Novak Djokovic retains title after gripping five-set final with Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic has won his fifth Wimbledon title after a marathon five-hour battle with Roger Federer.

Djokovic, the defending champion won 7-6, 2-6, 7-6, 1-6, 13-12 on Sunday (Monday morning NZ time).

It was an epic encounter between two of the greatest tennis players of all-times.

The scene was set for a cliffhanger with a tiebreaker in the first set, won 7-6 by Djokovic.

Federer, 37, fought back imperiously to take the second set, 6-2.

But Djokovic, 32, prevailed 7-6 in the third after another tiebreaker.

Federer broke the Serb's serve in the fourth to win 6-4 and take the tussle to a fifth set decider.

It was cat-and-mouse till the end of a gripping match.

Djokovic led 7-6, but Federer held serve and then broke his rival to inch ahead 8-7 and hold his own serve.

Then, Djokovic raced out to a 40-0 lead in the next before Federer came back to win the next two points, before the champion was able to serve the game out.

The next eight games went to serve, before Djokovic held his nerve - and serve in the crucial tiebreaker.