Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in dramatic Wimbledon 2015 Final

Home Top

Top gun who buzzed the beach: Amazing video shows daredevil Blue Angel fly so low and fast that umbrellas are blown into the air
EXCLUSIVE: White House hopeful Carly Fiorina's narrative of a mother 'who rose from secretary to CEO' come under fire from ex-husband who ridicules her as 'calculating'
'I was the only one that made it out': The tragic 911 call of 16-year-old girl who survived plane crash that killed her grandparents - then walked TWO DAYS to civilization
Knifeman shouting 'Allah is great' forces tourist to her knees as he holds a blade to her neck at Rome's Colosseum in terrifying random attack
Whoopi Goldberg changes her stance on Bill Cosby rape allegations calling on the disgraced actor to 'speak up' and says 'the information points to guilt'
The world is heading for a 'generation free of AIDS' by 2030, UN chief claims
'Bob Dylan must be f***ing horrified': Sinead O'Connor launches foul-mouthed rants over Kim Kardashian's Rolling Stone cover
Escape on foot because roads will liquefy and start running when you hear dogs barking: Geographers offer advice on how to survive the earthquake predicted to obliterate the Pacific Northwest
Ex-college wrestler gets 30 years for 'recklessly infecting' partner with HIV and putting four others at risk
Rachel Dolezal's older brother CLEARED of sexual assault charges after race-faker accused him of molesting their black adopted sister
'I'd rather cuddle in bed and go to sleep': Men and women reveal on secrets app why they DON'T like having sex
Is fasting for five days a month the best way to slim? It's the latest twist to the diet everyone's talking about. So why are some doctors still sceptical?
EXCLUSIVE: When Donald Trump REALLY loved Mexico - video surfaces of him backing resort 'perfectly positioned for easy access from California' before it went bust
'I do not believe in it, but I signed it to avoid disaster for the country': Greek PM Tsipras defends Eurozone bailout deal as he insists he won't resign
Trump admits 'it's possible' a few illegal immigrants could 'slip through the cracks' and work at his sprawling company, but insists 'we do better paperwork than almost anybody'
Macy's inundated with complaints from Donald Trump fans as tens of thousands of customers 'cut up their store cards in protest'
More than 1,800 immigrants released from jail last year have been RE-ARRESTED after authorities refused to deport them
El Chapo's ride to freedom: The 'motorbike on rails' that drug lord used in mile-long tunnel escape from prison that 'he paid for with $50m in bribes'
Satellite images reveal the full extent of Mexican drugs kingpin El Chapo's astonishing escape from prison in mile-long tunnel that was a year in the making
A beauty queen wife, a $2.5m escape plot and a LOT of tunneling experience: The secrets of Mexican drugs kingpin El Chapo... and why he may never be found
Drug king's tunnel of love: How the Viagra-guzzling most dangerous crook in the world burrowed out of jail to be reunited with his beauty queen bride
Surely he won't let HER escape as well! Mexican president's stunning First Lady gets a very warm welcome from French leader, days after his country is humiliated by El Chapo gangster's jail break
Tiny sailors in the Caribbean! Meet the extraordinary water babies who have grown up travelling the world in a boat with their ocean-loving parents
It will upset some readers, but this new Mockingbird has sharp lessons about race today: From the best-selling author of Chocolat, a full review of 'Go Set A Watchman', the book everyone's talking about

Novak Djokovic has won the Wimbledon men's title for the third time following a tense final against Roger Federer
The Serbian champion secured the first set within an hour of play before losing the second set in a close tie-break
He won subsequent sets 6-4, 6-3, ending Federer's hopes of becoming oldest champion to win title so many times
Nail-biting championship match watched on by Benedict Cumberbatch, Anna Wintour, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet

By Jennifer Smith and Steph Cockroft for MailOnline

Published: 07:43 EST, 12 July 2015 | Updated: 00:43 EST, 13 July 2015

1.4k

View
comments

Novak Djokovic was crowned Wimbledon champion today for the third time after beating Roger Federer in a nail-biting final.

The Serbian 28-year-old soared to victory for the second year running following a four-set thriller, which was watched on by a star-studded crowd, including Pippa Middleton, Benedict Cumberbatch and Naomi Campbell.

He roared in delight and pumped his arms after winning his first match point, before eating some of the hallowed Centre Court grass.

In what was almost a repeat of last year's final, the World Number One sealed the win - his ninth grand slam title - in the fourth set of the game, despite losing the second set to his accomplished rival.

The Swiss 33-year-old - who was hoping for his eighth Wimbledon title - had triumphed following a lengthy tie break, winning 12 points to Djokovic's 10.

But Djokovic's form was too much for Federer and he went on to win the final set 6-3 after his first championship point, matching coach Boris Becker's impressive Wimbledon record.

Djokovic won 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 and 6-3 and will now earn a cool £1.88 million for his victory. Federer takes home £940,000 as runner-up.

Scroll down for video

World Number One Novak Djokovic was crowned Wimbledon champion today for the third time, beating Roger Federer in a nail-biting final

The Serbian 28-year-old soared to victory for the second year running following a four-set thriller, which ended 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 and 6-3

He went on to win the final set 6-3 after his first championship point, matching coach Boris Becker's impressive Wimbledon record

Djokovic screamed in delight and pumped his arms after winning the match, before eating some of the hallowed Centre Court grass

Speaking after his victory, Djokovic told the crowd that it had been a 'honour' and 'privilege' to play against Federer - and that he ate the grass due to a pact he made with himself as a child, when he dreamt of winning the title.

He said: 'It tastes very, very good this year - I don't know what the groundspeople have done but they have done a great job.

'It's a little tradition - as a kid I was really dreaming of winning Wimbledon, so as every child you dream to do something crazy when you actually achieve it, if you achieve it and that was one of the things.'

The players had been welcomed onto Centre Court this afternoon by a celebrity-packed crowd. Sherlock star Cumberbatch, 38, was joined by his father Timothy, while 54-year-old Grant sat with TV executive Anna Eberstein, the mother of one of his three children.

Oscar nominee Cooper, 40, was in the exclusive area after previously sitting with Federer's camp during the tournament. Former Wimbledon winners Bjorn Borg, Chrissie Evert and Rod Laver were also Royal Box guests.

House of Commons speaker John Bercow did not try to hide his support, as he arrived at the All England Club sporting a Roger Federer baseball cap.

Actresses Kate Winslet, Helena Bonham Carter and Kristin Scott Thomas were spotted watching the final on Centre Court. Veteran actor Sir John Hurt, who recently said he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, was also among the crowd.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Italian football World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero, actor Clive Owen and Vogue fashion magazine editor Anna Wintour were also watching on Centre Court.

The Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton and supermodel Naomi Campbell were also spotted at the All England Club.

Djokovic talks about winning 'emotional' Wimbledon final

The Swiss had triumphed following a lengthy tie break, winning 12 points to Djokovic's 10. But Djokovic's form was too much for Federer. Pictured: The 33-year-old walks away after being given his runner up plate

On the back foot: Federer (pictured left) won the second set after losing the first to his younger opponent. Pictured right: the Swiss player reacts after losing the third set 4-6

Federer's form suggested he was capable of clinching his first grand slam success since 2012 but Djokovic was unstoppable, breaking his opponent's serve twice in the final set.

Speaking after the match, he said: 'I was aware Roger was going to play like he always plays, at his best when it matters the most. He pushes you to your limits, and asks you to work hard on every point. He won't hand you the match.

'That added a bit more pressure but these parts of matches you work all your life for. You envision yourself being on Centre Court in this tournament and holding this trophy. It's a thrilling feeling.'

And after equalling Becker's three Wimbledon titles - a record also held by John McEnroe - Djokovic boasted that the former champion no longer has the bragging rights over him.

'It's been a long run. Ever since we started working, obviously it took some time for us to understand each other,' Djokovic said.

'He is somebody who, yes... He is German, I am Serbian so there is a significant difference there. But we managed to find the right chemistry and he has contributed a lot. This is his trophy equally as mine and my entire team, my beautiful wife, my family here, thank you all for supporting me, I love you.'

He added that he and Becker would be having 'a glass of beer or a glass of wine' to celebrate.

Spectators appeared to be backing SW19 legend Federer, celebrating his points with louder cheers. On Henman Hill there was a mix of fans drinking Pimm's while flying Serbian and Swiss flags.

The players were five games in to their third set when rain poured down on SW19 prompting a roster of ball boys and girls to roll out the Centre Court cover.

The World Number One (pictured) sealed the win - his ninth grand slam title - in the fourth set of the game, despite losing the second set to his accomplished rival

The player has now matched the record previously only held by his coach Boris Becker, who has also won the title three times. Pictured: Djokovic reacts after losing a rally during the second set tie-break

It is the 40th time the two players have met and was also a repeat of last year's final in which Djokovic (left) triumphed. They have now won 20 matches each during their meets. Federer (right) was vying to become the oldest champion ever at 33.

Djokovic will now earn a cool £1.88 million for his victory while Federer (pictured, in action today) takes home £940,000 as runner-up

It is the 40th time the two players, including for last year's final. They have now won 20 matches each during their meets.

If he had won, Federer would have become the first player in history to have won the tournament so many times and the oldest male champion of all time at 33.

The Swiss player defeated Andy Murray in straight sets on Friday for his place in the final to the disappointment of hundreds gathered on Murray Mound.

Speaking of the victory, Federer, who was cheered on by his glamorous wife Mirka, said he felt as though he could not celebrate when silence fell on the crowd following match point.

Speaking after today's final, he said: 'Novak played not only great today but for the whole two weeks, plus the year, plus last year, plus the year before that. He deserves it.

'He was tougher on the big points, and at the end he was rock solid. He played great and I didn't play bad myself so I can be happy.'

Come on! The stars react after another nail biting victory between the two with the first two sets of the match won on tie breaks

Star studded: In the Royal Box for Sunday's final was (from left to right, third row from front) Bradley Cooper, François-Henri Pinault, Hugh Grant with his girlfriend Anna Eberstein, Benedict Cumberbatch and his father Timothy. In front of them sat Bjorn Borg and his wife Patricia while the Duke of Kent occupied the front row

Enthusiast: Pippa Middleton was joined by friends on Centre Court as the players entered the third set of the nail-biting match

Pleased to be here: Pippa raised a smile as she took her seat on Centre Court during the tense final between Djokovic and Federer

Tense: Helena Bonham Carter hides her mouth behind a shawl in the nail-biting first set which Djokovic clinched in a tie break

Victory: The actress celebrates as Djokovic takes the third set in a nail-biting final which saw the players battle 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (12-10), 6-4

Hollywood's here: Bradley Cooper was among spectators in the Royal Box on Sunday as the tennis players began their match

Fan: The Elephant Man star is a keen tennis fan and attended Wimbledon last year. He arrived at the tournament alone on Sunday

Poised: Anna Wintour removed her sunglasses for a brief moment to take in the crowds on Centre Court as she watches the final

You can do it! Jelena Djokovic wills her husband to victory in the third set of the tense final on Sunday afternoon at Wimbledon

Jelena celebrates (left and right) as her husband clinches his ninth grand slam win following today's Wimbledon final

Serbian Djokovic defeated Federer in last year's final 6–7, 6–4, 7–6 , 5–7, 6–4.

Djokovic won the tournament in 2014 and 2011 and also stormed through this year's rounds. He faced criticism earlier this week after shouting in the face of a teenage ball girl, reducing her to tears.

The father-of-one later said he would apologise to the youngster if he had upset her in any way. Speaking of his opponent earlier this week Djokovic, who knocked out France's Richard Gasquet for his place in the final, said: 'I have a responsibility to play well here in the cradle of tennis.

'It is an honour to play in the Wimbledon final - the most watched tennis match in the world. I'm just glad to reach another final. I will be ready for it.'

He dismissed any injury fears after receiving a shoulder massage from his coach during his semi-final, saying he was 'not worried' about it.

Of his opponent earlier this week he gushed: 'This is where (Federer) loves to play. This is where he plays his best tennis, I think: the Centre Court of Wimbledon; seven titles. It's his court.

On edge: Mirka Federer and her mother-in-law watch as the Swiss player vies for his eighth Wimbledon victory on Sunday

Look of love: Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher shared a joke as they cheered on the players in the second set of the match

Nerves: Rob Brydon wears a pained expression as he watches the third set of the Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer

Star packed: Jeremy Piven pays close attention in the second set as he sits in front of Aaron and Sam Taylor-Johnson at the final

Keen spectator: Sir Alex Ferguson has been seen at the tournament throughout the week and was in attendance at the match on Sunday

Coming through: Thierry Henry arrives with his heavily pregnant partner Andrea Rajacic on the final day of Wimbledon

Enjoying the festivities: Princess Michael of Kent takes in the men's final at Wimbledon, using a pair of binoculars to observe

Superfan: John Bercow made no secret of which player he was cheering on as he arrived at Wimbledon this afternoon in a Roger Federer hat

Novak Djokovic: Wimbledon is the one we all dream of winning

Bitter disappointment: A policeman reacts to the end of a rally during the tense men's final at the All England Club on Sunday

Here comes the rain: Murray Mound is showered in the afternoon downpours with hundreds producing umbrellas and anoraks

'He loves it. He usually rises up to the occasion. He's always playing his toughest when it matters the most. That's why he's a big champion.'

Meanwhile Federer shrugged off last year's defeat by Djokovic when questioned earlier this week, telling reporters: 'For me I don't really think about the match we played against each other last year.

'I'm just happy, personally for myself, to be back in the finals. Whoever that's going to be against, it's always a big occasion.

'That it's Novak, the world No. 1, it obviously adds something extra.

'He's become very match tough. He always shows up. It's tough to beat him. You know, he's been very injury-free. He's been good for the game.'

Speaking of the possibility of becoming the first man to win eight Wimbledon titles, he said: 'If it's the eighth here or the 18th Grand Slam in all, of course that's great.

Back in the fight: Federer won the second set of the final in a lengthy tie break, winning with 12 points to Djokovic's 10

Tough: The defending Wimbledon champion took the first set less than an hour after stepping onto Centre Court

'But I see this as just about having this feeling of victory, especially on the grass. That's why I still play tennis and I'm happy I've given myself the chance,' he said.

Federer will also become the oldest player to clinch the title at 33. The longevity of his career was earlier this week chalked down to not putting too much pressure on himself by Andy Murray.

Speaking after their semifinal match, Murray said: 'He doesn't put loads of strain on his body. That's why he's been able to compete into his mid-30s at the highest level.'

Throughout the tournament Federer has boasted an impressive entourage of celebrity fans. Bradley Cooper and Anna Wintour are among those to have been invited into his player's box this week.

Meanwhile Djokovic counts Stella McCartney and Roman Abramovich's wife Dasha Zhukova as fans. The fashionable were spotted cheering him on behind his wife, Jelena, during his semi-final against Gasquet on Friday.

Yesterday Serena Williams became the oldest woman to ever win the Ladies championship, triumphing over Spain's Garbine Muguruza in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.

The American 33-year-old became one step closer to winning a calendar Grand Slam having dominated the French and Australian Opens. She currently holds the title for all of the four major tournaments, landing what has been dubbed the 'Serena Slam'.