I'm trying to think of new clothes that Federer could add to his Uniqlo collection - did you know he's wearing Uniqlo, UNIQLO ON ALL THE CLOTHES - that he isn't already. Headband, shirt, shorts, socks, the shoes are made by someone else.
Djokovic is 30-0 up.
If Federer wins this he could put on a cape, wear a crown, roll in on a branded Segway.
30-15.
Maybe kneepads is the answer, elbowpads and a crash helmet. I'd pay good money to watch Federer charge around a tennis court wearing all that.
40-15.
DID YOU KNOW HE WEARS UNIQLO?
Other brands available.
And it's game, Djokovic. Who wears Lacoste, in case you were interested.
#fashion
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 1-2 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
I've not even typed anything before Federer wins that game.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic breaks down Federer by hitting the ball down the exact same bit of the court until it works and that's 15-0 but double faults for 15-15. A backhand return is juuuuuust out for 30-15 and Djokovic pulls out a big second serve to go to 40-15. Federer is back to 40-30 and then backhands into the net for game.
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-6, 0-1 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer starts this set but hits a forehand onto the net to make it 15-15. He then challenges a line call for 'OOOUUUUUTTTT!!!!!' which is about the tightest call you'll ever see.
But he makes up for it by getting to 40-15 quickly after and then game. He's in the zone.
Photographers catching Djokovic entering warp speed
Another celebrity spot
"That's amazon (amazing)!" says Jeff Bezos as his girlfriend laughs hysterically at my wit. Puns. Because he owns Amazon. He owns you, mate. Do not upset the Jeff lest he unleash the drones upon your house.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-6 Federer - FEDERER WINS SECOND SET
Federer returns a second serve before getting onto his forehand to win the first point and then pulls out a world class back hand from way wide which snaps just over the net and drops into the little box. I don't know what it's called but you know what I mean. There are two of them. On each side.
Suddenly Federer is 0-40 up. Djokovic double faults! See? He's been reading the blog. Might as well skip on, the best way to do that is to hit a bunch of faults. I get you Djokovic. Me and you boi [fistbumps the monitor]
*Djokovic 7-6, 1-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer's playing with confidence and runs to the net to go 15-0 up... before double faulting for 15-15. Imagine he threw away a two break lead now? Imagine the scenes. Ohhhh he's 15-30 down now. Imagine harder.
Djokovic hits straight into the net. Imagination over, come back to reality. You are the same you, those muscles have gone, you still live in the UK, all that politics stuff is real.
Federer finishes the job to go 5-1 up. At this point you'd think Djokovic would just say 'ah let's skip to the next set' but he seems determined to not give up, as though a professional tennis player or something.
Djokovic 7-6, 1-4 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
That is nuts. Federer holds his racket out and lets the ball skip and spin its way across the net away from Djokovic for 0-15, it's a very classy shot indeed. A couple of short rallies later and Djokovic is 30-15 up though, looking to avoid being grannied in this set to prevent the punishment of running around the bar naked afterwards.
With this new found grit, Federer doesn't stand too much of a chance but is at 40-30 now.... and punts a wild forehand out for game. Djokovic retains his modesty. For now.
*Djokovic 7-6, 0-4 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
This match following a similar pattern to Nadal-Federer, with Federer in the opposite role this time.
— Charlie Eccleshare (@CDEccleshare) July 14, 2019
Djokovic double backhands into the net for 15-0, overhits for 30-0, is bamboozled by an Ace for 40-0 but is given a rung of the ladder to cling onto as Federer's forehand lands out. And then a double fault. 40-30. GAME. R FED GETS IT DONE.
Djokovic 7-6, 0-3 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
WOOOOOO go the crowd as Federer races to a 0-40 lead on Djokovic's serve. Where has this little surge come from? Djokovic searches for the answer as he sends a backhand to the corner for 15-40.
ermagerd it is GAME! FEDERER BREAKS HIM AGAIN!
Celebrity update
Olivier Giroud has turned the handsome levels up to nine by turning up dressed like he's in Top Gun. God I wish I had money. Imagine if I could afford sunglasses, I'd be so good at everything.
*Djokovic 7-6, 0-2 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer is 30-15 up before Djokovic spots a bit of space to his left and sends the ball there with top spin for 30-30. Federer runs to the net to deliver one of those sexy backhand slices while Djokovic is trapped on the opposite corner for 40-30. And that's game! Djokovic is wide.
Djokovic 7-6, 0-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic is serving but Federer is is 30-15 up pretty quickly. Djokovic falls over as he slips on the turf and I am told by the commentator that he "comes from a skiing background" so should be used to that. Ah yes, of course, it makes perfect sense. Only the other day I tripped over a bit of the pavement and while tumbling to a painful arrival on the floor, reassured everyone that I would be OK because I once owned a sled. "STAND BACK," they said, "he's flown down a hill before, he knows what to do".
Meanwhile, in the tennis, FEDERER HAS BROKEN DJOKOVIC! His serve. Not him. That is illegal. An early setback for Novak.
Celebrity Hunt
That's Kate Beckinsale from the cinema sitting there in the sunglasses sat next to her mum, Judy Loe.
Djokovic 7-6 Federer - DJOKOVIC WINS FIRST SET
Federer loves that little sliced backhand shot back towards his opponent but Djokovic has worked out how to beat it, and the solution is hitting the tennis ball back over the net. It's genius. 6-5 to Djokovic... AND FEDERER GOES TOO LONG!
Djokovic wins the first set!
*Djokovic 6-6 Federer (5-5) (*denotes next to serve)
Federer wins the first point, the next rally lasts four hours and Djokovic wins it. The commentator says 'did you HEAR Djokovic moving?' and yes, yes I did. For four hours. It's 1-1.
BUT OH NO SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED. I was on Twitter and have missed what it is but judging by the constant thwumpcking of the ball, and the director's cut to Djokovic's revved up face, it is Federer who has made the mistake. The score tells a similar story of 2-1 to Djokovic. And then 3-1. Will the points ever stop coming?
Yes because Federer is back to 3-2. Djokovic tries to attack the central line judge with his next serve but is thwarted by said judge's eyesight and movement. Federer is superb in the rally gets back to 3-3. The mental fortitude both of these players show on a regular basis is absolutely incredible, I would crumble like that Tracker bar I forgot was in my bag if in a tiebreak with either of these two guys. With anyone actually.
HOOO DADDDY WHAT A FOREHAND. Federer 4-3 up! He goes back down the line and the crowd love it. And then a serve at 100 per cent power for 5-3! But Djokovic isn't done and pulls back to 5-4. It's his serve and Federer shoots wide for 5-5. Tense times.
Djokovic 6-6 Federer
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. They honestly might as well just play only tiebreakers for the rest of this match.
*Djokovic 5-6 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer uses his laser guide system to place the ball in the furthest bit of the court away from Djokovic before charging in to win the game.
*Djokovic 5-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Some jokers have managed to get hold of tickets today. Someone shouts "we love you, [player]" before another voice yells "we love you both!" and gets a bit of laughter from the crowd. The umpire isn't having it. "Please. Please."
He's been at The Stand the last couple of nights and can't handle any more weekend standup banter. It's difficult to do jokes that work in a room full of stag dos and hammered people but the best find a way. Speaking of that, Djokovic has just gone 15-30 up with a really smart disguised backhand across the court.
Federer is a tennis robot programmed to destroy us all and gets it back to 30-30, then 40-30. There's been a malfunction! Double fault for deuce.
Djokovic 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Federer is soooooooo close to catching Djokovic with a backhand wide to the line but he's missed so none of that really matters. A forehand return from Federer is out and we're at five games all.
Djokovic 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Lovely stuff from Rog at the net. A disguised drop shot forces Djokovic to sprint and stretch so Federer can go 0-15 up with a volley. And that is sexy. Jeff Goldblum levels of sexy. Federer puts some extra hot sauce on his forehands, nearly catching out Djokovic with a couple, before playing a deft little slice drop just over the net and only just on the line. 0-30.
Djokovic responds with a big serve for 15-30 and then the same for 30-30. Then it's 40-30. But a double fault takes it to deuce!
*Djokovic 4-5 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
That boy Federer is awfully good though, isn't he? What is the best way to describe the noise of the tennis ball being struck back and forth? Ping pong is perfect for table tennis but this is more of a "thwumpck" - a combination of thump and thwack. Federer has thwumpcked the ball several times in this game and emerged victorious each time, getting to 40-15 but wait - Djokovic has 15 whole points now! The same as one point. And now 30 points! The same as two.
Federer's had enough, puts out his cigarette, gets on his horse and slams an Ace down the middle for game.
Djokovic 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
New balls = more speed. Djokovic backhands a stunner to get 30-0 up, the ball flying through the air. Federer is teed up for a volley with a bit of "chip and charge" which according to Boris Becker is underused on grass these days. Unfortunately it can only be used for tennis shots of a value less than £30 at the moment.
Anyway, Djokovic is now 40-15 up, Federer is sent scurrying around the court on the next point until Djokovic volleys for game.
*Djokovic 3-4 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic momentarily forgets where he is and awards Federer a gimme by hitting the ball with the solid bit of his racket rather than the stringy bit and Federer then sends him all over the court to get to 30-0. Djokovic returns a few at the net while sliding to reach but Federer volleys home for 40-0. It's going pretty quickly so far.
And it's game.
Djokovic 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic rushes to the net and plays a little drop shot as a reply to Federer's, but Federer then over-hits his attempted backhand and it's 15-0.
Federer moves to the net in the next point but Djokovic forehand smashes the thing miles away from him at pace and goes 30-0 up.
Aaaaaaand now it's 40-15. Djokovic takes his time bouncing the ball, hits a strong second serve and Federer can only lift it into the air, the ball landing out. Game.
*Djokovic 2-3 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Before I can type anything of interest, Djokovic is 0-30 up! Federer needs to rescue this one... and responds with a strong serve for 15-30. And another for 30-30. He's nae bad at the old tennis, this lad.
Djokovic howks a forehand return way out for 40-30 and Federer's powerful serve is back over the net but he's in control to finish off the game.
Djokovic 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Advantage Federer. Ohhhhhh can you feel the tension? Djokovic shoots wide but misses the line and now Federer could gain an early advantage. Djokovic fires a serve down the middle again but is wide, now second serve and Federer keeps slicing shots slow to Djokovic's backhand but eventually launches a forehand past him and out. Back to 40-40.
Djokovic has Advantage now and Federer keeps the rally going but again goes for that soft shot to Djokovic's backhand and is swiftly beaten by it. GAME!
Djokovic 1-2 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Oooohhhh a double fault from Djokovic. He hits his next serve onto the net - let - and then into the net - fault - before a nice little rally, in which Federer powers a forehand to the back corner and it's out! Federer challenges but is way off.
Djokovic’s gameplan is clearly going to be to make Federer run around a lot. I feel that’s ageist.
— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) July 14, 2019
At 30-15 Federer over-shoots again and at 40-15 Federer takes on a long shot which lands. So it's 40-30. BUT THEN DJOKOVIC PUTS HIS RETURN LONG AND IT'S DEUCE! Holy Robinsons. Big drama.
Djokovic responds to the pressure by launching a serve down the middle past Federer but goes to the net as he tries to catch him out and is beaten by a superb forehand back across court. Deuce.
Then it's advantage Djokovic again and Federer finds a brilliant forehand right to the line! Back to deuce.
Celebrity spot
Brumbledink Candersnatch is here next to Katherine Jenkins. Enjoy the game!
*Djokovic 1-2 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic comes out the winner of a rally that lasts about 20 shots, Federer racing to the corners to return then hitting slow hanging shots so he has time to get back in line with T. Djokovic is just really good at tennis though and goes 15-0 up before Federer pulls it back to 15-15 and then 30-15. A powerful serve wide catches Djokovic out for 40-15.
Federer seems to catch the ball a little funny in the next rally, 40-30, but Djokovic's attempted drop shot hits the net. Game.
Djokovic 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
Djokovic takes his time with his serves, goes 15-0 up as Federer hits out and 30-0 as Federer hits long. It already feels like neither player is going to take a service game of their opponent and now it's 40-0. We should maybe just skip to the tie breaker at the end of this set.
Game.
*Djokovic 0-1 Federer (*denotes next to serve)
Federer smashes an Ace past Djokovic to start the match and Djokovic returns wide on the second point for 30-0. Then Federer shoots wide for 30-15 before smashing another Ace down the middle for 40-15. Roger has turned up.
And he underlines that, putting it in bold, pouring glitter all over it before posting to Djokovic's house, with a brilliant forehand in the next rally to win game.
Djokovic 0-0 Federer* (*denotes next to serve)
The tennis begins!
Djokovic 0-0 Federer
Both players are warming up now, hitting shots over the net to each other, beginning their descent from tennis comrades to sworn enemies.
Here come the players
Big roar from the crowd as the players make their way to their little seats and then another surge of noise as heaps of supporters yell out things to the players.
Boris Becker reminding us all of mortality and the unforgiving nature of time
How many more times will we get to see Djokovic and Federer in a Wimbledon final? Maybe never again! We need to cherish these moments.
Woody Harrelson is back
Looking slightly steadier on foot today. Let's hope he's allowed to his seat this time.
drunk woody harrelson being kept from his seats at wimbledon is a huge mood pic.twitter.com/kjh7rMZt0p
— #1 Woody Harrelson @ Wimbledon Documentarian (@TylerRuinsTV) July 13, 2019
#weareallwoody
Look who's here!
It's the Wimbledon women's champion, Simona Halep! Her match yesterday was brilliant fun to watch - Serena Williams was stunned from the very start. Halep played it like she'd found all the chaos emeralds before coming out to court and Williams basically didn't have a chance. Although she might have if she hadn't kept hitting all her backhands into the net.
John McEnroe's solid burn
Pat Cash is talking about Rod Laver and how he is called 'The Rocket' in Australia because Australians tend to give nicknames which are the opposite of the traits possessed by the person they are renaming. So because Laver was quite slow in his youth, he was called Rocket.
McEnroe goes "what? When was he slow?"
Laver replies, "when he was young".
McEnroe: "So what was your name then? Cool?"
Behind the scenes with the ball people
Why Novak is dangerous when wound up
Charlie Eccleshare is a great source of tennis knowledge and his piece on Djokovic's love/hate/love Wimbledon relationship is worth a read. A Telegraph Sport Premium subscription is £1 a week by the way.
Here's a bit of the article for FREE:
Wimbledon’s ambivalence toward Djokovic is highlighted by the contrast with its almost religious devotion to Federer, as will be evident in Sunday’s final.
Djokovic is used to this by now. In his first grand slam final 11 years ago, he had to wait for the whistles of the crowd to subside before he served on championship point against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. “I know the crowd wanted him to win,” a 20-year-old Djokovic said in his victory speech.
More than a decade on, Djokovic, for all his 15 grand slam titles, remains very much the third man of men’s tennis. On Friday, his frustration at the crowd’s reverence for whoever he’s playing got the better of him.
After losing the second set against Roberto Bautista Agut, Djokovic sarcastically asked the crowd to make even more noise for his opponent. At the end of a 45-shot rally to save a break point, Djokovic celebrated a backhand winner with a pointed shushing gesture.
Djokovic was similarly goaded at last year’s Wimbledon during a match against home favourite Kyle Edmund, and opted for diplomacy on Friday when he said: “At times [the crowd] wanted him to come back to the match, maybe take a lead because he was an underdog in the match, I understand that. But I had enough support here over the years, so I don’t complain.”
I have drawn a thing
Tennis. A cartoon to celebrate @wimbledon finally being almost over #tennis #cartoon
A post shared by JJ Bull (@fitbathatba) on Jul 14, 2019 at 4:10am PDT
To celebrate today's momentous match.
This is an excellent tweet
Can’t believe Djokovic has a 150mph serve, 15 Grand Slam titles, and a Twitter bio like your mum’s friend Julie with the “keep calm and drink Prosecco” tote bag #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/Cc0sQBE7Eb
— Eve Livingston (@eve_rebecca) July 14, 2019
Warming up
I bet you can just tell you're going to be good in the actual match later by how you hit the first ball of your practise session. I don't play tennis so I don't really know, but if you're playing football and your very first touch kills the ball dead you suddenly are aware that today is the day the teddy bears have their picnic and you are the head bear. Conversely, if Djokovic heads out onto the court here and shanks his first little effort, still half asleep, he'll realise he should have had more coffee, or less, depending on which is better for talented people who are also athletes.
Celebrity guests
The Royals love tennis.
Djokovic unhappy with the Wimbledon crowd?
"Look, I am focused on what I need to do. At times they wanted him (semi-final opponent Bautista Agut) to come back to the match, maybe take a lead because he was an underdog in the match. I understand that.
"But I had enough support here over the years, so I don't complain."
Strong words. I'm not sure anyone at Wimbledon has ever made anything approaching a negative noise towards Federer, presumably because they'd be immediately removed and placed in Wimbledon prison. Pretty sure that's what's below the grass in centre court.
tennis tennis tennis TENNIS tennis tennis
Hello! Welcome to our liveblog for the men's singles final at Wimbledon 2019. It feels like the tournament only started last week but here we are, at its finale. Two of the best male tennis players in the history of tennis, tennising it out on the tennis court to decide who is the best tenniser of 2019. Who will it be?
In the white corner is Roger Federer, 58 years old, strong as an ox and with the power of Pete Sampras flowing through his mighty veins. In the opposite white corner is Novak Djokovic, 12 years old, eight stone, and 11 feet tall, slowed down by the weight of all the trophies he keeps in his pocket even when performing on the biggest stage of them all: centre court.
In terms of head to head, Federer has the slightest of advantages, having won a total 69 sets to Djokovic's 67. Everything points towards this match going the full five sets, with a few 7-6 sets to make it last that extra bit longer.
For me:
Heart says Federer
Head says Djokovic
Two great athletes battling it out at the Coloseum of Tennis.
Which gladiator will win it?— Jan Aage Fjortoft ��️�� ���� (@JanAageFjortoft) July 14, 2019
If Federer is the darling of Wimbledon, Djokovic is the second wife. I don't know if that makes sense. One thing I am certain of is that it would be pretty great if today's match were to last a shorter time than the men's doubles did yesterday. That game finished after four hours and 56 minutes, which you'll surely agree is too long for anything. No matter what it is you're doing, after four hours 30 minutes you know it's been too long. A Netflix binge, a day at the beach, being at work - it's too much time, and that's not even considering how tiring it must be to be one of the elite athletes actually competing.
It rained in London last night and this morning but the forecast is clouds and tennis, so hopefully we aren't interrupted by any pesky droplets of water falling from the sky. You can follow all the action with us here, watch the game on BBC One or do both at the same time and marvel at the many new words I will attempt to use in place of 'hit', 'whack' and 'return' to denote tennis racket strikes of the ball.
Kick off is 2pm-ish.
