18:00. Unfortunately, that's all we have time for this evening. I hope you've enjoyed following my live commentary as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I've been Cian Woulfe and tonight (and throughtout Wimbledon), the pleasure's been all mine. Until next time on VAVEL UK, thank you and goodnight.
17:51. Novak Djokovic on coach, Boris Becker, "We'll have a glass of wine, definitely. It took us some time to get used to each other, but we found some chemistry. This is his trophy, as much as it is mine."
When asked about the eating the grass. Djokovic: "It tastes very, very good this year. I don't know what the groundsmen have done, but it is a very good job. When I was a child, I always dreamed of winning at Wimbledon and doing something crazy, so that was it."
17:49. Roger Federer, "He [Djokovic] was solid towards the end. I didn't play badly myself, so I can be happy. I hope to see you back here soon."
17:45. Federer has been presented with the runners-up trophy for just the third time in 10 finals. Djokovic then receives a rousing reception as he lifts the golden trophy for third time.
17:40. Stay tuned for the trophy presentation and post-match comments.
Anything you can do... Novak Djokovic is now level with his coach Boris Becker on 3 #Wimbledon titles pic.twitter.com/2qRYTZyrxC
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
17:30. The trophy presentation will be upheld temporarily, while everyone waits for the roof to fully close.
17:29. And what a fantastic final that was, to cap off a wonderful Wimbledon. The winner, for the second year running, is Novak Djokovic, who claims his ninth Grand Slam.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 6-3 Federer*
Djokovic goes within touching distance, taking a 30-15 lead. He then hits a superb winner to gain two championship points. Could this be it? AND HE'S DONE IT! An unstoppable winner cross-court and Novak Djokovic is the 2015 Wimbledon Champion, for the third time.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 5-3 Federer
Federer comes really close to seizing control of this game, but he can't and Djokovic takes the reigns instead, winning the game and now, Roger Federer is now serving to stay in the 2015 Wimbledon Final.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 4-3 Federer*
It is imperative that Federer holds serve here, otherwise the final is pretty much over. He's gotten off to the worst possible start, hitting the net to go 15-30 down. His nice drop shot is unable to be returned however - 30-30. Worst comes to worst though and Novak gets the advantage. Luckily, it's recovered and Federer survives an almighty scare. Pressure's still on though.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 4-2 Federer
Djokovic shows no sign of letting up, blasting his way into a 40-0 lead. Federer does well however, to recover two points, but he just seems to be prolonging the inevitable. 4-2 and Djokovic is two games away.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 3-2 Federer*
Despite Djokovic's notoriously fantastic returning, he can't seem to keep these Federer serves at bay. The Swiss is, dare I say it, beginning to look slightly fatigued however. This is already by far the longest match he's played at Wimbledon this year, against probably the fittest player on the tour. It shows too, as he is eventually broken! Novak is in the driving seat for the title!
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 2-2 Federer
Neither of these two men look at like getting broken any time soon. A thoroughly professional hold there from Djokovic, displaying total efficiency.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 1-2 Federer*
Federer has only dropped two points in his last two service games, winning this one to 15 as he continues to put in a strong serving performance.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 1-1 Federer
An identical smash to that in the first game sees Federer take control in this game, but it doesn't last long. After an enchanting rally, Federer appears to have taken a 30-15 lead with a crafty drop shot, but Novak remains his cool, calm self and the return beyond his opponent's reach. Eventually, the champion holds.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4, 0-1 Federer*
An aggressive smash from Roger shows that he's not out of this yet. Despite a brilliant Nadal-esque 'banana' shot from Djokovic, Federer's serving is too good and he holds for the first time in this fourth set.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC WINS THE THIRD SET *Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 6-4 Federer
As the roof begins its eight-minute journey from one end of Centre Court to the other, Djokovic takes a swift 40-0 lead in what could be the final game of set three. Set Point. A failed lob from Federer lands him in hot water and Novak hits a routine smash to take the third set. One set away from the title.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 5-4 Federer*
A wonderful ace down the middle sees the under-pressure Federer take an early 40-0 lead, before an unforced error from Novak sees it to 5-4. Djokovic now serving for the third set in the Wimbledon Men's Final 2015.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 5-3 Federer
Novak knows that all he needs to do to claim the third set is hold serve now, so he's playing it safe and I can't see Federer breaking him anytime soon. Both players approach the net, before Djokovic 'out-volleys' his opponent, before wrapping up the game. Federer now serving to stay in the set.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 4-3 Federer*
Federer begins the fightback with a powerful smash and quickly takes a 40-0 lead. The score is back to 4-3 in less than 90 seconds when Djokovic hits one long. The Serb is still in control here though.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 4-2 Federer
So, we're back after 2o minutes. After a three minute warm-up and the roof still off, Novak Djokovic serves to get us back underway. A glorious rally sees the Serb approach the net, but Federer is too clever and pulls off an exquisite lob. Djokovic holds, though.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 3-2 Federer*
An encouraging start to his service game by Federer, going 40-0 up with another ace, before Djokovic's ball hits the umpire's chair. And finally, the rain has decided to show his ugly face and there's a temporary wait as the court is covered while the roof is brought over Centre Court. The players are in the players' tunnel for a minute or two. Commiserations for anybody on Henman Hill without an umbrella.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 3-1 Federer
Worrying times for Federer as he goes 3-1 down in the third set, after losing the game to 15. Djokovic has to stay focused now, if he is to capitalise on this lead.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 2-1 Federer*
As Federer races into a 30-0 lead, it's not hard to see who the crowd are behind, with raucous cheers every time the world number two wins a point. After the third deuce game in a row and a cheeky drop shot from Djokovic, the Serb breaks.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 1-1 Federer
Now it's Djokovic's turn to go two break points down, though it's quickly cut down to one, courtesy of a dodgy Federer backhand. Yet another error from the Swiss and it's back to 30-30. Two nervy points later and it's deuce. Just as Federer did in the first game, Djokovic recovers well to hold for 1-1.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12), 0-1 Federer*
After just under two hours, we are back underway in the third set. The match is getting better and better as it goes on. After some fluid tennis though, the hero of the second set is down 15-40. Djokovic chokes on the first break point and nets a backhand, before Federer finds his feet again and hits two aces for an advantage and eventually holding serve. Just.
ROGER FEDERER WINS SECOND SET Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-7 (10-12) Federer
Two battling rallies kick us off in the tie-break, giving both players a point apiece. Two unforced erros then follow and the champion has a 3-1 lead. An absolutely magical cross-court backhand brings the Swiss back into it, but he nets the next point, falling 4-2 behind. Jelena Djokovic watches nervously on as her other half goes 6-3 up, just a point away from the second set. Federer somehow recovers all three set points though, to send the Centre Court crowd into overdrive! A stunning forehand then puts Roger 8-7 up, with Novak now serving to stay in the set. Of course, he wins the point to ensure this nail-biting tie-break continues. Finally though, it's won by Federer with a great volley - at 12-10! This amazing final is level again.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-6 Federer*
The games are getting tighter and tighter now. Four tense points go half and half, before Federer hits a smash to gain game point. An unforced error from Novak and we've got another tie-break. Bring it on.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 6-5 Federer
Djokovic has a wonderful chance to go 40-0 up, but his net volley goes agonisingly wide. Two beautiful backhands from Federer later however and Novak is made to regret his basic miss. Roger then wins the next point to take the break point. After a nail-biting rally, the seven-time champion hits into the net. At deuce, Federer tries two down-the-line backhands - one fails horribly and the other is gorgeous, to bring it back to deuce again. The swiss then hits one that appears to be out, but challenges it and it's in - I've never seen such a close one. Four consecutive Djokovic advantages later and he finally holds serve. Federer again serving to stay in the set.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 5-5 Federer*
Roger starts positively, with a great ace down the middle, but his hard work is undone, as he throws away two easy points to put his opponent within two of going 2-0 up in this final. He equalises, but another unforced error on his part gives Djokovic set point. Novak's celebrations are prolonged though, as he drops two points, before Federer wins the deuce to scrape through to 5-5.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 5-4 Federer
A Djokovic serve down the middle is called out, to which he appeals. Hawk-Eye shows that it was in fact in, literally by millimetres. Novak eases to a fifth game and Federer is serving to stay in the second set.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 4-4 Federer*
The melancholy clouds look increasingly likely to open on SW19. Centre Court roof is on standby. Federer takes a 30-0 lead, running his oppnent ragged with a splendid variety of shots, before volleying home, to put himself at game point. Djokovic tries to get his foot in the door, with a nice backhand down the line, but Federer recovers in the next point to hold.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 4-3 Federer
Both players are looking strong on their serves, with Djokovic quickly taking a 40-0 lead. He tries to finish off a flawless game with a drop shot, but it's not high enough to clear the net. He doesn't let up though and finishes the game in style, with a forehand winner.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 3-3 Federer*
Djokovic tries a lethal passing shot after being gifted an opening, although Federer recovers beautifully and smashes a volley down onto the turf, much to the delight of the Centre Court crowd. One ace later and it's 40-15. After trying a crafty drop shot that fails to beat the net, Federer hits a stunning serve which Djokovic can't return.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 3-2 Federer
Federer seems to hitting quite a few uncharacteristic unforced errors, in this case, hitting a ridiculously wide backhand and then a tame forehand into the net to give his opponent a couple of easy points. At 40-15, Djokovic’s first serve is called out and his resulting challenge is unsuccessful, before the rally off of his second serve ends in a forehand going astray. Federer completes the comeback, bringing it to deuce, much to Djokovic’s frustration. After three deuces, including Djokovic fighting off two break points, the Serb holds serve with a fine backhand down the line. The term 'by the skin of your teeth' comes to mind.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 2-2 Federer *
Two magnificent aces see Federer ease into a 40-0 lead, but a misplaced forehand, plus a net-bound approach volley hand Novak a lifeline. A big serve then comes in, which the champion can only blast long. 2-2.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 2-1 Federer
Djokovic raced into a 40-0 lead, courtesy of a couple of sloppy unforced errors from Federer. He looks poised to take the game to love, but Federer plays a cross-court backhand which his opponent can only spurn into the net. The Serb recovers however, forcing Federer to do the same thing and Djokovic holds serve.
Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 1-1 Federer *
A tough start to the second set for Federer, with the Swiss having to endure a couple of long rallies, but he holds serve well and hits the ground running in this set.
*Djokovic 7-6(7-1), 1-0 Federer
Game for Djokovic who serve and volley in the net for win first game of the second set.
0-0 Start second set!
First Set. Djokovic won first set for 7-6 in tie break.
Novak Djokovic, alternatively, would have nine grand slams, taking him above five players, such as Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Fred Perry.
Roger Federer will win his 18th grand slam with a victory this afternoon, taking him four clear of Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras as the most decorated men's player of all time.
Another interesting fact concerning Djokovic is that a win today would see him draw level with his coach, Boris Becker, with three AELTC titles. The German will probably be experiencing mixed feelings regarding that potential fact, but he'll no doubt take it upon himself to steal some of the limelight, should the Serb win and rightly so.
I opened Wimbledon with my live commentary on the first day, just as I'm closing it on the last. From Djokovic against Kohlschreiber to Djokovic against Federer in just two weeks, it's been a fantastic Wimbledon - all leading up to this grand day. It's a shame the weather's not feeling up to it though, it's a mild, overcast day at SW19. I posted this link at the start and I'm posting it again, but here are the VAVEL Tennis Office's pre-Wimbledon predictions. I went for Novak Djokovic in the men's final, as I am today, while I backed Serena Williams to triumph in the ladies' draw, as she did ever so well yesterday.
These two are certainly no strangers, having met no less than 39 times going into this match, with the most famous encounter occurring this time last year, when Djokovic fought off a courageous Federer comeback to lift his second Wimbledon trophy, in five sets.
Federer's route to the final, on paper at least, has been much trickier in comparison to his counterpart's, with the Swiss having to face Gilles Simon, Roberto Bautista-Agut, before a semi-final showdown with the home favourite, Andy Murray. Every year, people begin to doubt Federer, due to age, but every year he continues to silence his doubters, and Friday was a classic example. Everybody fancied Murray to continue his fine run of form, but the Scot was made light work of, falling to Federer's mercy in straight sets.
His opponent today needs no introduction. Darling of the All England Club, Roger Federer has been here all too many times before. Playing his 10th Wimbledon final today, he comes into the match having won seven of the nine finals he's participated in and the only two players to beat him on Centre Court at this stage are Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The 33-year-old, should he emerge victorious today, will have won the same number of Wimbledon titles as his eastern-European opponent has Grand Slams in total.
Novak Djokovic entered this tournament as favourite and the Serb has not disappointed thus far. Defeating the likes of Richard Gasquet, Marin Cilic and Kevin Andersen en route to the final, the reigning champion has brushed aside every obstacle with consummate ease. He hasn't always looked at his sharpest over the last fortnight, but he's turned on the style when it mattered - and that, as everybody knows, is what champions are made of.
Good afternoon and welcome to our exclusive live coverage of the Wimbledon 2015 Men's Final, between seven-time champion Roger Federer and holder, Novak Djokovic. Stay tuned to this live commentary for a preview, before scores and updates, as the two best players in the world right now round off another stunning Wimbledon campaign with a repeat of last year's enthralling final.