Novak Djokovic saves match points to claim fifth Wimbledon title in record-breaking final

vak Djokovic saved two match points to clinch a fifth Wimbledon title and 16th major on Sunday, shattering Roger Federer's bid to become oldest Grand Slam champion in longest final ever played at tournament.

Despite being outplayed by 37-year-old Swiss for large parts of knife-edge encounter, world number one triumphed 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 13-12 (7/3).

At 4 hours and 57 minutes, it was longest Wimbledon final ever played and settled by a final set tiebreak for first time.

Djokovic is first man in 71 years to win title from match points down.

He is w level with Bjorn Borg as a five-time Wimbledon winner.

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"I think that if this is t most exciting final n definitely it's in top two or three of my career against one of greatest players of all time, Roger, who I respect," said Djokovic.

"Unfortunately in this of match someone has to lose. It is quite unreal to be two match points down to come back and strange to play a tie-break at 12-12." Djokovic is just four Grand Slam titles shy of all-time record held by Federer who is more than five years older.

It was incredibly tough on Federer, chasing a ninth Wimbledon crown, who didn't face a break point until eighth game of fourth set.

He even h two match points in 16th game of deciding set which lasted over two hours.

"It was long and it h everything. I h answers, so did he and we played some great tennis," said Federer.

"I hope I give some or people at 37 feeling it is t over yet." Djokovic's win meant that 'Big Three' of men's tennis -- himself, Federer and Rafael Nal -- have won last 11 Slams.

He has w won nine of his last 11 clashes against Federer and three of ir four Wimbledon meetings.

With William and Carine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looking on from Royal Box, Federer carved out only break point of opening set.

But Djokovic saved it and with serve dominating, set was decided by tiebreak.

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- Two match points saved -

==========================

top seed was 3-1 up, n Federer inched to 5-3 before Djokovic swept next four points.

At 58 minutes, it was two minutes longer than women's final on Saturday.

Djokovic, however, n went completely off boil, losing his footing as he was broken in first game of second set.

Federer broke twice again and after just 25 more minutes final was all-square with Djokovic managing just two winners in set.

Federer was comfortably on top in third set, flashing winners from all parts of court but was unable to convert a set point in 10th game.

Djokovic me him pay. Despite t managing a single break point in match, he pounced again in tiebreak to reclaim le.

Federer wasn't finished. Back came veteran with a double break for 5-2.

Djokovic n carved out his first break points of match in eighth game.

first was saved after a breathtaking 35-shot rally before Serb finally broke for first time.

It was too little, too late, however, as Federer deservedly levelled final.

Into a tense finale, Federer saved three break points in fourth game but a drilled, backhand passing shot gave Djokovic break in sixth game for a 4-2 le.

world number one couldn't back it up and Federer h Centre Court on ir feet when he restored parity in next game.

Despite twice being just two points from defeat, Federer broke for 8-7 but was unable to serve out for match.

As clock ticked past previous longest final of 4 hours and 48 minutes it took Nal to beat Federer in 2008 final, match was decided by first 12-12 tiebreak in a singles match at tournament.

Djokovic prevailed, moving to three championship points and claiming victory when Federer shanked a return wide.

Federer finished with 25 aces and 94 winners to Djokovic 10 aces and 54 winners.