Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal added another thrilling chapter to their storied rivalry, with the Serb outlasting the Spaniard 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11), 3-6, 10-8 in the second Wimbledon semi-final on Saturday.

The five-hour plus epic, spread across Friday and Saturday because of Kevin Anderson and John Isner’s marathon tie barely 24 hours earlier, treated viewers to tennis of the highest quality possible.

Yes, Djokovic was the 12th seed on a comeback trail but anybody would have been hard pressed to identify the difference between the Serb of now and the one he was in his prime, before a lengthy injury lay-off due to an elbow issue.

Nadal was supposed to be the more fatigued of the two players after overcoming Juan Martin del Potro in a five-set thriller and Djokovic’s aggressive style from the off saw him reap handsome dividend as he broke fairly early in the opening set.

The Serb, one of the best returners of all time, consolidated on his break and would take the set 6-4 in 47 minutes.

However, Nadal came roaring back to dominate him in the second set to break in the third game itself and take the second set 6-3 in 52 minutes.

With daylight fading fast on Friday, the roof had already been closed and there was time only for one more set at best.

Sleeping on a two sets to one lead is always better than the alternative and both players were determined that come 11 PM (BST), they would be the ones with a definitive edge.

What followed was some of the best tennis of what has been a remarkable tournament, with neither giving an inch on their respective serves.

Nadal seemed to be dominating, but Djokovic would find a way to hold and it went to a tie-break.

The Serb didn’t start well and while Nadal had a few set points, he couldn’t capitalise and eventually Djokovic managed to turn the tide and secure a crucial 7-6 (11-9) win.

With the ladies final taking place on Saturday as well, Nadal and Djokovic had less than 24 hours to recover for the resumption of their clash and it looked the day would be the Spaniard’s as he raced into a 3-0 lead after breaking his opponent in the first game itself.

Djokovic, leading their epic rivalry 26-25, would break back but Nadal promptly returned the favour and would hold on to force the tie into a deciding fifth set.

Perhaps taking a cue from the sensational serves on display in the Anderson-Isner clash, the two greats produced masterclasses and initially it looked like Nadal and Djokovic would continue playing long into the night.

The Serb was the first to wobble, however, and at 7-7, with two break points, it looked like Nadal would take the tie but Djokovic clawed his way back and that game definitely deflated the indefatigable Spaniard by a smidgen.

A minute amount, it must be repeated but it was enough as Djokovic, despite missing a match point opportunity, eventually broke Nadal in the 17th game to end Nadal’s stubborn resistance.

Anderson, the towering South African awaits, and while Djokovic will have less than 24 hours to prepare for the summit clash, one can bet top dollar he’ll be on top form and heavy favourite to clinch his fourth grasscourt Slam.