In a historic clash between two of tennis’ titans, Novak Djokovic came out on top.
Djokovic defeated Roger Federer Sunday in a five-set classic to win the men’s singles Wimbledon title, 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (3). This marked the first year Wimbledon instituted a fifth-set tiebreak at 12-12, making this final the first in Wimbledon history to be decided on a tiebreak.
The tiebreak was put in place after marathon matches over the years, including John Isner’s record-long match during the 2010 tournament in which he defeated Nicholas Mahut 70-68 in the final set.
After Federer lost the third set in a tiebreak, he captured the fourth set before the two traded blows in a thrilling fifth set befitting of a grand-slam final. The crowd at the All England Club was firmly behind Federer, but the 32-year-old Djokovic captured his fifth Wimbledon title and 16th career grand slam.
Federer broke Djokovic in the 15th game of the fifth set to serve for the match, but Djokovic broke back to keep the match going.
Djokovic won a lengthy first set via tiebreak before Federer stormed back with a dominant second set in which he broke Djokovic three times. That marked the third time this tournament Federer won the second set 6-1 after dropping the opening set.
Federer, 37, is now 0-3 against Djokovic in Wimbledon finals, having lost in 2014 and 2015.