by Our Sports Desk

NOVAK DJOKOVIC dashed Roger Federer’s hopes of winning a record eighth Wimbledon crown yesterday as the Serb ripped up the script to defend his title at the All England Club.

Federer’s form had suggested he was capable of clinching his first grand slam success since 2012 but Djokovic ousted the Swiss for the second year running to win 7-6 (7/1) 6-7 (10/12) 6-4 6-3.

A stunning second-set tie-break went Federer’s way on Centre Court but Djokovic was irresistible thereafter, sealing his ninth major triumph, which now includes three at Wimbledon.

Neither player found much rhythm from the baseline, however, as spectators were given early catching practice with a number of shanked shots into the stands.

A sizzling forehand in the sixth game helped Federer strike a break but Djokovic hit back instantly, levelling up with a brilliant backhand pass.

The Swiss opened up two set points at 6-5, the second with a clever chip and charge, but Djokovic saved both with two heavy first serves.

The Serb then raised his game in the tie-break, crashing down a number of blistering forehands, and Federer double-faulted to concede the opening set.

The Swiss opened up two break points early in the second but Djokovic snuffed them out with two stunning forehands, the first of which was shown to clip the line after Federer had challenged.

The drama intensified again at the business end of the set as Djokovic failed to take a set point at 5-4 after Federer had double faulted, before the Swiss squandered a break point of his own during a lengthy game at 5-5.

If that was nail-biting, the tie-break was stomach-churning as Djokovic seemed to have a two-set lead all-but wrapped up when he raced 6-3 clear.

But Federer saved all three set points, the last of which saw him unleash a scintillating backhand down the line after Djokovic had the court at his mercy.

Five minutes of exhilarating tennis ensued as Djokovic spurned his sixth and seventh set points before Federer finally clinched his second, as a cool backhand volley sealed a 12-10 victory and sparked pandemonium on Centre Court.

Djokovic appeared perturbed, lashing a ball into the ground before offering Federer an early break point, which the Swiss was unable to take.

Outer frustration often masks the Serb’s inner steel, however, and he soon turned the tide to claim a break himself before spits of rain suspended play with the defending champion up 3-2.

The action resumed 20 minutes later but while the crowd took a breath, Djokovic maintained his charge to serve out and take the third set 6-4.

Federer seemed mentally and physically drained as the errors began to increase and Djokovic showed no mercy, taking another break with a booming return to lead 3-2 in the fourth.

There was a glimpse of a comeback when Federer went 30-0 up at 4-3 but Djokovic produced two huge serves. Federer was unable to respond, as Djokovic opened up a match point the game after and a crashing forehand winner sealed a clinical victory in two hours and 56 minutes.