Six-time champion Roger Federer reached a record eighth Wimbledon final here today when he defeated world number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3.

Sachin Tendulkar and pop singer Kylie Minogue watched the game from the Royal Box.

The Swiss earned the break point he needed in the sixth game when Djokovic, who fell on the surface, could only net a running backhand.

A shout from the crowd then caused Djokovic to check his service motion and Federer pounced with a low return which the Serb could only dump into the net.

Federer served up two successive aces in the ninth game to lay the foundation for wrapping up the opening set.

Djokovic, hit back in the second set, breaking with a razor-sharp backhand down the line for a 2-0 lead.

The match was level when the champion fired his fifth ace of the contest to take the second set.

A Djokovic double fault then gave Federer break point in the sixth game of the third which the Serb saved.

Another fierce exchange, gave Federer a second break point but Djokovic’s iron defence kept him level at 3-3.

However, Federer carved out two set points in the 10th game when Djokovic missed an easy overhead.

The champion saved the first but Federer converted the second with a leaping smash into an open court.

Federer was suddenly and comfortably on top, capitalising on a loose Djokovic service game to break for a 2-0 lead in the fourth set. Djokovic fought off three break points at 4-2 down.

But Federer claimed victory in the ninth game on his first match point when Djokovic netted a service return

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW