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LONDON — Novak Djokovic saved two match points to clinch a fifth Wimbledon title and 16th major on Sunday, shattering Roger Federer's bid to become the oldest Grand Slam champion in the longest final ever played at the tournament.

Despite being outplayed by the 37-year-old Swiss for large parts of the knife-edge encounter, the World No. 1 triumphed 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 13-12 (7/3).

At 4 hours and 57 minutes, it was the longest Wimbledon final ever played and settled by a final set tiebreak for the first time.

Djokovic is the first man in 71 years to win the title from match points down.

He is now level with Bjorn Borg as a five-time Wimbledon winner.

"I think that if this is not the most exciting final then definitely it's in the top two or three of my career against one of the greatest players of all time, Roger, who I respect," said Djokovic.

"Unfortunately in this type of match someone has to lose. It is quite unreal to be two match points down to come back and strange to play a tie-break at 12-12."

Djokovic is just four Grand Slam titles shy of the all-time record held by Federer who is more than five years older.

It was incredibly tough on Federer, chasing a ninth Wimbledon crown, who didn't face a break point until the eighth game of the fourth set.

He even had two match points in the 16th game of the deciding set which lasted over two hours.

"It was long and it had everything. I had answers, so did he and we played some great tennis," said Federer.

"I hope I give some other people at 37 the feeling it is not over yet."

Djokovic's win meant that the “Big Three” of men's tennis — himself, Federer and Rafael Nadal — have won the last 11 Slams.

He has now won nine of his last 11 clashes against Federer and three of their four Wimbledon meetings.

With William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looking on from the Royal Box, Federer carved out the only break point of the opening set.

But Djokovic saved it and with serve dominating, the set was decided by the tiebreak.

Two match points saved 

The top seed was 3-1 up, then Federer inched to 5-3 before Djokovic swept the next four points.

At 58 minutes, it was two minutes longer than the women's final on Saturday.

Djokovic, however, then went completely off the boil, losing his footing as he was broken in the first game of the second set.

Federer broke twice again and after just 25 more minutes the final was all-square with Djokovic managing just two winners in the set.

Federer was comfortably on top in the third set, flashing winners from all parts of the court but was unable to convert a set point in the 10th game.

Djokovic made him pay. Despite not managing a single break point in the match, he pounced again in the tiebreak to reclaim the lead.

Federer wasn't finished. Back came the veteran with a double break for 5-2.

Djokovic then carved out his first break points of the match in the eighth game.

The first was saved after a breathtaking 35-shot rally before the Serb finally broke for the first time.

It was too little, too late, however, as Federer deservedly levelled the final.

Into a tense finale, Federer saved three break points in the fourth game but a drilled, backhand passing shot gave Djokovic the break in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead.

The World No. 1 couldn't back it up and Federer had Centre Court on their feet when he restored parity in the next game.

AMMAN — The first edition of the Samsung Women’s Race 2019 titled “Run For You” encouraging women from different age groups and fitness levels to participate while stressing on the importance of sports in daily life concluded on Friday in Amman.

The first edition included 2.5km and 5km races. Huda Jaarat (00:11:10) came in 1st place in the 2.5km race followed by, Maryam Shaban (00:12:25) and Ayat Mustafa (00:13:47). In the 5km (Age group 12 — 18), Lama AlMufleh (00:21:41) placed 1st, followed by Suzan Al Jaarat (00:23:03) and Tabarak Al Jaarat (00:23:39).

While in the 5km (Age group 19 — 30) Hanoia Hasballah (00:21:09) came in 1st followed by Sabryeh Al Mradat (00:22:31) and Karina Othman (00:24:59). In the 5km (Age group 30+) Shareefa Saqqa (00:26:57) came in 1st place flowed by  Ghezlan Kamouni (00:27:38) and Mary Cox (00:27:44).

“We are proud with this achievement that Run Jordan accomplished by organising this unique event aiming at empowering women and showcasing their achievements in the various fields, and we are thrilled with the attention the race received, aiming for a bigger version in the coming year,” said Lina Al Kurd, general manager of Run Jordan, as she congratulated the winners and the participants.

LONDON — Simona Halep is the last woman standing between Serena Williams and achieving her long held ambition of equalling Margaret Court’s Grand Slam title record after both recorded easy victories in their Wimbledon semifinals on Thursday.

Seven-time champion Williams made short work of plucky unseeded Czech Barbora Strycova, whose experience of her first ever Grand Slams singles semifinal in her 53rd campaign lasted just under an hour as she lost 6-1, 6-2.

Former World No. 1 Halep’s clash with Ukrainian Elina Svitolina lasted a bit longer but the 27-year-old ran out a 6-1, 6-3 victor to become the first Romanian woman to reach the Wimbledon final.

Williams has missed the chance to equal Australian Court’s record on two occasions since returning from giving birth — losing last year’s Wimbledon final and then a bad-tempered defeat in the US Open final.

“It feels good to be in the final again after the year I have had,” said 37-year-old Williams.

“I have just needed matches to feel good and do what I do best and that is play tennis.

“I love what I do. I have a great job and I am still pretty good at it. I get a remarkable experience every time.”

Williams produced a dominant performance on Thursday which has not always been the case during the championships and she said she would not be taking seventh-seeded Halep lightly.

“She’s a tough opponent,” said Williams. “We always have great matches. I look forward to it.”

Strycova, who never managed to impose her delightful stroke-filled game on her opponent, at least has the consolation of perhaps winning the women’s doubles. 

Halep, who was French Open champion in 2018, will be playing in her fifth Grand Slam final.

“It’s an amazing feeling but I am also excited and nervous. It is one of the best moments of my life,” said Halep. “The match was not easy, the games were long and went deep.

Halep, who had knocked out new star, 15-year-old Coco Gauff in the last 16, lost in her previous semifinal appearance at Wimbledon to Eugenie Bouchard in 2014.

However, she said she was a different player now and had taken to grass.

The easy manner in which former World
No. 1 Halep wrapped up the match had not looked on the cards at the outset.

Svitolina, the first Ukrainian woman to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, and Halep traded shots aplenty and break points in the opening two games which took over 20 minutes to complete but Halep emerged on top with a 2-0 lead. Svitolina, being watched from the players box by her English coach Andy Bettles and French boyfriend and ATP star Gael Monfils, briefly raised her game to break back.

However, Halep broke again immediately and 24-year-old Svitolina gave an indication of her increasing frustration when she netted a simple volley and lashed out, kicking the ball into the net.

Worse was to come for Svitolina on her next service game wheh Halep produced a stunning shot to go 5-1. The 27-year-old Romanian dashed across court to get to Svitolina’s drop shot and flashed it cross court.

Halep, who had not faced a seeded player until Svitolina, faced some resistance as she served for the set eventually taking it on her sixth set point.

Although Svitolina stayed with Halep for the first part of the second set, the self-belief and fight had gone and when the Romanian broke for 4-3 it was game over.

All that was left was for Halep to blow a kiss skywards in celebration on sealing the match.

LONDON — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal set up a Wimbledon semifinal blockbuster on Wednesday, 11 years after their epic 2008 title duel, which is widely regarded as the greatest Grand Slam final ever played.

Eight-time champion Federer racked up his 100th match win at Wimbledon and reached his 13th semifinal with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Japan's Kei Nishikori.

The 37-year-old will be playing in the semifinals of a major for the 45th time.

Nadal, the two-time champion, made the last-four for the seventh time and 32nd at the Slams, by beating Sam Querrey 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

Friday's semifinal will be the pair's 40th meeting and third at Wimbledon after Federer won the 2006 and 2007 finals before Nadal swept to his famous 2008 triumph.

The other semifinal will see four-time champion and top seed Novak Djokovic tackle Roberto Baustista Agut, the 23rd Spaniard who has made the last-four at a major for the first time.

Federer is also the oldest man to make the semis of a major since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 US Open.

"We have a lot of information on Rafa and so does he about us. I know people always hype it up in a big way," said 20-time major winner Federer.

"They did that again in Paris this year [when Nadal won their semifinal in straight sets]. I'd love to play against him here at Wimbledon. 

"But I go about it like every other match."

Nadal, who was also champion in 2010, broke Querrey six times, sent down 10 aces and 44 winners in a convincing display which will give him great hope of beating Federer for the 25th time.

"It's great [to be facing Federer at Wimbledon again]," said 33-year-old Nadal whose recent 12th Roland Garros victory took him to 18 Slam titles.

"It's difficult to imagine to be again in that situation and here we are. I'm excited to play against Roger here at Wimbledon again after such a long time."

Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semifinals for the ninth time, racking up his 70th career win at the All England Club in the process.

The defending champion hit back from a break down in the first set to carve out a commanding 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 win over 21st seed David Goffin of Belgium.

In a ruthless display, Djokovic reeled off 15 of the last 17 games to secure a place in the semifinals of the majors for the 36th time.

'He was everywhere' 

Next up is Bautista Agut, who made his first Grand Slam semifinal with a 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Argentina's Guido Pella.

"He started well and was dictating play from the baseline," 32-year-old Djokovic said of Goffin.

"Things could have gone a different way if I had lost the first set but I was very pleased with the second and third

He added: "I had a tough match in the third round [against Hubert Hurkacz]. Other than that, I've won in straight sets and played really well throughout the tournament.

"It's exactly what I wanted and hopefully I can go in the right direction in the semis as well."

Goffin was on top in the early stages as he sensed the opportunity to become the first Belgian man to make the semifinals at a Slam since Xavier Malisse at Wimbledon in 2002.

He broke for a 4-3 lead but 15-time Slam winner Djokovic then reeled off the next nine games, taking the first set, and the second in which he allowed the Belgian just four points on his serve.

The contest was over by the time Djokovic broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set.

"Even if you play well, it's not enough because he continues to play deep, close from the line, left, right. He was everywhere," said a shattered Goffin.

LONDON — Roger Federer can rack up his 100th win at Wimbledon on Wednesday and set-up a blockbuster semifinal against Rafael Nadal.

In a quarter-final line-up which features five players over 30, there is a growing anticipation of a potential 40th career match-up between the sport's two most successful players.

If it does happen, it will be their first at the All England Club since 2008 when Nadal triumphed in what is widely regarded as the greatest final ever played at the tournament.

However, before they reach that stage, eight-time champion Federer has to get past Kei Nishikori while Nadal, a two-time winner, tackles big-hitting Sam Querrey.

Whoever battles through that side of the draw is likely to find defending champion and four-time winner Novak Djokovic waiting in the final.

At 37, Federer is the oldest quarter-finalist since Jimmy Connors in 1991.

He reached his 17th quarter-final at the All England Club — and 55th at the majors — with a 74-minute demolition of Italy's Matteo Berrettini, dropping just five games.

Between them, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic lost only 19 games in their fourth-round ties and faced just one break point.

"I think the best guys now are fully engaged, they know exactly what to expect from the court and the conditions," said second seed Federer.

'Nishikori great talent' 

"That helps us to play better. I think with experience, that's good. We haven't dropped much energy in any way."

Federer will take a 7-3 record over seventh-seeded Nishikori into his quarter-final.

Nishikori defeated the great Swiss in the ATP Finals last year, ending a drought which had stretched to almost five years.

"I'm a big fan of his game," said Federer of the Japanese star, who is into his second successive quarter-final at Wimbledon.

"I think he's got one of the best backhands in the game. He's a great return player. Solid mentally. I always thought he was a great talent."

Nadal, playing in his seventh Wimbledon quarter-final, faces Querrey backed up by a 4-1 record over the 65th-ranked American.

Querrey made the semi-finals in 2017, beating then World No.1 Andy Murray in the last-eight before falling to Marin Cilic.

The American has pounded down 100 aces so far at the tournament, dropped serve just once and accounted for fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the first round.

"When he plays well, he can be very, very dangerous on all surfaces," said Nadal, whose recent 12th French Open title took him to 18 majors, just two back from Federer's record.

Top seed Djokovic has a 5-1 record over his quarter-final opponent David Goffin who, at 28, is the youngest man left.

Belgian 21st seed Goffin beat Djokovic the last time they met in 2017, but that was on the clay of Monte Carlo.

Goffin is playing in his first All England Club quarter-final but was runner-up to Federer on the grass of Halle on the eve of Wimbledon.

“He's one of the quickest players on the tour. I think his footwork is probably his biggest asset,” said Djokovic ahead of his 11th Wimbledon quarter-final and 45th at the Slams.

Wednesday's other quarter-final pits Argentine 26th seed Guido Pella, who had never previously got into the second week of a Slam, against Spanish 23rd seed Roberto Bautista Agut. 

Whereas 29-year-old Pella is in unchartered territory, Bautista Agut is in his second Slam quarter-final of the season having also gone to the last eight at the Australian Open.

RIO DE JANEIRO — Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus’ dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday.

Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton’s opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium.

A last minute penalty from substitute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the South American giants their ninth Copa triumph and first since 2007.

Jesus’ evening went sour 20 minutes from time as he was sent off for a second booking.

The Manchester City striker was in tears as he left the field, making obscene hand gestures, angrily kicking a water bottle and almost knocking over the VAR booth.

Brazil’s players rallied after the dismissal however to claim a battling victory.

“It’s really special because we built something together,” enthused captain Dani Alves.

Earlier, after a minute’s silence was held for bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto — who died on Saturday — underdogs Peru made a confident start and didn’t appear overawed by either their opponents or the occasion.

But it quickly became apparent that they were up against more accomplished players.

“It was a game in which they took advantage of our mistakes and turned them all into goals,” said Peru’s Edison Flores.

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca had said on Saturday they needed to prevent Brazil from dominating possession, but that was easier said than done.

Brazil started to stroke the ball around commandingly, and as they did that, they looked dangerous.

Their opening goal came from a piece of individual brilliance by Jesus, whose drag back fooled two defenders, creating space for him to cross for the unmarked Everton to drill home at the back post on the quarter hour.

Brazil were in control and playing like champions elect as Roberto Firmino found space on the left and crossed for Philippe Coutinho to stab wide.

Left-winger Everton was clever with his movement in dragging the athletic right-back Luis Advincula out of position and Brazil’s left-back Alex Sandro found acres of space to put in a deep cross that Firmino headed over.

Just as it looked as if Brazil would stroll to victory, Peru went on the attack and a Christian Cueva cross hit the arm of a sliding Thiago Silva, giving Peru a penalty that was confirmed after a VAR review.

Guerrero sent goalkeeper Alisson the wrong way from 12 yards and Peru were back in it just before half-time.

But they paid for their lack of guile and experience with almost the last kick of the half as Arthur was allowed to drive at the defence from midfield following a slip from Renato Tapia that left him space to attack.

Centre-back Carlos Zambano also slipped, allowing Arthur to feed Jesus in the middle of the area and the Manchester City striker made no mistake, finding the bottom corner.

Brazil had a few speculative shots at the start of the second half but Silva, Dani Alves and Coutinho all failed to hit the target.

After some wing trickery from Everton, Alex Sandro crossed but Firmino headed wide.

Brazil were in complete control at this stage as Peru could hardly string two passes together.

But the dynamic changed 20 minutes from time as Jesus was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after a late challenge on Cueva.

The onus was now on Peru to attack and Miguel Trauco brought a near post save out of Alisson while Edison Flores fizzed a volley from outside the area just wide.

But amidst a flurry of substitutions, fouls and injury stoppages, the steam went out of Peru’s efforts and they were unable to exert any sustained pressure on the hosts.

Any hopes they had were extinguished when Zambrano was adjudged to have barged over Everton in the penalty area and substitute Richarlison drilled home the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

LONDON — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, with 14 Wimbledon titles between them, dominate “Manic Monday” at the All England Club with the “Big Three” still standing while weary rivals have again flattered to deceive.

Eight-time champion Federer, four-time winner Djokovic and Nadal, a double champion, all play last 16 ties against opponents who have never progressed this far before.

Federer, the second seed, tackles Italy’s World No. 20 Matteo Berrettini in what will be the Swiss great’s record 17th fourth round appearance at the All England Club.

“I don’t know him very well, so that makes it a bit more tricky,” said Federer, chasing a 21st Grand Slam title.

“I saw him play a little bit in Halle [where he made the semifinals]. Saw his run, of course, in Stuttgart [which Berrettini won]. 

“Now he’s backing it up here again. That’s not easy to do, especially when you’re sort of newer on the tour.”

Nadal, the champion in 2008 and 2010, also has an unexpected opponent in the shape of World No. 69 Joao Sousa, the first Portuguese player to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Nadal has a 2-0 career advantage over the 30-year-old Sousa, with both wins coming on clay.

“He’s a super dangerous opponent against everybody. He is very quick, has a very good physical performance,” said Nadal, looking to back up his 12th Roland Garros title last month with a third Wimbledon.

Djokovic insists he will not be complacent about his chances of reaching the final for the sixth time.

The highest seed that the World No. 1 can face before the final is No. 15 Milos Raonic, the 2016 runner-up from Canada.

But first up for the defending champion and 16-time major winner is 21-year-old Ugo Humbert from France who is playing in his first Wimbledon.

“There were a lot of top seeds that went out in early rounds in Wimbledon,” said Djokovic.

“That’s why these kind of tournaments are regarded as the most important events where you always come out with your best game.”

Until this year, World No. 66 Humbert had never played a grass court match on grass either as a junior or professional.

However, he has knocked out two seeds to get this far.

He saw off compatriot Gael Monfils, the 16th seed, through a first round retirement and then 19th seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in the last 32.

Should Djokovic emerge triumphant, he would face either Belgian 21st seed David Goffin or Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco in what would be his 11th quarter-final at the tournament.

Raonic, beaten by Andy Murray in the 2016 final, has made the quarter-finals in the last two years.

So far at this Wimbledon, he has fired 59 aces across three rounds and dropped serve just once.

Raonic tackles Argentine 26th seed Guido Pella who has reached the last 16 at a Slam for the first time — at the 20th attempt.

The 29-year-old Pella knocked out last year’s runner-up and fourth seed Kevin Anderson in the third round.

Roberto Bautista Agut, the Spanish 23rd seed, faces French 28th seed Benoit Paire with both men aiming to make the quarter-finals for the first time.

That would have been an unthinkable achievement for the volatile Frenchman just five years ago when he said he “hated Wimbledon... the tournament displeases me greatly”.

Monday’s other ties see 2017 semifinalist Sam Querrey face last-16 debutant and US compatriot Tennys Sandgren.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori, a quarter-finalist in 2018, tackles Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan.

LYON — For just the second time in the history of the women’s World Cup, there will be female coaches on both benches for the final as Sarina Wiegman’s Netherlands take on holders the United States, coached by Jill Ellis, on Sunday.

Only nine of the 24 teams present at this year’s tournament were coached by women, but the work done by Wiegman and Ellis has ensured the first final without a man on either bench since 2003.

Ellis, 52, led the USA to glory in Canada four years ago and can become the first coach to win back-to-back World Cups in the men’s or women’s game since Vittorio Pozzo with Italy in the 1930s.

Wiegman, meanwhile, is hoping The Netherlands can add the World Cup to the European Championship they won as hosts in 2017.

That would be a remarkable achievement for someone who, like Ellis, has a schooling in football in the US to thank for her career trajectory.

Seen as having an uncompromising management style, there can be no arguing with Ellis’s results, with the USA winning the 2015 World Cup and now becoming the first team to reach three consecutive finals.

Ellis had various roles in the national team set-up before becoming coach in 2014 and seizing the chance to deliver glory to the country that provided her with an opportunity in the game.

The daughter of a Royal Marines commando, Ellis was born and raised in Portsmouth in southern England at a time when football was very much considered a man’s game in Britain. She moved across the Atlantic as a teenager.

“I’d had zero opportunity to play football over here, so that is really what America gave me,” she said before the USA defeated England in the semifinals.

Of her British upbringing, the Manchester United fan added: “My whole British culture growing up, still I think is with me for sure and I am very grateful for that because had I grown up in another country, maybe the passion for football would not be where it is.”

While a hint of an English accent remains, Alex Morgan describes her boss as “100 per cent American” now.

Her team are overwhelming favourites to retain their title, but standing in her way is another woman who learned much in women’s college football in the late 1980s.

It is three decades since Wiegman jumped at the chance given to her by Anson Dorrance to go and play at the University of North Carolina.

“The year I spent there changed my life,” she said in an interview with The Coaches’ Voice website.

Before that, as a girl, she has said that she had to cut her hair short to blend in playing with boys in The Hague.

Dorrance led the USA to glory in the first women’s World Cup in 1991. Wiegman, meanwhile, went on to become the first Dutch footballer to win 100 caps.

However, women’s football in The Netherlands was slow to develop and she was working as a PE teacher before becoming full-time coach of ADO Den Haag in 2007.

In 2014 she became an assistant to the Dutch national team before taking over as head coach six months before The Netherlands hosted Euro 2017.

Under her, the Dutch have won 12 games out of 12 at major tournaments. Her team’s fighting spirit is something she says comes from her American experience.

“The American culture is very much about hard work and that is different to our culture,” she said after beating Sweden in the semifinals.

“If you want to win from a country like that, you need to fight and you need to position yourself and battle it out.”

Wiegman also said “women need to have the guts to make choices and take risks to go for higher positions”.

That attitude has paid off handsomely for her, and it is something of which her players are proud.

“Seeing there are two coaches leading the women’s teams to the final, that’s something incredible and something they can be really proud of,” said defender Dominique Bloodworth.