Djokovic defeats Federer for third Wimbledon trophy

Novak Djokovic has successfully defended his Wimbledon title, as he defeated Roger Federer 7-6 6-7 6-4 6-3. The world number one was forced to overcome a spirited challenge from the Swiss maestro in the second set, but Djokovic was overall far too strong as he regrouped to triumph over Federer to collect his third SW19 title.

In the first set, both players were untroubled on serve in the early stages, as they settled into the match quickly. However, it was Federer who made the first move at 3-2, as an unexpected error strewn game from the world number one presented the Swiss maestro with break points. A netted backhand gifted Federer the break, but his lead did not last long. Djokovic roared back, and the deficit was soon recovered when Federer was unable to control a backhand passing shot from the Serbian. At 6-5, Federer again threatened as he held set points, but Djokovic responded with some unreturnable serves to eventually take the set to a tie-break. The world number one immediately took control of the tiebreak when he miraculously guided a winner down the line, as his increasing dominance from the baseline saw him outlast Federer in the extended rallies. The Swiss maestro appeared to dwell on his missed opportunities to gain the lead, and a double fault from Federer sealed a gripping opening set 7-6 to the defending champion.

As the second set got underway, neither player was able to create a chance, until 2-2. Federer fashioned some more break points, but once again the Serbian remained composed and delivered massive serves to keep his opponent at bay. Djokovic had an opportunity to take a two set lead when he held a set point at 5-4, but the Swiss maestro stood firm. The defending champion then found himself under pressure at 5-5, but he dug deep to erase break point and keep the match on serve. The set would need another tie-break, and both players were unable to build an early lead as the momentum fluctuated. Both finalists held set points of their own, but it was Federer who finally closed out the intense set of tennis with a neat volley, to level the match at one set apiece.

In the third set, Djokovic appeared to regain his focus as he had break points in the first game, but Federer’s immaculate serving saved him. The defending champion then was forced to dig deep himself and save a break point before coming through his service game. In the following game, Federer faced another battle to hold serve, and this time Djokovic made the breakthrough when the Swiss maestro produced a wild forehand at the net. A brief rain delay barely slowed down the Serbian’s momentum, as he comfortably maintained his lead when play resumed to clinch the set 6-4 with an overhead smash winner.

The fourth set was evenly contested early on as Federer did well to win his service games, but at 2-2 he was under siege as the relentless pressure from the Serbian was beginning to take its toll on the Swiss maestro. Djokovic sensed his opportunity for another break, and Federer was forced to surrender his serve when he was unable to control a deep return from the world number one. The seven times SW19 champion was on the brink as he stared down more break points for Djokovic to extend his lead, but Federer survived to reduce the deficit. A potential opening for the Swiss maestro at 30-0 on Djokovic’s serve at 4-3 quickly evaporated, as the world number one produced an accurate serving display to see off Federer’s fading challenge. The defending champion set up match points on his opponent’s serve with some fine returning, and a forehand winner completed the deserved victory.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams kept alive her hopes of winning all four grand slams in a calendar year as the American defeated Garbine Muguruza 6-4 6-4 in the final.