Novak Djokovic has opened up about his unforgettable victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final, describing it as the “most nerve-racking” match he has ever played. The Serbian emerged victorious in an epic clash, prevailing 7-6(5), 1-6, 7-6(4), 4-6, 13-12(3) after nearly five hours of intense action. This gripping encounter not only earned Djokovic his fifth Wimbledon title, but also marked his 16th Grand Slam overall. At 4 hours and 57 minutes, it remains the longest singles final in Wimbledon history.
Despite Federer leading in nearly every statistical category—winning 14 more points, four more games, and hitting 40 more winners—Djokovic’s mental fortitude and performance under pressure proved decisive in the key moments. The Swiss maestro even broke serve four times but was denied a ninth Wimbledon title after Djokovic saved two championship points at 8-7, 40-15 down in the fifth set. The Serbian also managed to keep his composure in the tiebreaks, not committing a single unforced error in the three tiebreaks he won. Furthermore, Djokovic fought off a set point in the third set, which also went into a tiebreak.
The victory thwarted Federer’s hopes of clinching a 21st Grand Slam crown and securing a long-awaited ninth Wimbledon trophy. For Federer, it marked the end of his major titles streak that began with his 2018 Australian Open win. As for Djokovic, the triumph was just the beginning, as he has since amassed an additional eight major titles, bringing his Grand Slam tally to an unprecedented 24.
Interestingly, this dramatic win in 2019 was the second time Djokovic saved match points on his way to a Grand Slam victory. The first instance came in his 2011 US Open semi-final win over Federer, where he saved two match points in a thrilling five-set contest.
In a recent interview with Head Tennis, a brand Djokovic has partnered with since 2009, the 37-year-old admitted that, statistically, Federer was the better player on that historic day at Wimbledon. “He was the better player, you know, statistically, if you see, won more points, just had all the stats on his side,” Djokovic shared. Reflecting on the crucial moment in the fifth set when Federer was serving for the match at 8-7, 40-15, Djokovic revealed his approach: “I just tried to make him play, make him earn his victory.”
He described the 2019 final as the “most nerve-racking” match he had ever experienced, but his determination and resilience allowed him to find a way to clinch the win.
Djokovic also delved into the mental strength that has become a hallmark of his game, particularly towards the end of the 2023 season. Speaking to CBS’s 60 Minutes, he revealed that his ability to manage pressure is not innate but developed through consistent work and various mental techniques. “It’s not a gift. It’s something that comes with work,” he explained. A key technique for him is conscious breathing, especially during moments of high tension. He acknowledged that, despite his calm exterior, the internal battle during matches is often intense. “I might appear maybe locked in. But trust me, there is a storm inside.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that the biggest challenge in tennis is not avoiding doubt and fear but learning how to quickly move past these emotions. He criticized the common mindset in sports that promotes relentless positivity and optimism. “It’s impossible to do that… You are a human being,” he said. Djokovic explained that the key to his success lies in acknowledging negative emotions, processing them, and swiftly resetting his mindset. “As soon as I experience it, I acknowledge it. I maybe, you know, burst. I scream on the court, whatever happens. But then I’m able to bounce back and reset,” he concluded.