Djokovic downs Federer to win third Wimbledon crown

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his Men’s Singles Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, 12 July - Reuters

Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the trophy after winning his Men’s Singles Final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, 12 July - Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic displayed the true depth of his steely core to end Roger Federer's hopes of a record eighth Wimbledon title with a 7-6(1) 6-7(10) 6-4 6-3 victory on Sunday.

The world number one overcame losing a stomach-churning second set tiebreak in which he squandered six points for a two-set lead, rebounding to overwhelm the Centre Court favourite who had reached dizzy heights in beating home favourite Andy Murray in Friday's spellbinding semi-final.

Djokovic now joins his coach Boris Becker on three Wimbledon titles, taking his grand slam haul to nine ahead of the likes of Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.

After swiping away a forehand winner to end a two hour 56 minute contest that never quite reached the heights of last year's five-set epic, when Djokovic also ended Federer's bid for an 18th grand slam title, he roared to the skies.

The 28-year-old Serb then knelt down and plucked up some of the cherished grass and put it in his mouth.

"He (Federer) makes you push your limits, work hard and win every single point," 28-year-old Djokovic said on court.

"I have to say it's a big challenge playing against Roger. A lot of players of my generation have looked up to him and followed his lead."