Djokovic denies Federer record Wimbledon title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point against Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men’s singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Sunday July 12, 2015.

For the second year running in the All England Club’s showpiece final Federer played majestically but could not break down the defences of the game’s ultimate warrior.

It was a clinical and ruthlessly efficient display from the world number one, whose nine grand slam titles lifts him above Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the all-time list of major champions.

It was that lush and lavish display which put the vast majority of the Centre Court crowd – and the watching planet – on Federer’s side.

Federer tied the tie-breaker up at six and celebrated with a subdued fist-pump and a quick side-glance at Djokovic.

“As I said on the court, when I was a child, dreaming of winning Wimbledon, it was something I always wanted to do in my celebration”.

“He was tough on the bigger points and at the end he was rock-solid”, Federer said. “There’s no doubt about it. I still think I can be very happy with the level of play”. “That’s how it goes”. “You wake up every day and work repetitively on certain things and envision yourself on this court holding the trophy”.

Roger Federer won the coin toss at the net and made a decision to serve first against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

After Federer failed to consolidate an early break his first serve deserted him in the tie-break and Djokovic took advantage, moving into a 6-1 lead before the Swiss double-faulted to hand it over.

Federer took more risks and was more aggressive, but the steely Djokovic refused to bend, digging in and lifting his game whenever he had to in order to prevent his opponent from gaining the edge.

It’s the second year in a row that Djokovic has won the title.

A visibly frustrated Federer was also puzzled by Wimbledon chiefs’ decision to delay the post-match trophy presentation while the Centre Court roof was closed due to more rain.

When Djokovic held a set point at 5-4 in the second, Federer appeared in deep trouble.

Record bid: Federer fell short in search of an unprecedented eighth SW19 title It can not reduce by one iota the admiration there must be for the way he set about this match.

“It’s the greatest challenge I’ve ever had”.

Federer had advanced to his 10th Wimbledon final on the strength of a serve broken only once in six matches. Yet here he is, 2-1 in Grand Slam finals with just one more to play this year. Federer’s pinpoint serving, so devastating throughout this tournament was neutralized by the greatest returner, and still the greatest player, in the world.

“A pity I couldn’t make more of the momentum, I guess”, Federer said.

Wimbledon chief executive Richard Lewis says “I am sure they will be a popular addition and welcomed by the players and fans alike”.

The score was 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3.

By the third set the match had opened up with a few entertaining rallies, with both players pushing each others serves back fromt he baseline.