After squandering a 5-2 lead in the fourth set, Djokovic managed to come back and defeat Federer in the fifth, denying the Swiss superstar his shot at making history by winning eight Wimbledon titles. The Serb won 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-4.

"Going into a match with Novak, you know it's going to be tough," Federer said. "I can only say congratulations to him. It was an amazing match and an amazing tournament. It's well deserved."

Djokovic, for his part, was surprised by his comeback in the final and decisive set of the match, expressing respect for Federer's skill.

"That's why he has 17 Grand Slams because at important times he comes up with those shots," Djokovic said. "After losing the fourth set it wasn't easy to go on and win the fifth set, I don't know how I did it."

slk/mz (AP, sid)