Serbia’s world number one, Novak Djokovic has outlasted Roger Federer, the world number two, to clinch his third Wimbledon title and successfully defend the title he won last year.

The match watched in Centre Court by a galaxy of celebrities and royalties ended in four sets, in Djokovic’s favour, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Federer ,left, salutes Djokovic after the match

With the victory, his ninth Garnd Slam title, Djokovic took sole ownership of eighth place in the all-time Grand Slam championship title winners list.

It was also his 200th Grand Slam match win which equals the mark of his coach, Boris Becker, the 1985-86 and 1989 winner. Djokovic is the first man to retain the Wimbledon title since 2007.

By winning the 54th title of his career, Djokovic earned £1,880,000 in prize money and 2,000 Emirates ATP Rankings points. He is now 48-3 on the season, which includes six trophies.

Djokovic saved two set points at 5-6 in the first set, then won 14 of 15 points – including a commanding performance in the tie-break. At the end of a pulsating final, he moved to 176-7 lifetime at majors after winning the first set (13-1 versus Federer).

But Federer continued to press, although he could not convert two break points at 2-2 in the second set.

Djokovic stepped up and when Federer struck a double fault at 4-5, 30/30, it gifted Djokovic a set point chance that he did not win – striking a forehand long. Federer responded immediately in Djokovic’s next serving game, which lasted eight minutes.

Federer rattled the tape with a searing forehand on break point, 30/40, but Djokovic held on for a 6-5 advantage.

In a dramatic tie-break, which was full of tension, Federer fought off set points at 3/6, 6/7, 8/9 and 9/10. He saw one chance at 8/7 pass, before sealing the 66-minute set on his second set point chance to get back into their 40th meeting.

Djokovic broke Federer’s serve at 1-1 in the third set. By 4:21 p.m., a rain shower saw the players scurry back to the locker room. At 4:41 p.m., the battle resumed and although Federer was more aggressive, Djokovic proved to be impenetrable – winning 94 per cent of his first serve. He closed out the 32-minute set with a hold to love.

The pressure continued to build on Federer in the fourth set, as Djokovic’s returns continued to pepper the lines and he earned the break for a 3-2 lead. Federer held off two break points at 2-4, but could not deny Djokovic, who struck a forehand winner into space to wrap up a memorable victory.

Federer, now 40-7 in 2015, had been attempting to lift his 18th Grand Slam championship crown. It was his 10th Wimbledon final (7-3 record).

*Additional reports by atpworldtour.com