Wimbledon 2019: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal result, Novak Djokovic through to final

Federer and Nadal served up a classic on Centre Court after Novak Djokovic secured his place in Sunday's showpiece

Wimbledon Championships in numbers

A vintage display from Roger Federer took him past Rafael Nadal into the Wimbledon 2019 final in an eagerly-anticipated first grass court match between the great rivals for 11 years on Friday.

The 40th career meeting between the golden duo with 38 Grand Slam titles between them, swung this way and that before Federer seized control to claim a 7-61-6 6-3 6-4 victory.

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic now stands between the 37-year-old Federer, the oldest finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974, and a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon title in Sunday's showpiece

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Preview:

Wimbledon order of play

1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] 1 vs Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [23] 56

2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) [3] 96 vs Roger Federer (SUI) [2] 128

Last five Fedal meetings

2019 Nadal d Federer 6-3 6-4 6-2 (French Open, clay)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-4 6-3 (Shanghai, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-3 6-4 (Miami, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-2 6-3 (Indian Wells, hard)

2017 Federer d Nadal 6-4 3-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 (Australian Open, hard)

Key Points

• Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in four sets to reach Wimbledon final
• Federer takes first set 7-3 in a tiebreak
• Nadal roars back with two breaks to win second 6-1
• Federer wins third set 6-3 to retake the lead
• Swiss breaks in the fourth to win 6-4 and reach 12th final
• Novak Djokovic beats Roberto Bautista Agut in first semi-final

[12 July 2019 13:21 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 2-0 Bautista Agut (40-40)

Better from Bautista Agut. The rallies are long, with both players happy to trade, and this time Djokovic's volley at the net is overhit at 40-30.

First deuce of the match.

[12 July 2019 13:23 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 3-0 Bautista Agut*

The defending champion holds, as Bautista Agut diverts a forehand wide and a beautiful forehand half-volley crosscourt clinches the game for Djokovic. 

He has a three-game lead early on. 

[12 July 2019 13:27 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 3-0 Bautista Agut* (40-40)

At 40-30, Bautista Agut tries a slice lob with Djokovic at the net, but the Serb is too quick - he shuffles back, and smashes his way to deuce. 

[12 July 2019 13:28 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 3-0 Bautista Agut* (40-40)

Another chance to get on the board squandered by Bautista Agut, who nets with a backhand. 

Back to deuce...

[12 July 2019 13:29 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 3-1 Bautista Agut

Bautista Agut holds firm - two errors from Djokovic, and the Spaniard is on the scoreboard in this semi-final!

[12 July 2019 13:32 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 3-1 Bautista Agut (15-30)

Our first slip on the grass! Djokovic chases a decent drop shot by Bautista Agut, but slips and sends his forehand wide. 

He's absolutely fine though, and quickly up on his feet.

[12 July 2019 13:34 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 4-1 Bautista Agut*

As is often the case with Djokovic, when he needs to crank it up, he does so. 

Some big serves and big forehands win him three points in a row, and his three-game, break lead remains intact. 

[12 July 2019 13:39 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 4-1 Bautista Agut* (40-40)

Immaculately played point by Djokovic at 40-30, with a drop-shot/volley lob/drop volley combination running Bautista Agut ragged!

[12 July 2019 13:41 · Kieran Jackson]

*Djokovic 4-2 Bautista Agut

Kudos to the Spaniard. He holds through deuce again, as Djokovic deploys the same tactic two points running, but misses the volley lob on this occasion. 

A return sails long, and the deficit is back to two.

[12 July 2019 13:43 · Kieran Jackson]

Djokovic 5-2 Bautista Agut*

Who needs a double break anyway? 

A faultless game by Djokovic, holding to love with four irretrievable serves (including two aces).

He's now a game away from the first set - Bautista Agut will serve next to stay in it.