That has to be an absolute sickener for Federer. As has been the case several times when they have played (but probably no more so than here), Federer was the better player for large chunks of the match but ended up losing. How does Nole do it? I am obviously pleased that my preview tip has won the event but I feel bitterly sorry for Federer on this occasion. The match points seem a thing of the past now. Once again today Nole won a lot of the important points to keep himself ahead in sets one and three and most importantly the final point of the match.

You could argue Federer was the better player for four sets of tennis today and I think you would have a case. Nerves were evident on both sides of the net, especially in the decider and at times more from Novak. This is now the third time that this has happened to Federer against Djokovic though, twice at the US Open and now at Wimbledon, has he lost after having match points. The matchup isn’t kind to Federer even though he is there. Djokovic simply seems to have his number. He really dialled into the final set breaker and just did not miss and for the classic cliche, it is why he is the best in the world.

Having seen Serena lose yesterday it made my heart go out to both Federer and his fans. They would have wanted this soooooo badly today and this will have hurt them no end. Is this the last chance? That will be down to Federer, as I would suspect if he is around next year people will still like his chances, why not? Like with Serena it is a big chance gone though.

Love him or loathe him, you just have to say that Djokovic is the ultimate warrior at the moment. He dials in on all the big points when his opponents end up faltering. The longer this went on you knew it would suit Djokovic but by and large Federer held up pretty well. Nole loves a marathon though and this is exactly what this was.

Andy Del Potro