Novak Djokovic’s epic victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final remains one of the most dramatic and unforgettable matches in tennis history. In a detailed and emotional interview with *La Nacion*, Djokovic opened up about the mindset and determination that helped him overcome Federer in that legendary final, offering fans a rare glimpse into his thought processes during some of the most crucial moments of his career. The match, which spanned nearly five hours, saw Djokovic save two match points and come back to win in a historic fifth-set tiebreak, a moment that solidified his place as one of the greatest competitors the sport has ever seen.
### The Emotional Weight of the 2019 Wimbledon Final
The 2019 Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer was not just any match—it was a showdown between two of the sport’s greatest rivals on one of tennis’s most prestigious stages. Federer, seeking his ninth Wimbledon title, had the majority of the Centre Court crowd firmly behind him. Djokovic, on the other hand, was battling not only the Swiss maestro but also the pro-Federer atmosphere in the stadium. Despite this, Djokovic’s steely resolve allowed him to overcome the odds in what has since become one of the most talked-about matches in tennis history.
In the interview, Djokovic admitted that he wasn’t always confident about the outcome, particularly when Federer held two match points in the fifth set. “Given the circumstances, it was one of the most important moments I experienced,” Djokovic reflected. “I was two match points down, and if you look at the match statistics, he played better than me. He won more points.”
### Federer’s Missed Opportunity
The pivotal moment came when Federer, up 8-7 in the fifth set, had two match points while serving for the championship. The first match point went unconverted, but on the second, Federer approached the net after hitting a forehand. However, instead of hitting the decisive blow, Federer’s shot lacked the necessary power, giving Djokovic just enough time to strike a passing shot. That one moment changed the trajectory of the match.
Djokovic seized the opportunity, broke Federer’s serve, and eventually forced the match into a fifth-set tiebreak after the set reached 12-12—marking the first time in Wimbledon history that a tiebreaker was used in the final set of the men’s singles final. Djokovic went on to win the ten-point tiebreak, clinching his fifth Wimbledon title and leaving the tennis world in awe.
### Djokovic’s Mental Game: Calm in the Face of Pressure
One of the most fascinating aspects of Djokovic’s interview was his deep dive into the mental side of his game during the 2019 final. The Serbian superstar is known for his incredible ability to stay calm under pressure, and he admitted that this was a rare occasion where he managed to maintain his composure in a critical moment. “When [Federer] served for the match, it was like, ‘Uh, this is going badly,’ but I kept calm, which is not always the case, believe me,” Djokovic revealed.
“People who know me know that I am not always calm on the court, but that time I had to be because it was Federer, it was the final, and the stadium was on his side.”
Djokovic’s approach to facing match points against Federer was methodical. He told himself that if Federer were to hit an ace, there was nothing he could do about it. But if he got the ball in play, he would do everything in his power to make Federer think, to put the pressure back on his opponent. “I said to myself, ‘Well, if he hits me an ace, he hits me an ace. He’s very good. But if I hit the ball, I’m going to make him play, I’m going to do everything to put him in a position where he has to think that he has to do something special.’”
This mental fortitude was key to Djokovic’s eventual victory. He managed to stay in the moment, make Federer think twice, and take advantage of his opponent’s errors when it mattered most.
### The Importance of Details: Djokovic’s Recollection of Big Moments
One of the most striking aspects of Djokovic’s reflection on the match was the level of detail he could recall, even years after the fact. Djokovic vividly remembered the sun setting during the final stages of the match, with one side of the court bathed in sunlight and the other in shade. “I got into that zone of mental concentration and self-control and I wasn’t paying attention to the noise or anything else that was going on,” Djokovic said. “I was shielded: that was the mentality.”
He also recalled how a similarly narrow margin had made the difference in previous encounters with Federer, particularly at the 2011 US Open when Djokovic saved two match points against Federer in the semifinals. “Like when I saved some match points against him at the US Open [in 2011], he was also 40-15. He served wide, I read his serve, I anticipated it, and I came out with a winner.”
In the 2019 Wimbledon final, Djokovic had a similar moment of anticipation on Federer’s second match point. Federer served to the T, and Djokovic was ready for it. Although the ball clipped the net and went out, Djokovic recognized that just a slight difference—a few inches—could have meant the end of the match. “Sometimes that’s what makes the difference. A margin that narrow can change the history of the sport.”
### The Narrow Margins That Define Greatness
Djokovic’s reflections on the match underscore how the smallest details can change the course of history in sports. A missed shot, a well-placed return, or a single unforced error can be the difference between victory and defeat. “These are some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport, which people talk about and remember for years. I am proud to have been part of those games,” Djokovic concluded.
The 2019 Wimbledon final will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. It was a battle not only of skill and endurance but also of mental strength and resilience. For Djokovic, it was another defining moment in his illustrious career, while for Federer, it was a heart-wrenching loss in what could have been a historic ninth Wimbledon title.
As Djokovic looks back on that match, his ability to recall every detail and his explanation of how he navigated those critical moments give fans a rare glimpse into the mind of a champion—a player who thrives under pressure and has the mental fortitude to turn the tide in the most challenging situations.