Novak Djokovic had to dig deep to fight off a courageous Roger Federer and win a second Wimbledon title. The 27-year-old was the better player for most of the match but was broken serving for the match in the fourth set and then saw a match point slip away as Federer, seeking a record eighth title, somehow pushed it to a decider. Djokovic had lost five of his previous six grand slam finals, including his defeat to Andy Murray here last year, and was staring at the most damaging loss of them all but he kept believing and emerged a 6-7 (7/9) 6-4 7-6 (7/4) 5-7 6-4 winner.
The emotion quickly overwhelmed the Serbian, who crouched tearfully on the turf before climbing up to celebrate with his camp, including Boris Becker, for whom this was a first slam title as Djokovic's coach. Djokovic, who will overtake Rafael Nadal as world number one on Monday, also rated the match as the best of the 14 grand slam finals he has played in, ahead of his epic 2012 victory over the Spaniard at the Australian Open.
Djokovic then dedicated the victory to his fiancee Jelena Ristic, who is expecting their first child, his family and his childhood coach Jelena Gencic, who died last year.
"It's the most special grand slam final I've played," said the Serbian, who is now tied with John McEnroe on seven slam titles.
"At the time of my career for this grand slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially after losing several grand slam finals in a row. I 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."
