The world No. 1 player Novak Djokovic showed exactly why he reigns atop the ATP World Tour when he outlasted rival Roger Federer to defend the Wimbledon title. This final was a repeat of last year’s battle for the Championships crown.

It was a contest that lasted four sets, one less than the previous year. Federer lost the opening round yet managed to rebound in the second set following one of the great tiebreaks of the 21st Century. However, from there, it was all Djokovic as he raised his game to a supreme level and dominated on serve to defeat the seven-time champion 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3.

“It’s a great privilege to play against Roger, who is a great champion,” Djokovic told BBC television on-court. “He has done so much for our sport on and off the court. It’s a great honour to play him again. I was aware coming onto the court, that Roger would play his best when it matters the most. He pushes you to limits.”

It was Djokovic’s 54th title in his career (9th Grand Slam trophy) and moved him to 48-3 this season. Federer, however, was unable to secure his elusive 18th Grand Slam title.

“Novak not only played great today, but also this year, last year and the year before that! Well done, Novak, you deserved it. At the end he was rock solid. I didn’t play bad myself, so I can be very happy. That’s the way it goes. Once more, it has been a privilege to play here.”

The Swiss No. 1 moved to 40-7 this season and will take several weeks off before the start of the North American Swing ahead of the US Open.