Novak Djokovic described yesterday’s Wimbledon five-set triumph over Roger Federer as the “best quality” and “most special” final he has ever been part of.
The Serb was forced to dig deeper than he has ever had to, to overcome Federer 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4, after the Swiss legend had saved a championship point in the fourth set to force a fifth.
Djokovic finally captured his second Wimbledon trophy after almost four hours of top-level tennis to add a seventh major to his cabinet and make an emphatic return to the world No1 spot.
The victory ended his three-match losing streak in grand slam finals, and he was looking to avoid becoming part of a small club of just three players – Andy Murray, Andy Roddick and Ivan Lendl – who lost four consecutive major title matches.
“Sincerely, this has been the best quality grand slam final that I ever been part of," said Djokovic. "I’ve had a longer final against Nadal in the Australian Open 2012 but, quality-wise from the first to last point, this is definitely the best match. I was very close on several occasions, even in the fourth, to win the match.
“I could have easily lost my concentration in the fifth and just handed him the win, but I didn’t and that’s why this win has a special importance to me mentally.
“Because I managed to not just win against my opponent but win against myself as well and find that inner strength that got me the trophy today.
“It’s most special grand slam final I’ve played. At the time of my career for this trophy to arrive is crucial, especially, as I said, after losing several finals in a row.
“I had started doubting (myself) a little bit. I needed this win a lot.”
