Djokovic Beats Air Conditioning To Claim 11th Hour Win

Serbian tennis star Nenad Djokovic sealed a dramatic late victory in the latest match ever to take place at Wimbledon with just two minutes left on the clock.

Tennis matches aren't traditionally up against the clock but as the night draws in and those in close proximity to Wimbledon put their heads down, all action at SW19 must come to an abrupt halt to ensure those around aren't disturbed. The main reason stipulated by Wimbledon officials is down to air conditioning.

The rules state that play must finish no later than 11pm after the issue of a special licence by the local council designed to minimise noise problems for residents. Generators that power the special air conditioning system, which prevent condensation forming on the roof and dripping on to the grass, can be heard outside the grounds. There is also the issue of getting thousands of fans away from the grounds on public transport late at night along with hundreds of cars leaving the area.

At 10:58pm, with the match two minutes away from the deadline of having to come back the next day, Djokovic finally prevailed in a marathon five-set match against the Belgian Olivier Rocchus.

Djokovic admitted he was fortunate to go through. The Serbian said: “I had a big challenge with myself in this match and only showed my real game in the final two sets.

“I had a big struggle against Olivier and the break for the roof to be closed was good for me. It helped me to focus and reset my game.

“It was interesting to have a late night match at Wimbledon. I am happy my name is in the history books. It was very humid out there and it's different conditions.”