LONDON: Novak Djokovic displayed the true depth of his steely core to end Roger Federer’s hopes of a record eighth Wimbledon title with a 7-6(1) 6-7(10) 6-4 6-3 victory on Sunday.

The world number one overcame losing a stomach-churning second set tiebreak in which he squandered six points for a two-set lead, rebounding to overwhelm the Centre Court favourite who had reached dizzy heig­hts in beating home favourite Andy Murray in Friday’s spellbinding semi-final.

Djokovic now joins his coach Boris Becker on three Wimbledon titles, taking his grand slam haul to nine ahead of the likes of Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

“He (Federer) makes you push your limits, work hard and win every single point,” 28-year-old Djokovic said on court. “I have to say it’s a big challenge playing against Roger.”

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2015

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