1.07 pm EDT
13:07

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 4-3 Tsitsipas * I say that, however I dont in fact think hes tossed this– as I stated previously, you dont show up for your first significant final, destroy Novak Djokovic in straights, then disappear on the sesh with your young boys, and I dont believe Tsitsipas has the gas for a four or five-setter in this context. Djokovic hasnt peppered him with winners, hes just hit to within half a foot of the baseline each time hes needed to– as we said at the beginning– and let psychological and physical tiredness do the rest. Anyway, were very rapidly ay 15-40– these are virtual championship points– and Djokovic gets him moving along the line. Tsitsipas tries a drop, Djokovic chases it down and discovers a great riposte, they exchange at the net, and Tsitsipas knocks a winner into the area. A big serve and 2 enormous forehands later, its deuce– thats a significant effort– and 2 points later, its 4-3! I believe its actually crucial to be clear that Tsitsipas absolutely has not bottled this– individuals can be keen to assume it when a gamer loses a lead– hes just run out of energy, kind and circulation.

1.00 pm EDT
13:00

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 4-2 Tsitsipas There we go, a forehand return winner offers Tsitsipas -15, but all of us know whats coming next … and there it is. Its not an ace however it is a service winner down the T, then another charm thats ballooned way over the baseline. The next serve exists to be hit however Tsitsipas cant manage it, and what appeared like trouble is quickly converted into an easy hold. Tsitsipas is lacking time and Im already in bits thinking of his interview. This is going to haunt the problems of his grandkids.

12.55 pm EDT
12:55

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 3-2 Tsitsipas * Ill keep stating this due to the fact that its remains the case: if Tsitsipas can keep holding serve, his genius shot-making can still conserve him. At 30-0, Djokovic turns a forehand winner cross-court and his effort to get it bespeaks a male whos almost beaten. A drop into the net follows, then a big serve dug up from the tips of the toes and bottom of the soul, an overhead hit at Djokovic still offering him an opportunity … however he nets. Another huge serve validates the hold, and Tsitsipas stays a live dog.

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12.52 pm EDT
12:52

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 3-1 Tsitsipas stated prior to the match that he d leave his body on the court, and hell need to. Thing is, hes missing out on balls he was striking previously on and treating that, when you can feel your long-lasting dream escaping in your exhaustion, is difficult even for me to procedure, never ever mind the chap who needs to discover the most accurate tennis hes ever played. Djokovic consolidates to enjoy.
Djokovic cant be human,” e-mails Gregory Phillips. “I know he has actually seemed fresh as a daisy after legendary semi-finals in the past, however in these first 2 sets it looked like tiredness might be finally be something that in fact impacted him. No, here he is, fifth set, just doing what he does.”
Its impressive isnt it. he can play a lot better than this, however his capability to his deep, much deeper than the earths core, when he truly needs to, looks set to win him this match.

12.48 pm EDT
12:48

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 2-1 Tsitsipas * A long shadow now intrudes on the court, down practically half of one side– its frustrating to see on a screen so is probably frustrating to see when tired and trying to hit a tennis ball. Anyhow, at 15-all Tsitsipas strikes a drop– Im uncertain numerous have worked for him today, but this is a goodun– except Djokovic screeches after it and though Tsitsipas reaches his riposte, he cant require it around the net post. Still, a shadow-aided service winner makes 30-all, then another drop is too good– again, Djokovic arrives however this time he can just get the angle to snap it wide. OK, hang on folks: a poor 2nd serve allows Djokovic to penalize a forehand winner down the line and this is the match– if Tistsipas is broken hes done for, so Djokovic tantalises him with the opportunity to his a backhand winner down the line and on the run … so he does! The stones to take that on! It tickled the whitewash too, however Djokovic wins the next 2 points for advantage! Here we go … and oh dear. Djokovic spirits a forehand deep, right by the line, and an exhausted, nondescript backhand from Tsitsipas drifts long! Hes in all sorts now, however can take some comfort that hes playing a bit better than previously, so you never understand (er, you sort of do … however possibly you do not).

12.40 pm EDT
12:40

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 1-1 Tsitsipas At 30-0 this looks like easy hold for Djokovic, but that shouldnt problem Tsitsipas too much. And anyhow, a mistake from Djokovic then a lob that drops long suggests its 40-30 … however Tsitsipas cant manage his return.

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12.36 pm EDT
12:36

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Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 0-1 Tsitsipas * It d be so fantastic, and a fitting end to a fantastic championships– in both competitions– if both males might discover their level here. However Im afraid to say that I fear Tsitsipas has actually gone, and a forehand winner from Djokovic makes 0-30. The match is here, individuals … and Tsitsipas discovers a growing ace down the middle! “TSIT-SI-PAS! TSIT-SI-PAS!” shout the crowd, and yer guy definitely lamps consecutive forehands down the line for 30-all. Arghhh, ich, and eesh– an absentminded backhand hands Djokovic break point– but wow, ping and zip– a serve out broad then a wrongfooting forehand into the very same corner make deuce! This is boiling and broiling now, however Tsitsipas cant convert his very first video game point; no matter. He hammers a forehand that makes him another go and he currently looks much better than in the past– a smart second serve down the middle, Djokovic spoons his return, and this is extreme. Ive no hint how these lads do it, no idea whatsoever; I can barely type, never mind run, hit and think.

12.30 pm EDT
12:30

Ive not a hint what Tsitsipas has left. If its not more than weve seen in the last set, hes provided for, but if he can concentrate on serving well hes got a possibility. Thing is, Djokovic is on a roll and isnt simply feeding the forehand any longer.

12.27 pm EDT
12:27

Djokovic takes the fourth set to level the match at 2-2!

Novak Djokovic fans doff their caps to their hero. Photo: Michel Euler/AP

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 Tsitsipas * Djokovic is best on the standard now, and looks extremely strong. He makes 15-0 with a venomous backhand, then a service winner takes him 2 points away. Next, a backhand goes long, but an ace raises two set points … the very first disappearing when a forehand is likewise long … however a backhand winner follows, and weve got ourselves a decider!

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12.22 pm EDT
12:22

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 5-2 Tsitsipas * This isnt vintage Djokovic, however it also is because hes finding a way. I question if it took him the first two sets to run the semi out of his legs, since the way he moves onto a forehand winner for 15-all is far much better than anything he managed in the early phases. Tsitsipas then wins 3 straight points, the final one with an ace, so Djokovic will have to serve for it.

12.18 pm EDT
12:18

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 5-1 Tsitsipas At 30-0, Tsitsipas comes in, so Djokovic clouts a backhand pass cross-court then rapidly closes out. Tsitsipas looks bushed, however hell wish to hold here so he serves initially in the decider.

12.16 pm EDT
12:16

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Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 4-1 Tsitsipas * More like it from Tsitsipas, who breaks Djokovics run of five straight video games, holding to like. Hes on the board in set 4, and the ace that sealed the offer will give him some heart– he served truly well in the very first two sets, but fell away badly thereafter.

Stefanos Tsitsipas stretches to play a forehand. Picture: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

12.13 pm EDT
12:13

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 4-0 Tsitsipas When you consider the big 3– the huge four even– what we sometimes forget in rhapsodising their strokeplay is their mentality. Djokovic looked tentative all the method through this match, however then scenario challenged him to discover something and now look. I wonder if Tsitsipas will tank this set now– well, not tank, however utilize it to hit his method back into type, due to the fact that the way hes playing now, hes got no possibility of saving himself excruciating, scalding pain. Djokovic holds to like.

12.09 pm EDT
12:09

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 3-0 Tsitsipas * Djokovic is hot, and two forehand winners give him 0-30; he is one of the most obscene competitors weve ever seen, in any sport. An ace and a backhand error then make it 30-all, and we end up at deuce; Tsitsipas squandering his very first benefit when Djokovic finds an outstanding length, then having his 2nd taken from him by a forehand winner.
” Tsitsipas probably attempting to keep points short due to his physical condition,” tweets @anandkumarn. In opting for outright winners, hes winding up with more unforced mistakes.”
I know what you mean, however Im not exactly sure – he generally plays like this, hes simply lost his rhythm and hes playing Novak Djokovic.

12.00 pm EDT
12:00

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* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 2-0 Tsitsipas Djokovic hooks a forehand wish for 0-15 but Tsitsipas looks bedraggled no, and the combination is secured to 15. Tsitsipas isnt playing well now, and if he does not improve hes done for.
” Tsitsipas should really think hes in risk of losing this now,” states @Mysteron_Voice. “Notwithstanding he lost the last set, how often do you see a gamer who is ahead take a medical time out?”
I dont understand, but maybe he was in pain? And Im sure he knows he may lose– hes playing Novak Djokovic in a significant final– however he needs to be wondering regarding the whereabouts of his video game.

11.57 am EDT
11:57

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 1-0 Tsitsipas * Tsitsipas dashes to the net to declare the very first point of set 4 only to shove his forehand long– hes not striking it along with earlier, and when Djokovic actions in on his serve, a shoulder-high winner follows. Tsitsipas returns to 15-30, however another loose forehand and hes facing two break points; when this happened in set one, he discovered 3 straight aces, but this time a tame backhand winner hands Djokovic the benefit. This is escaping now, and Djokovic has actually somehow willed himself into groove.

11.54 am EDT
11:54

After a big of twisting and pressing, Tsitsipas is good to go. I can not wait to see what occurs next.

11.50 am EDT
11:50

Tsitsipas will be dissatisfied with how he was broken in that set, but if he takes a minute will understand that you do not turn up, rinse Djokovic in three to win your first major, then go and get steaming with your mates. He nips off for a break, then gets the trainer on to have a butchers at his back.

11.46 am EDT
11:46

Djokovic wins the third set to trail Tsitsipas (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3!

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 Tsitsipas Ooh yeah! The video game begins with a sapping, mind-blowing rally, ended by Djokovic with a backhand drop on the run, and a whipped forehand winner puts him 2 points away. Tistsipas, however, discovers a beautiful forehand of his own, connected from the centre to the sideline, and then Djokovic sends out down a double! Eighteen majors and the nerves are still jangling, but what a forehand he finds when sent out to the corner, Tsitsipas dropping fractionally long with a riposte thats practically as good. A forehand winner follows, and the resurgence is on!

Novak Djokovic flings a forehand. Photo: Javier García/ BPI/Shutterstock.

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11.41 am EDT.
11:41.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 5-3 Tsitsipas * Tell you what, I cant remember the last time I saw Djokovic play this terribly in the last of a slam– if Tsitsipas loses this hell be poorly for quite a long time. And he nets a volley for 0-15 then discovers himself passed for 0-30, however Tsitsipas rapidly levels the game then when Djokovic catches up with a drop, simply, they exchange gets prior to Djokovic raps one at him and he glances house a winning volley then closes out. Djokovic will have to serve for it …

11.36 am EDT.
11:36.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 5-2 Tsitsipas Djokovic goes long with a forehand and chastises the cosmos for its gross injustices; the crowd boo. Ive no idea how a grown grownup can go through with such activity– “use your words,” as we utilized to state to my nipper– but Tsitsipas is back into this now and rapidly makes 15-30. Djokovic, though, puts a forehand into the corner then, in spite of a tame second serve, raises video game point with a luscious drop then wallops a forehand to that very same forehand corner.

11.31 am EDT.
11:31.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 4-2 Tsitsipas * Tsitsipas might do with a comfortable hold here, however at 15-0 he sends down his second double of the match and is soon serving at 15-30. He discovers a sizeable very first serve, then another– mentally, he is right there– and a high kicker out to the backhand gets him back settled.

11.26 am EDT.
11:26.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 4-1 Tsitsipas Last time Djokovic broke, Tsitsipas answered back immediately, however yerman is combating his method into stride … though as I type that, Tsitsipas dematerialises a forehand winner that screams cross-court for 30-15. Djokovic, though, closes out easily enough.

11.23 am EDT.
11:23.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 3-1 Tsitsipas * At 15-all, Djokovic has a go at a second serve, but Tsitsipas just pays out succeeding monstrous forehands; that shot is controling the match and its hard to see how that modifications … er, maybe like that! At 40-15, Djokovic smacks a backhand winner down the line, then hangs in until Tsitsipas nets a forehand; deuce. Hes been marvelous under pressure so far, but another forehand mistake indicates hes under it once again … and its Djokovic who crumbles, missing a basic half-court forehand after dictating the rally and forcing Tsitsipas to safeguard frantically (and remarkably).

The crowd watch Novak Djokovic fire off a forehand. Photograph: Javier García/ BPI/Shutterstock.

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11.10 am EDT.
11:10.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 2-1 Tsitsipas Again, Tsitsipas thinks Djokovic has actually gone long, circling where he believes the mark is; again, the umpire believes to the contrary and Djokovic shakes his head disapprovingly. He likes guidelines. Anyhow, an excellent wrong-footing forehand offers Tsitsipas 30-all, and if he can discover a return here hes bang in company. A return to a 2nd serve! However this time his forehand lets him down and a great one from Djokovic– weve not seen numerous– gets them took a seat again.

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11.06 am EDT.
11:06.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 1-1 Tsitsipas * A forehand winner followed by a ninth ace provides Tsitsipas 30-0, but then Djokovic discovers a marvelous forehand return on the stretch for 40-30. Weve not seen much of that today, and a serve out wide followed by a clean-up forehand snuff out hope as soon as it was kindled.

11.03 am EDT.
11:03.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 1-0 Tsitsipas For Tsitsipas to play like this in his very first significant last is very outstanding; hes not been at his best, however hes been strong, and his solid– embroidered with the occasional ripper– is brilliant. Djokovic holds to 15.

10.59 am EDT.
10:59.

” Looks like Djokovic is going to require one of his legendary bathroom breaks at the end of this set, to recalibrate himself,” tweets @Mysteron_Voice.
You cant underestimate the recovery powers of an excellent slash.

10.57 am EDT.
10:57.

Tsitsipas is so relaxed out there now, playing his video game. Djokovic, on the other hand, looks tired and out of concepts– but we understand what he can do, so this isnt over.

10.56 am EDT.
10:56.

Tsitsipas wins the 2nd set to lead 7-6( 6) 6-2!

Novak Djokovic looks dejected. Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters.

Updated.
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Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 Tsitsipas * Here we go. Djokovic, who looks pretty pitiable out there, lands a return on the line; Tsitsipas circles around a mark, the umpire has a look, and says its in; 0-15. 3 Djokovician mistakes follow, then an ace down the middle, and oh my outright days! Weve been awaiting about three years, however are the big three about to be taken over?

10.52 am EDT.
10:52.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-5 Tsitsipas checks out a second serve and absolutely rips it down the line for 15-all; tellingly, Djokovic doesnt chase it even though he had an opportunity of arriving, and when he attempts a drop next point, Tsitsipas runs it down and touches a glorious flick into the empty bit of the court. AND HAVE A LOOK! A mistake from Djokovic provides 15-40– it quickly ends up being 30-40– and what a point this is turning up. But its a squib, Tsitsipas forehand clipping the net and leaping wide; deuce. No matter. He wrests control of the rally with a backhand, then releases a wrong-footing winner, into Djokovics backhand corner as he scurries far from it to the centre. Djokovic then nets a forehand, and this set is almost over!

10.48 am EDT.
10:48.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-4 Tsitsipas * The rallies have actually been much shorter the last couple of games, but we have a longun to start here, once again dominated by Tsitsipas forehand, and Djokovic flails with a desperate drop that hits the internet. Previously, we were talking about how he tends not to target a specific aspect of his opponents video game in order to keep them guessing, however it might be time to examine how Tsitsipas backhand stands under pressure because at the moment the match is going as well as he can possibly have actually dreamed. He holds to love.

10.44 am EDT.
10:44.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-3 Tsitsipas Djokovic originated from 2-0 down versus Musetti, but this is a really different affair. Tsitsipas is in excellent shape, has great shots and, most of all, hes prepared: his video game is there, his body exists, his mind exists. Djokovic is, though, holding comfortably now; can he force a break-back chance?

10.42 am EDT.
10:42.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 1-3 Tsitsipas * Im not sure how he does it, however Djokovic always manages to look bad on the court– I indicate, simply look at this rig. No doubt as a consequence, Tsitsipas forehand is dominating the match at the moment, and he holds to 15.

Photograph: Yoan Valat/EPA.

10.37 am EDT.
10:37.

Since Djokovic isnt presently at it, * Djokovic (6 )6-7 1-2 Tsitsipas needs to make this count. He does, though, hold to 15, which gets him on the board in set 2.

10.35 am EDT.
10:35.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 0-2 Tsitsipas * Tsitsipas will know these are the moments of his life. Hell never have experienced anything like this however hell have visualised it every day for years and years. Ive no concept how you deal with this kind of thing however oh my god, at 0-15 Tsitsipas awaits the rally, Djokovic botching an overhead and permitting him to jump into a backhand retort. Even then, though, Djokovic ought to do more with his forehand, not hard adequate or deep enough into the forehand corner, however nevertheless, however, Tsitsipas reaction is too good and exceptional, walloped at the laces; hes enjoying this, however will need to get by deuce if hes to consolidate … and does at the very first time of asking, a loopy forehand onto the line sealing the offer. This is very extreme now.

10.29 am EDT.
10:29.

* Djokovic (6 )6-7 0-1 Tsitsipas It truly did look like Djokovic was doing his usual in that set, finding his finest tennis for its essential moment. Djokovic conserves the first break point … however then goes long with a forehand on the 2nd!

10.24 am EDT.
10:24.

That was such a great breaker, variations, winners and, if were being genuine, the much better outcome for the match were hoping to see. As soon as Medvedev lost the opener in Australia he was completed, but here, Djokovic remains in a match.

10.22 am EDT.
10:22.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 Tsitsipas This is bigger than Sam Allardyce is this, this is, is this– if Djokovic wins it, its hard to see a way back however if Tsitsipas wins it who understands– and he responds remarkably to a brilliant Djokovic go back to make his 2nd set point at 6-7– and he takes it! The return goes in, a huge forehand follows, and Djokovic can just whip broad!

Updated.
at 11.03 am EDT.

Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 4-3 Tsitsipas * I state that, but I dont actually believe hes tossed this– as I said previously, you do not turn up for your very first major last, damage Novak Djokovic in straights, then disappear on the sesh with your boys, and I do not believe Tsitsipas has the gas for a 4 or five-setter in this context. Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 6-3 1-0 Tsitsipas * Tsitsipas dashes to the web to claim the first point of set four just to push his forehand long– hes not hitting it as well as earlier, and when Djokovic steps in on his serve, a shoulder-high winner follows. Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 5-3 Tsitsipas * Tell you what, I cant remember the last time I saw Djokovic play this terribly in the final of a slam– if Tsitsipas loses this hell be inadequately for rather some time. * Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-6 2-1 Tsitsipas Again, Tsitsipas believes Djokovic has actually gone long, circling around where he thinks the mark is; again, the umpire thinks to the contrary and Djokovic shakes his head disapprovingly. * Djokovic (6 )6-7 2-5 Tsitsipas reads a second serve and absolutely rips it down the line for 15-all; tellingly, Djokovic does not chase it even though he had an opportunity of getting there, and when he tries a drop next point, Tsitsipas runs it down and caresses a marvelous flick into the empty bit of the court.

Tistsipas takes the first set 7-6( 6 ).

Stefanos Tsitsipas commemorates a winning point. Picture: Michel Euler/AP.