This Wimbledon victory is the ''most special'' of his Grand Slams, says Novak Djokovic.
The top-seeded Serbian had match point in the fourth set against Roger Federer before eventually capturing the title in five sets.
''But, you know, I could have easily lost my concentration in the fifth and just handed him the win,'' said Djokovic. ''But I didn't, and that's why this win has a special importance to me mentally. Because I managed to not just win against my opponent but win against myself as well and find that inner strength that got me the trophy today.''
Djokovic, who regained the world No. 1 ranking, rated the quality of play as higher than his five hour, 53-minute victory against Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final.
''Sincerely, this has been the best quality Grand Slam final that I ever been part of. I've had a longest final against Nadal in the Australian Open 2012,'' he said. ''But quality-wise from the first to last point, this is definitely the best match.''
Going into the match, Djokovic had been defeated in his previous three Grand Slam finals and spoken of the importance of getting a win again. Following his victory, he put this contest at the top of his now seven Grand Slam crowns.
''Most special Grand Slam final I've played,'' he said. ''At the time of my career for this Grand Slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially, as I said, after losing several Grand Slam finals in a row. Started doubting of course a little bit. I needed this win a lot.''
Djokovic fell to Nadal in the French Open and U.S. Open final, and in the 2013 Wimbledon final to Andy Murray.
''So I think the biggest difference from Wimbledon this year and last year is mental, it's not really physical," he said. ''I had a tough five-setter against del Potro in the semis last year.
''I wasn't tired in the finals. Emotionally I just wasn't there. I wasn't at my best. I think that this year everything got together. Emotionally, physically, mentally, I was on the top of my abilities. That's what got me the trophy.''