Novak Djokovic savoured the most special of his seven grand slam titles after fighting off a courageous Roger Federer and his own inner demons to lift the Wimbledon trophy.
The 27-year-old had lost five of his previous six grand slam finals, including his defeat to Andy Murray in London last year, and was staring at the most damaging loss of them all after serving for the match in the fourth set and seeing a match point slip away.
But he kept believing and emerged a 6-7 (7/9) 6-4 7-6 (7/4) 5-7 6-4 winner.
The emotion quickly overwhelmed the Serbian, who crouched tearfully on the turf before climbing up to celebrate with his camp, including Boris Becker, for whom this was a first slam title as Djokovic’s coach.
“It’s the most special grand slam final I’ve played,” he said. “At the time of my career for this grand slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially after losing several grand slam finals in a row. I started doubting of course a little bit.
“I needed this win a lot. I’m going to try to use it in the best possible way and for my confidence to grow for the rest of my season and the rest of my career.”
Djokovic, who has overtaken Rafael Nadal as world number one, also rated the match as the best of the 14 grand slam finals he has played in, ahead of his epic 2012 victory over the Spaniard at the Australian Open.
He can now step away from tennis to prepare for his forthcoming wedding to his long-time partner Jelena Ristic with a weight lifted from his shoulders.
“I think I can close the chapter of my tennis career just for little bit now,” he added. “I think I deserve that for a few weeks to rest, to enjoy, be with my fiancee and my family.”
It was Federer’s first grand slam final since beating Murray to win two years ago, and he may never get a better chance to win an 18th slam title or a record eighth Wimbledon. He was clearly upset but that was tempered by the sight of his four-year-old twin daughters sitting on the edge of the player box at the end of the match.
The crowd were with Federer from the first ball, with even the luminaries in the Royal Box, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, having to hide their enthusiasm for the game’s elder statesman.
Federer met William and Kate afterwards but said: “I wasn’t in a great state. I was unbelievably sad at that moment just when I left the court, so it was a difficult moment for I think the three of us. But they were very sweet to comfort me and wish me well.”
He added of the crowd: “I could sense that they really wished me well and hoped for me to either get back in the match or hopefully lift another trophy here at Wimbledon.
“I already have seven. It’s not like I need another one. But it would have been awfully nice to have it.”