MX23RW : Monday, March 18 17:02:27| >> :120:79328:79328:

Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in Wimbledon classic

Novak Djokovic defeats Rafael Nadal in five sets to reach his first Wimbledon final since 2015.

Novak Djokovic has reached his first Wimbledon final since 2015 courtesy of a five-set win over Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of the famous competition.

Djokovic, who will face Kevin Anderson in the final on Sunday, recorded a 6-4 3-6 7-6 3-6 10-8 win over Nadal after five hours and 16 minutes of high-quality tennis in the English capital.

Novak Djokovic in action during his Wimbledon semi-final against Rafael Nadal on July 14, 2018© Reuters

Djokovic led by two sets to one when play stopped on Friday night, with the Serb winning a tie-break in the third after a high-energy first two sets.

Nadal raced into a 3-0 lead in the fourth set before Djokovic won three straight matches to level it at 3-3.

The Spaniard secured another break at 4-3, however, before holding to ensure that the last-four affair would enter a fifth set.

Rafael Nadal in action against Novak Djokovic in their Wimbledon semi-final on July 14, 2018© Reuters

A dramatic fifth saw both players hold their first eight services, but Djokovic edged 9-8 ahead before finally breaking the Nadal serve to take the fifth 10-8.

Nadal and Djokovic had not faced each other this deep into a Grand Slam since the 2014 French Open final, and they served up a classic at Wimbledon to resume their long-standing rivalry on the big stage.

Djokovic is bidding to win his first Grand Slam title since 2016.

ID:330598: cacheID:330598:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3007:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Premier League trio 'want Iago Falque'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!