Defending champion Novak Djokovic defeated seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in four sets in the men’s singles final to win his third Wimbledon and ninth Grand Slam title here.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a ball during men’s singles final against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships in Wimbledon, southwest London, July 12, 2015.

The 28-year-old Serb won 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3 to overtake the likes of Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl in the all-time list of major winners.

Federer, 33, had hoped to become the first man to win Wimbledon eight times.

The Swiss won a thrilling second set tie-break but Djokovic came through to win in two hours and 56 minutes.

Federer had given his supporters real hope that he could overturn last year’s final defeat by Djokovic after his stunning serving performance in the semi-final win over Andy Murray.

It was Djokovic who came up with the big serves when it mattered, saving six of seven break points, two of them on set points in the opening set.

After Federer failed to consolidate an early break, his first serve deserted him in the tie-break and Djokovic took advantage, moving into a 6-1 lead before the Swiss double-faulted to hand it over.

The Serb won 14 of 15 points and then fended off two more break points in game five with his forehand as Federer continued to play catch-up.

When Djokovic worked his way to a set point for a two-set lead, he appeared to be closing in on victory, but the top seed sent a forehand long and a breathtaking half hour of tennis followed.

Three gripping games of cut and thrust heralded another tie-break, and the 15,000 spectators on Centre Court could barely contain themselves as Djokovic saw a 6-3 lead slip away after a stunning Federer backhand.