LONDON — Novak Djokovic got the better of Roger Federer at Wimbledon again.
The defending champion outplayed Federer in four sets Sunday to win his third Wimbledon title and ninth Grand Slam championship.
In a repeat of last year's final, won by Djokovic in five sets, the top-ranked Serb overcame the loss of seven set points in the second set, and pulled away to beat the seven-time champion 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3.
THREE #Wimbledon crowns. NINE Grand Slam titles. @DjokerNole defeats Roger Federer 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 pic.twitter.com/yi1bk8jFAo— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
WATCH @DjokerNole can't hide his delight after defending his #Wimbledon title http://t.co/zlWgwnDJbc— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
Djokovic broke Federer four times, and saved six of the seven break points he faced.
In winning the 40th career matchup between two of the game's greats, Djokovic prevented Federer from winning a record eighth Wimbledon title.
Djokovic closed out the match by breaking Federer for the second time in the fourth set, hitting an inside-out forehand winner into the open court on the final point. He pumped his arms and screamed, then bent down, plucked some grass from Centre Court and put it his mouth — just as he did when he won his first title in 2011 and again last year.
WATCH @DjokerNole gets familiar with the grass #Wimbledon http://t.co/uuA1fBphuv— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
Djokovic: "For these matches you work all your life...you envision being on Centre Court holding this trophy" pic.twitter.com/wsLWDcsPKU— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
After his win, Djokovic praised Federer as a competitor, saying, "One of the biggest challenges I have is playing Roger on Centre Court. It's a great honor."
For his part, Federer said Djokovic earned the title.
"Novak played not only great today, but the whole week ... plus this year, plus last year. He deserved it," the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. "Novak was tougher on the bigger points and at the end, he was rock solid. That's how it goes."
"I am still very hungry and motivated to keep playing. Matches like these help."
Federer: "Novak played not only great today, but the whole week ... plus this year, plus last year. He deserved it" pic.twitter.com/0ddxOIJR2x— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
Djokovic equaled the number of Wimbledon titles won by his current coach Boris Becker, who won at the All England Club in 1985, '86 and '89.
Novak Djokovic is catching up with the greats... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/6jn7mNM7Gg— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2015
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who had a rough Saturday, congratulated Djokovic on his Wimbledon win via Twitter.
Additional reporting by Mashable