Djokovic overwhelms Federer to complete successful Wimbledon title defence

Novak Djokovic was too strong for Roger Federer to win a third Wimbledon title ©AFP/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic underlined his status as the greatest current player in men's tennis with a clinical four-sets victory over Roger Federer today to secure a third Wimbledon and ninth Grand Slam title.

After his magnificence against home hope Andy Murray in the semi-finals, many had expected Federer to continue his Indian Summer and claim an eighth title on the lush lawns of SW19.

Yet world number one Djokovic remained the favourite after a superb year blemished only by his French Open final defeat last month to Stanislas Wawrinka.

The Serb made the perfect start, raising his game in the first set tie break to take it 7-1 after each players had exchanged breaks of serve.

Federer, as he has made a career out of doing, came roaring back by winning a sensational second set tie break 10-8 after saving a string of set points.

But Djokovic kept plugging away, serving strongly to keep on top of the rallies as Federer could not quite produce the same brilliance on his serve as he managed against Murray.

After missing two break points in the first game of the third, he broke when Federer netted in the third game and, despite a 15-minute rain delay, stayed on top throughout to take it, 6-4.

Roger Federer produced some great moments once again, but Djokovic was just that bit too strong ©AFP/Getty Images

It still seemed possible Federer could find a way back but it was Djokovic who was inflicting all the pressure and an inch perfect return secured a crucial break for a 3-2 lead.

Despite several nervy moments thereafter, the 28-year-old held his poise to close out the set 6-3 to win a match lasting two hours and 56 minutes.

"I have to say it's a big challenge playing against Roger," he said afterwards.

"A lot of players of my generation have looked up to him and followed his lead.

"He makes you push your limits, work hard and win every single point."

As well as successfully defending his title in a repeat of last year's final to add to his 2011 triumph, the Serb also overtook tennis legends such as Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the all-time list of major winners.

He has now won 48 matches and lost just three in 2015.

Federer, meanwhile, refused to blame the way he had played for the defeat, praising his opponent for a "rock solid" performance.

The match was followed on Centre Court by the concluding mixed doubles final and, after an 18-year wait for another Wimbledon title, Swiss star Martina Hingis won her second in successive days after teaming up with India's Leander Paes to add to her women's doubles victory.

While that match went the distance, it was much more straightforward this time around as the duo dispatched Austria's Alexander Peya and Hungary's Timea Babos 6-1, 6-1.