The men's final featured fan favorite and seven-time champion Roger Federer against six-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. And in what turned into an epic five-set battle, Djokovic prevailed with a 6-7 6-4 7-6 5-7 6-4 victory.

It did not take long for the crowd at Centre Court to become involved in the match, cheering at every Federer success. However, a great early rally won by Djokovic behind a lob and drop shot winner drew exuberant applause by the respectful fans. In what has been a strength during the fortnight, Federer protected his serve in the first set. Coming into the match, the 32-year-old had only faced 13 break points during the two weeks. With mechanical efficiency, Djokovic also appeared comfortable during points, and the set progressed with neither player able to carve away at the opponent’s serve. The pair engaged in exhilarating tennis that stirred enthusiasm from the spectator,s as shown by a slice backhand duel in the ninth game. High level play continued with neither champion yielding on serve, and appropriately the set advanced to a tiebreak.

In the first-set tiebreak, Federer jumped out to a 3-0 advantage, aided by a pair of missed backhands by the Serb. But Djokovic raised his play behind his serve to take a 5-4 lead. Spectacular tennis ensued, but it was Federer overcoming a couple mishits off of his racket to take the tiebreak at 9-7 and the first set.

As they moved to the second set, Djokovic quickly looked to erase the memory of the first-set tiebreak as he pressured Federer's serve. Yet, after facing a break point, the Swiss star fought off Djokovic’s advances and held serve. Despite a nasty fall that later required the trainer's attention, the 27-year-old continued to apply pressure that finally resulted in a service break at 2-1. A possible ankle injury did not appear to hamper Djokovic, who served out a more routine set.

In the all-important third set, both players looked for cracks in the opponent’s service games. Late in the set with neither player sniffing a break opportunity, Federer changed his game plan. After serving four consecutive aces to hold serve, he attempted to chip and charge during the Serb’s service game. However, Djokovic was up to the task, striking passing-shot winners past Federer, and the set remained on serve. Once again, a set between the two would be decided by a tiebreak.                                                                                        

In the tiebreak, Federer uncharacteristically struck some crucial errors off his forehand to place him at a deficit. This time, Djokovic was able to close out the tiebreak on his racket and gain the lead in the match despite a big-serving set by the Swiss.

As play evolved in the fourth set, a door opened for the Serb. Despite a tremendous serving display by Federer, Djokovic placed the veteran in a 0-40 hole in the fourth game of the set. Federer fought back to deuce, but an errant forehand gave Djokovic a break for a 3-1 lead in the set. Yet a champion does not capture seven Wimbledon titles without a fight. And, with the crowd firmly behind him, Federer returned the favor by breaking Djokovic to place the set back on serve.

Attempting to exercise his demons as a player who recently has struggled as a front-runner, Djokovic refused to allow the tide to turn. He took another game off Federer's serve and built a 5-2 lead. In what turned out to be an epic Grand Slam set, at the urging of the spectators, Federer broke once more to close the gap to 5-4. He would fight off a championship point and consolidate the break in the next game. Amazingly, Federer would cap off a set filled with drama, tension, and high-quality shot-making by breaking Djokovic once more and serving out the set.

After an amazing four sets by two Grand Slam champions, it only made sense that this Wimbledon championship match would go the distance. And both players started the fifth set by staying on serve. With a 2-1 lead, Djokovic called for the trainer once more to attend to his lower leg. This time, the injury appeared to affect his movement somewhat. Yet the Serb was able to hold serve. As the set progressed, Djokovic appeared to shake off any ill effects, and the two Champions held serve until the tenth game. There, the Serb found the one opening he needed to breah the Federer serve that had been so stingy over the fortnight. In a match that lasted nearly four hours, it was Djokovic finally capturing the Wimbledon crown.

After the match, Djokovic showed respect for his opponent. “First of all, I want to congratulate Roger. It was a great match to be a part of. He is a magnificent champion and a great example of a great athlete and a role model. I respect everything you have done and thanks for letting me win today,” he said.

The ever-classy Federer stated, “Going into a match with Novak, you know it's going to be tough. I can only say congratulations to him. It was an amazing match and an amazing tournament. It's well-deserved.”

The victory is the second Wimbledon title for Djokovic, who also earned his seventh Grand Slam championship. With the win, he will regain world No. 1, passing Rafael Nadal. He will look to continue his momentum as play turns back to hard courts in preparation for the U. S. Open.