After five grueling hours of play, top-seeded Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (3), winning his fifth Wimbledon singles title. It was the first championship decided by final-set tiebreak – a rule put in place by the tournament in October.
Djokovic, who successfully defended his Wimbledon title, said, “it was probably the most mentally demanding match I’ve ever been a part of.”
The final was the longest ever, clocking in at four hours, 57 minutes – nine minutes longer than the 2008 classic match between Federer and Rafael Nadal. Sunday’s match also had the longest rally on record for a final, at 35 strokes.
Djokovic tied Nadal for the most career victories over Federer (10) at majors. The two were playing each other for the 48th time, with Djokovic holding a 26-22 edge.
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