Once again Novak Djokovic was forced to come from behind as he edged his way past nemesis Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3), to win the Wimbledon title for a fourth consecutive time.
The world No.1 headed into the final after playing two previous matches where he dropped the opening set. History would repeat itself on Center Court with the world No.1 initially being caught off guard by the highly animated Kyrgios before securing the win with 46 winners against 17 unforced errors as he won 75% of his service points. Djokovic is the second-oldest man in the Open Era to win Wimbledon after Roger Federer. The only man to have won the major event more times than him.
“I am lost for words for what this trophy means. It has always been and always will be the most special tournament,” said Djokovic. “Realising a childhood dream of winning this trophy. Every year it gets more meaningful, I am really blessed. The most special court in the world. I am extremely happy and grateful to be here.”
Although there was another story forming behind the scenes with a Peng Shuai protester claiming he was assaulted after trying to disrupt the match during the third set. He was seen being pulled to the ground before getting removed from the court.
Coming into the showdown there was an extensive gap in experience between the two. Djokovic was playing in the final of a major for the 32nd time in his career which is a record for the men’s Tour. In contrast, Kyrgios was contesting his first at the age of 27. However, it was the Australian who drew blood first during the opener at the expense of a tentative Djokovic service game that concluded with a double fault. After that breakthrough, Kyrgios dropped only three points behind his serve for the rest of the set as he soared to 6-3.
Coming from behind has been a common thing for Djokovic who had to do so in his two previous matches against Jannik Sinner and Cameron Norrie. In the second frame, it was Kyrgios’ turn to have a lackluster service game as the Serbian broke for a 2-1 lead with the help of a lucky net cord on break point. That was the first time Djokovic had ever broken to him on the Tour after suffering two straight losses in 2017. Fighting to draw level, he valiantly saved four break points whilst ahead 5-3 before prevailing with the help of a 119mph serve down the middle of the court.
There was a very brief halt to play early on in the third when a member of the crowd, believed to be a Peng Shuai protester, was shouting out before being ejected from the court. Shuai is a former Chinese player who is feared to be under censorship in her homeland after accusing a former government official of sexual assault. Drew Pavlov, who describes himself as a ‘human rights activist’ on Twitter, claims security ‘went nuts’ and assaulted him.
As for drama on the court, Kyrgios received a code violation for swearing after expressing his frustration with not receiving a first serve despite being interrupted by a member of the crowd. Nevertheless, he still managed to hold.
The mood of the Australian deteriorated further in the third when locked at 4-4 he lost five straight points which gave Djokovic a chance to serve for a two-set lead. Prompting a livid Kyrgios to scream in the direction of his camp in the stands. Meanwhile, a much calmer Djokovic seized the moment with relative ease to move ahead for the first time.
Locked in a battle, there was little to distinguish between the two throughout the fourth set. In the end, it would be a somewhat disappointing tiebreaker that sealed Djokovic’s win. A series of consecutive Kyrgios unforced errors moved him to a 6-1 lead before he triumphed on his third championship point with his rival hitting a shot into the net.
“He’s a bit of a god, I thought I had played well,” said Kyrgios. “I want to congratulate Novak, I don’t how now many times he won it.”
After having a somewhat rocky relationship over the years, Kyrgios recently said the two are starting to form a bromance with each other by messaging one another on Instagram. Something Djokovic agrees with.
“Nick, you’ll be back. Not just in Wimbledon but in many finals. You showed why you are one of the best players in the world. Congrats to you and your team,” said Djokovic.
“I wish you all the best, man. I really think you are an amazing talent. I never thought I’m going to say so many nice things about you, considering the relationship! OK, it’s officially a bromance! Hopefully, this is the start of a wonderful friendship. Let’s start with dinner and drinks and we will see.”
Six out of the seven Wimbledon titles Djokovic has won have occurred during a season where he has played no grass-court events leading up to the Grand Slam.
