Novak Djokovic hails family life following victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon: 'I suggest to every player, get married and have kids and enjoy this'
- Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 in Sunday's final
- Djokovic equalled the Wimbledon tally of his coach Boris Becker by winning his third title
- It was the 28-year-old Serb's ninth Grand Slam title
- Coach Stefan Edberg believes Federer can still claim a record eighth Wimbledon title
- Federer became the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon final since 1974
- Djokovic attended Champions Dinner at the Guildhall in London on Sunday night
Novak Djokovic celebrated his first wedding anniversary on Sunday by stopping Roger Federer's glorious run at this year's Wimbledon and winning a third singles title.
The 28-year-old Serb took just under three hours to triumph 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 and then extolled the virtues of marriage and fatherhood on what became a day of double joy.
With wife Jelena watching, Djokovic equalled the Wimbledon tally of his coach Boris Becker and hauled himself to a ninth Grand Slam title, despite a rain delay and losing a magnificent second-set tiebreak.
Novak Djokovic and his wife Jelena arrive at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner at the Guidlhall in London on Sunday evening
Djokovic kisses the Wimbledon trophy following his victory over Roger Federer on Centre Court
Djokovic secured his third Wimbledon title with a 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory against the Swiss star
The 28-year-old celebrates the winning point against Federer at SW19 on the final day of the tournament
The Serb performed his slightly bizarre tradition of eating a few blades of the Centre Court grass
Djokovic's wife Jelena (pictured) cheers on her husband from the players' box during Sunday's finale
'Ever since I got married and became a father, I haven't lost many matches and have won many tournaments,' he said. 'I suggest to every player, get married and have kids and enjoy this.
'Whether I'm winning or losing, the family's always there. When I go back home I'm not a tennis player any more; I'm a father to Stefan and a husband to Jelena.
'That's a balance that allows me to play this well.'
Djokovic, who became a father last October, has lost only three matches all season and amassed a 72-7 record since getting married, making him comfortably the world's top-ranked player.
By winning a ninth major, he moved ahead of Fred Perry on the all-time list, plus more contemporary greats such as Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. After hitting his winning forehand, he sunk to his knees and performed his slightly bizarre tradition of eating a few blades of the Centre Court grass.
'It was always something I wanted to do for celebration when I was a child, dreaming of winning Wimbledon. I hope people are not annoyed by that,' he added. 'I was assured it's not processed. It's gluten-free and completely organic and natural.'
Djokovic's coach Boris Becker (left) chats with Jelena as the Serb secured his ninth Grand Slam title
Federer was phlegmatic afterwards, suggesting that defeat did not hurt as much it used to, despite break-point chances in the first and third sets that might have changed the outcome.
'Of course you sort of walk away empty-handed and for me a finalists' trophy is not the same,' he said. 'Thankfully I've won here in the past, so it does not feel like I'm chasing anything. I would love to have won today but I can be very happy with the level of play. It's no fun losing but some matches tend to be easier to digest and this one feels like that.'
He tipped Djokovic to win more titles, saying: 'He's clearly making a big name for himself. Staying injury-free now is crucial. I'm sure he has many great years ahead of him.
Seven-time champion Federer became the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon final since 1974
'Clearly he is going to end up as one of the top guys but exactly where on the list we will have to wait and see.'
Coach Stefan Edberg believes Federer can still claim a record eighth Wimbledon title, despite his second consecutive defeat in the final. Federer became the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon final since 1974 — less than a month from turning 34.
And Edberg, who won Wimbledon twice, said: 'I still believe he can do it. If he keeps himself in shape and is determined, he is still one of the best grass court players.'
The celebrations did not stop on Centre Court, however, as Djokovic swapped his tennis gear for formal wear as the 2015 champion turned out for the Wimbledon Champions Dinner on Sunday night.
Serena Williams was also in attendance following her 6-4, 6-4 victory against Garbine Muguruza in Saturday's women's singles final.
The World No 1 became the oldest female Slam winner in the Open era and holds the US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon singles titles simultaneously, as she last did in 2003.
Djokovic's coach Becker (right) was also in attendance for the Champions Dinner
Serena Williams was also in attendance following her 6-4, 6-4 victory against Garbine Muguruza in Saturday's women's singles final
Former Great Britain No 1 and BBC pundit Tim Henman arrives for the dinner in London
2013 Wimbledon women's singles champion Marion Bartoli, who retired a month after her landmark victory, arrives for the ceremony
Yui Kamiji (pictured) successfully defended her Wimbledon title along with playing partner Yui Kamiji in Sunday's wheelchair doubles final
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