Novak Djokovic has become Wimbledon champion for the seventh time of his career after defeating Nick Kyrgios 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) on Centre Court. The Serbian was forced to come from behind after dropping the opening set but kept his cool to win the next three and get his hands on yet another Wimbledon trophy.
Djokovic was the big favourite to land the title after another strong fortnight at SW19 but got off to a slow start as he was broken in his third service game. And he was unable to topple the Kyrgios serve in the opening set as the Australian got the upper hand.
Djokovic started the second set strongly and raced to a 4-1 lead, before seeing it out 6-3. The pair then went toe-to-toe in the early stages of the third set but, with the score at 4-6 6-3 4-4, Djokovic finally turned the match on its head as he broke Kyrgios before holding serve to go two sets to one ahead.
Kyrgios refused to buckle and held every one of his service games in the fourth set. But Djokovic made the most of his experience to take the tiebreak 7-3 and secure victory under the sweltering London heat.
And after the match Djokovic paid tribute to his opponent. “Nick – you’ll be back, not just in Wimbledon but in finals,” the 37-year-old told Sue Barker o Centre Court. “I know it’s tough to find consolation words after a tough loss like this but you showed you deserve to be the best in the world especially on this surface after this tournament – I wish you all the best.
“I really respect you a lot, you are an amazing talent and now everything is starting to come together for you. I never thought I would say so many nice things about you considering the relationship. Okay, it’s officially a bromance.”
Kyrgios reaction
After the match Kyrgios paid tribute to Djokovic: “Yeah he is a bit of a god – I’m not going to lie,” he said. “I thought I played well. First of all congratulations to Novak and your team. You’ve won this Championships that many times I don’t even know any more.
“Obviously to all the ball kids, the umpires – I know we have a tough relationship at times so thanks for putting up with it. And [thanks] to the crowd – it has been an amazing couple of weeks for me personally.”
“I’m so tired honestly. Myself, my team – we’re all exhausted. We’ve played so much tennis. I’m really happy with this result and maybe one day I’ll be here again but I don’t know about that.”
Djokovic reaction
Following his victory Djokovic said: “I am lost words for what this tournament and this trophy means to me. It always has been and will be the most special one in my heart. It motivated me to play in my small mountain resort and I saw Pete Sampras win and I asked my mum and dad to buy me a racket.
“It was my first image of tennis – every single time it gets more meaningful and I’m blessed to be standing here with the trophy.
“It is the most special tennis court in the world and when you walk on the untouched grass and everything is so directed on the tennis, the players’ ball and racket and it has the most recognition in the world.”
Djokovic speaks about his success
Djokovic now takes his turn to speak to Sue Barker about the match. He says Wimbledon is his favourite tournament and that he now officially has a bromance with Kyrgios.
“I’m very blessed and very thankful to be standing here with the trophy,” he says. “It’s the most special tennis court in the world. This tournament has the most history and the most recognition around the world.”
