Novak Djokovic came through an “extraordinary” five-set marathon against Rafael Nadal to reach the Wimbledon final.

The 31-year-old former world number one will face Kevin Anderson in Sunday’s showpiece after an absorbing 6-4 3-6 7-6 (11/9) 3-6 10-8 victory which took five and a quarter hours.

It was the second longest semi-final in Wimbledon history, and came hot on the heels of the longest.

But while Anderson and John Isner’s titanic tussle on Friday, which lasted six hours and 36 minutes and forced the second semi to be played over two days, was more an exercise in totting up aces this was a cast-iron classic.

Djokovic, leading by two sets to one overnight, lost his temper as the fourth set slipped away and furiously hammered his racket against the sole of his shoe.

But he regained his composure to beat an exhausted Nadal in the 52nd meeting of these great rivals.

Djokovic said: “A couple times I lost my cool, then I lost my serve, then a set.

“Nadal is who he is because he knows how to use that momentum. When he sees the opportunity, he seizes it, he really takes it.

“That’s why this match was extraordinary from every point of view. I’m incredibly proud to have overcome it.”

Both players performed to levels previously not seen at these championships.

The match was entering Anderson-Isner territory when, at 7-7, Djokovic double-faulted for 15-40 but saved the second break point with a simply sensational forehand winner.

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Twelve – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Rafael Nadal fought back from some difficult positions (Steven Paston/PA)

Nadal was flagging and it told in the 18th game of a 91-minute final set. Djokovic raced to 40-0 and when his rival’s tired forehand floated wide, the 12th seed raised his arms.

There were times over the last year and a half that Djokovic feared he would never reach another grand slam final – his last was at the 2016 US Open – due to injuries and a loss of confidence.

“Yes, there were moments of doubt, of frustration, disappointment, where you’re questioning whether you want to keep it going in this way or that way,” he added.

“Speaking from this position right now, it makes it even better for me because I managed to overcome challenges and obstacles and get myself to the final of a slam.

Djokovic beats Nadal in semi-final epic

Excellence exemplified…Novak Djokovic edges one of the all-time classic #Wimbledon semi-finals with an astonishing 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(9), 3-6, 10-8 victory over Rafa Nadal on Centre Court, taking him to a first Grand Slam final since 2016

Posted by Wimbledon on Saturday, July 14, 2018

“If you had told me that six months ago, I would have taken it right away.”

South African Anderson, presumably watching somewhere with his feet up, will have no doubt been pleased to see the match last so long.

“Well, Kevin also had quite a few hours on the court in the last couple matches,” said Djokovic.

“But he had a day off, which is quite necessary at this stage. I wish I could have a day. But it is what it is. I’ll just have to accept the circumstances and try to recover as best as I can.”

Despite the bright sunshine in south west London Djokovic got his wish to play under the roof, keeping the conditions the same as they were the previous evening.

However, the Serbian insisted he was not involved in the decision even though it seemed to favour him.

“The tournament organisers and referees said that the roof has to be closed, because we started the match with the roof closed,” he said.

Asked if it made any sense to keep play under the roof, Nadal’s blunt response was: “No. But I don’t want to talk about that.”

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Twelve – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal embrace following their Wimbledon semi-final (Andrew Couldridge/PA)

Nadal was gracious in defeat, however, adding: “He played great.

“I think it was a fantastic level of tennis from both of us. I was not a spectator, but I think it was a great show for the fans.

“Of course, I’m not happy with the final result, but I’m happy about being part of this match, a great one.”