Novak Djokovic overpowers Roger Federer to win third Wimbledon title

The world No 1 was the dominant force throughout the final despite squandering seven set points in an epic second set against an opponent who was bidding for a record eighth title at the All England club.

At the age of 33 with 17 Grand Slams, Federer would have been a hugely popular winner with the 15,000 crowd on Centre Court, but the Swiss second seed can have few complaints about being beaten by a better man on the day.

Djokovic’s own haul of career Grand Slam trophies now moves up to nine ahead of Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors.

"It's always a great privilege playing against Roger. He has done so much for our sport. And he is someone all players from my generation look up to," Djokovic told the BBC.

"I was aware coming on that Roger was going to push me to the limits. These particular matches you work all your life for."

Explaining his tradition of munching grass after his wins at Wimbledon, Djokovic said: "It tasted very good this year. As a little kid it is something you dream of."

Unlike a year ago when Djokovic edged a five-set final against Federer in the London sunshine, this one was all together more cut and dried with Federer never quite coming up with the formula to deter Djokovic from his ultimate goal.

"Novak not only played well the past two weeks, but through the year," said Federer.

"I had my chances in the first set being up a break, but I was lucky to win the second set. He was better on the bigger points. He was rock solid.

"I feel very hungry and motivated to keep playing. It has been an honour and privilege to play here, but Novak was very good today.

"I thought he played great, but I played well myself. That's how it goes."

Djokovic saved two set points on his own service game in the first set after breaking back from losing serve. He saved six out of seven break points before Federer restored parity by saving six set points in the second set to somehow level the match.

The players were forced off Centre Court midway through the third set due to rain for just under 30 minutes but the momentum was already with Djokovic at that juncture, who was a break up leading 3-2.

The Serbian served quite magnificently from that point onwards to see out the third set as Federer's service game that had served him so well throughout the tournament - especially in his straight sets win over British No 1 Andy Murray in Friday's semi-final - suddenly began to wilt in the face of some severe pressure.

With Federer hanging on for dear life in the fourth set, Djokovic suddenly began to breeze through his service games while his returning and movement were a joy to behold.

It was predictable when a second break of serve in the third set sealed the victory for Djokovic in just under three hours.

Djokovic, 28, has recovered strongly from losing to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final of the French Open last month.

If he wins a second US Open in New York next month, he will have won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in one calendar year.