Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer for a second Wimbledon title in five set thriller

Written by: on 6th July 2014
Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer for a second Wimbledon title in five set thriller  |

They say it is all about just getting the “W” seven times in two weeks that counts, and although he had not looked at all convincing at some stages of the tournament. Novak Djokovic dug deep to pull off a five set victory over seven-time champion Roger Federer.

Federer was aiming for an unprecedented eighth title, but Djokovic certainly had to work for it, as neither player gave an inch in the first set playing at an exceptionally high quality. With a couple of 21 shot rallies to boot, there was plenty to get excited about.

For a lot of the match Federer had looked slightly more consistent, no more so than in the tie-break as he forged ahead, making it the Serbian work hard to get back on terms, before just closing out a the first set.

There were a couple of worrying moments for Djokovic who has already struggled with a wrist injury throughout most of the clay court season, also impinging into his grass court season. So a heavy fall on the dirt, and then another on the lusher areas of grass must have given the slightly more sure-footed Federer hope, even though Djokovic levelled the match. Federer still looked dangerous.

There was hardly a blip in their level of play as again they went game for game into another tie-break, but this time Djokovic was able to build up a head of steam with many feeling that this would now be a foregone conclusion.

Oh but there was much more drama to come. In the fourth set, the momentum swung sharply back to Djokovic who built on an early break and at 5-2, with a Championship point and the trophy in sight the cript was ripped up as Federer reeled off five games on the bounce and was now looking very strong as the match headed to a decider.

Battling against a pro-Federer crowd, yet again the level of play was superb – everything a final deserved to be, with the one question being who would blink first. IDjokovic looked exhausted as Federer continued to bang down aces and hopes were high as Djokovic struggled to overcome a break point on his own serve.

But the danger of serving second in the set came up to bite Federer who was not able to capitalize on a break point to take the lead, and Djokovic earned his second match point as the Swiss was serving to stay in the Championship at 4-5. This time, he did not miss – as a netted backhand from Federer handed Djokovic another Wimbledon title.

There is a lot for Federer to feel proud of, as he gave his assessment of the match: “I thought the match was a good one,” he said. “I thought it had everything for fans to like, I think.  The swing of momentum in the first set, him coming back in the second, staying even in the third, all the back and forth in the fourth set, and then the drama of the fifth.

“From that standpoint, I thought it was an interesting match.  The level I thought was good.  I don’t feel I necessarily played my absolute very best because I couldn’t break for over three sets.  For me that was disappointing.

“But I thought Novak played well in those areas and on his serve and make sure that he didn’t have any letdowns there.”

And for Djokovic, before he takes some well earned time off to relax with his family, there was time to reflect on his emotional speech where he also dedicated the win to his first coach Jelena Gencic, who passed away during last year’s French Open.

He said: “Most special Grand Slam final I’ve played.  At the time of my career for this Grand Slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially, as I said, after losing several Grand Slam finals in a row.  Started doubting of course a little bit.  I needed this win a lot.”

“I’m going to try to use it in the best possible way and for my confidence to grow for the rest of my season and the rest of my career.”

 

 

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