Djokovic successfully defends his Wimbledon title against Federer

Three thoughts on the Wimbledon 2015 men's final, where No. 1 Novak Djokovic successfully defended his Wimbledon title and defeated Roger Federer for his ninth Grand Slam title.

Jon Wertheim | Jul 12, 2015

Djokovic successfully defends his Wimbledon title against Federer /

LONDON – Quick thoughts from the Wimbledon men’s final, where No. 1 Novak Djokovic successfully defended his title against No. 2 Roger Federer and won his ninth Grand Slam title of his career.

• Novak Djokovic defends his title as the Wimbledon champion, with a workmanlike 7–6 (1), 6–7 (10), 6–4, 6–3 defeat of Roger Federer. Unlike last year’s final, this will not go down as a classic. But it was a thoroughly entertaining match, especially through the first two sets. Djokovic is known for his sensational returning and it was in full effect today. What the stat sheet cannot quantify: did the pressure of Djokovic’s return induce Federer’s poor serving?

Add this to the list of Djokovic’s virtues: his powers of recovery. He loses in the final of the French Open last month and we wonder how he will respond. He responds by winning Wimbledon. Likewise he lost seven points in the second set today, completely turning the momentum and igniting the crowd that was already in Federer’s favor. He responds by breaking Federer ten minutes later and running out the match.

Novak Djokovic defeats Roger Federer to win Wimbledon 2015 title

• Roger Federer—like Serena Williams, born a few weeks later—continues to mock age and its reputation for avenging. His level of play through six rounds here was vertiginously high. His semifinal match against Andy Murray might be the three best sets he’s ever played consecutively. His level though dropped today—due in no small part to the singular quality of the opponent. Against a peerless returner, Federer had his worst serving day of the tournament. The shankasaurus—kept in its cage all tournament—finally made an appearance. Federer imposed little impact on Djokovic’s service game. Federer should be fired with optimism for his fantastic form. But this one will also sting. At this stage in his career, he’ll be disappointed that he couldn’t bring his best level this afternoon.

• In an era that demands flash and GIF-worthy flourishes, one that has become accustomed to Federerian flashes, Djokovic is fighting an uphill battle with the public. He is more craftsman than genius. His strength is a lack of weakness. Being the best returner of all-time is like being the best defender. But while it might not make you a fan favorite, damn, it’s effective. Playing functional, efficient tennis, Djokovic is about to break the electrical fencing and head into the GOAT pasture. At a time of unrivalled depth, Djokovic won his ninth major singles title today. Take a look at the players he passed today, guys with names like Agassi, Lendl and Perry. Were it not for a zoning afternoon by Stan Wawrinka on a Paris Sunday, Djokovic, like Serena, would be coming to New York with designs of a Slam.

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE MEN'S FINAL

Wimbledon 2015 men's final

Published Jul 12, 2015

JON WERTHEIM

Jon Wertheim is a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and has been part of the full-time SI writing staff since 1997, largely focusing on the tennis beat , sports business and social issues, and enterprise journalism. In addition to his work at SI, he is a correspondent for "60 Minutes" and a commentator for The Tennis Channel. He has authored 11 books and has been honored with two Emmys, numerous writing and investigative journalism awards, and the Eugene Scott Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Wertheim is a longtime member of the New York Bar Association (retired), the International Tennis Writers Association and the Writers Guild of America. He has a bachelor's in history from Yale University and received a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City with his wife, who is a divorce mediator and adjunct law professor. They have two children.