The Serbian 2011 winner left Federer's dreams of a record eighth triumph in tatters as he claimed his seventh career major in three hours and 56 minutes with the 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 win.

The thrilling match - Wimbledon's first five-set final at the All England Club since 2009 - saw Djokovic letting a Championship point slip in the fourth set before he broke with the help of four mistakes by Federer to secure the win.

"It was a great match to be part of," said Djokovic after throwing his arms in the air, sinking to his knees and eating a blade of the grass from the court.

"Roger is a great role model and a great champion and I thank him for letting me win today.

"I was hoping Roger would miss the first serve but it didn't happen.

"It rarely happens.

"That's why he has 17 Grand Slams: in important moments he comes up with his best shots.

"It wasn't easy to regroup; I don't know how I managed to do it.

"This is the tournament I always dreamed of winning - the best in the world, the most valuable one."

Roger Federer said he thought it was "a great final" ©Getty Images


Djokovic dedicated his victory to his future wife, Jelena Ristic, their future baby and his first coach, Jelena Genčić, who died last year.

Federer congratulated the champion.

"You know it's going to be tough facing him - sometimes rough physically," he added.

"I can only say congratulations: an amazing match, an amazing tournament, and deserved, well deserved.

"I thought it was a great final.

"Can't believe I made it to five - wasn't looking good for a while!

"I hoped it would be enough."

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