LONDON (AP) – Novak Djokovic called his five-set victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon the “most special Grand Slam final I’ve played.”
Not merely because it earned Djokovic a second title at the All England Club, and seventh major championship overall.
And not simply because it was a back-and-forth struggle against Federer, owner of 17 Grand Slam trophies, including a record-tying seven at Wimbledon.
That all made the moment worth relishing, of course. Still, what really made Djokovic so enthusiastic about getting past Federer 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4 was that it proved again – to others, yes, but mainly to himself – that he can come up big on the biggest stages.
Before Sunday, Djokovic had lost three consecutive Grand Slam finals, and five of his most recent six.