Nole lost the final vs Andy Murray 6-7 (10), 5-7, 6-2, 6-3, 2-6 in an epic five-set thriller after 4 hours and 54 minutes.

The match was an aggressive slugfest from the start featuring multiple fierce 30-shot plus rallies, including one at 54, key momentum shifts and some spectacular shot-making in some cold and windy conditions.

Murray seemed to be on his way to a straight sets victory after winning an 87-minute first set and then rallying from losing a two break lead in the second. But Djokovic stepped up to the championship level, playing points with confidence, improving his serve and putting pressure on Murray in the third and fourth sets. But Murray did not let himself break down, even if he said at the end he was not sure how.

Nole raised the level of his game in the third and fourth sets and with impressive performance and two breaks in each, came back from two sets down to level at 2-2.

It was maybe an extra day of rest for Murray that provided him advantage at the beginning of the decisive fifth set which was critical for the 25-year-old Serbian star. Andy broke twice to take a 3-0 lead. The 2011 champion broke back once and held for 2-3, but couldn’t do more. Murray held his serve, made another break in the seventh game, and served out the victory.

“After the third and fourth sets, it was tough mentally for me,” Murray said. “I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.”

“I want to congratulate Andy for his first Grand Slam, he absolutely deserves it,” he said. “I really tried my best. I gave it all I had and it was another tremendous match to be a part of.”

Match statistics: aces (7-5), double faults (5-4), winners (40-31), unforced errors (65-56), total points won (155-160).

Press conference:

Q. So how do you feel about this final today?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, any loss is a bad loss, you know. There is no question about it. I’m disappointed to lose the match, but in the back of my mind I knew that I gave it all. I really, really tried to fight my way back through. I had a great opponent today. He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody, I’m sure, because over the years he’s been a top player. He’s been so close; lost four finals. Now he has won it, so I would like to congratulate him. Definitely, you know, happy that he won it.

Q. You came around the net to congratulate him and hug him in a very sporting gesture. You’re the first person he sees in an extremely historic moment for Britain. What did he seem like to have having won it and what did you say to him?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: What I said is what I said to you, that he deserves to win and I’m glad that he has won this trophy. I mean it. I mean, it must feel great for him. It’s his first Grand Slam.

Q. What’s the key for you to get over this?
NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Have days without tennis.

You can read the rest here.

Highlights

Trophy ceremony

And you can see all the pics from this match on our Facebook

And Nole lost 800 points and now he has 10470 in the ATP Ranking. He is 1335 points away from Roger.

source: USOPEN.org
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