Novak Djokovic wins Wimbledon 2014 men’s singles final
Novak Djokovic wins the Wimbledon men’s singles final in a thrilling, nail-biting five-set match against Roger Federer.
Federer won the opening set of the clash in a tense tie-break, before Novak Djokovic took the next two sets.
Djokovic, the higher ranking player, appeared to struggle with injury at times but looked dominant in the three middle sets.
This is the tournament that I always dreamed of winning. Novak Djokovic
It appeared that the match was in the Serbian’s hands after he broke Federer in the fourth – but the Swiss sportsman won an impressive five games back-to-back and went onto take the fourth set by seven games to five.
Both men showed signs of fatigue in the final set. It was the first five-set Wimbledon men’s single final since the 2009 clash between Federer and Andy Roddick.
Above: Novak Djokovic embraces his coach, Boris Becker, and his family after his victory.
However, it was Djokovic who rose to the challenge of the final set – winning it six games to four.
‘Best tournament in the world’
“It was a great match to be a part of”, Djokovic said after the match. He joked with Federer, who he called a “great athlete” and a “role model for many children”, saying: “Thank you for letting me win today.”
I have enjoyed myself a lot, so thanks very much – I’ll see you next year. Roger Federer
“This is the tournament that I always dreamed of winning,” he continued. “This is the best tournament in the world, the most valuable tournament in the world.
“To be able to compete at such a high level, I am so grateful to be able to compete and to hold this trophy.”
He dedicated his trophy to “my future wife and future baby”, to his family and his team and to “my first coach Jelena Gencic” who passed away last year.
‘See you next year’
After the match Federer joked that he was amazed to have made it into the fifth set. He said Djokovic’s victory was well-deserved.
“I have enjoyed myself a lot, so thanks very much – I’ll see you next year,” he said to the crowd.
The final result was 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-4. It is Djokovic’s second Wimbledon victory and seventh Grand Slam win.
Djokovic’s success follows that of Petra Kvitova who won the women’s final on Saturday. Following Wimbledon, Djokovic is now the world number one seed.