Djokovic Beats Federer to Win Wimbledon Title

London — Novak Djokovic ended his Grand Slam bad luck and Roger Federer’s hopes of a record eighth Wimbledon title with a thrilling five-set victory here at the All England Club on Sunday.

The Serb, 27, came through 6-7 (7-9), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 5-7, 6-4 to win his second Wimbledon and seventh Grand Slam title.

After letting a championship point slip in the fourth set, he won Wimbledon’s first five-set final since 2009.

Djokovic had lost his previous three major finals, and will now reclaim the number one ranking from Rafael Nadal.

“After losing the fourth set it wasn’t easy to go on and win the fifth set, I don’t know how I did it,” Djokovic said.

“This is the best tournament in the world and the one I always wanted to win so to be able to compete at such a high level I am so grateful.”

Federer, 32, had hoped to surpass Pete Sampras with an eighth title and become the oldest winner in modern times.

The Swiss was cheered by much of the 15,000-strong crowd throughout the final, with chants of “Roger! Roger!” ringing around Center Court when he reeled off five successive games from 5-2 down in the fourth set.

But Djokovic recovered his nerve to fend off break points in the decider and clinch a dramatic win after three hours and 56 minutes, before kneeling on the turf and eating some grass — just as he had done after winning in 2011.

He then headed into the stands to celebrate with his team, including three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, brought in by Djokovic at the start of the year to help end his run of 18 months without a major win.

With seven Grand Slam titles to his name now, Djokovic moves alongside the likes of John McEnroe and Mats Wilander — 10 behind Federer at the top of the all-time list. (PNA/Xinhua) JBP/EBP

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