Novak Djokovic Powers Past Nick Kyrgios to Win Yet Another Wimbledon Crown
It’s his seventh Wimbledon win and came despite the efforts of a visibly troubled Kyrgios, who frequently registered his anger at the crowd and officials, as is seemingly the way with the flamboyant 27-year-old.
Kyrgios made it through to the final after Rafael Nadal pulled out of the semi-final due to an abdominal muscle injury but had been superb throughout the tournament but was unable to prevent Djokovic from fighting back to a well-earned victory. The number one seed was certainly the favourite, with most sports bookmakers and the consistent performer duly delivered.
Strong Start
Kyrgios secured the first break of the match to take a 3-2 lead in the first set and was very clinical on his own serve, winning an astonishing 81% of his first-serve points. The Aussie, ranked at 45 but likely to climb steeply up the rankings after this tournament, took the first set 6-4.
Djokovic hadn’t lost a game at Wimbledon since 2017, and that came after he retired against Tomas Berdych, and he wasn’t about to give in so easily.
The world number three won a long rally to break Kyrgios in the third game of the second set and looked set to make a similar break in the third set, at which point Kyrgios started one of his loud-mouth outbursts.
Whether this type of behaviour is designed to put off an opponent or to settle his own nerves, Nick Kyrgios is developing something of a reputation for his antics, and while the way he interacts or berates spectators and officials is entertaining, it’s also more than just a little tiresome after a while.
Normal Service Resumes
Djokovic duly took a two sets to one lead, and the fourth went on serve and set up a tie-breaker, and it became clear that the superb 35-year-old, playing in his 32nd Grand Slam final, had worn down his opponent.
He duly blew away Kyrgios 7-3 in the tiebreaker to take the title, and the defeated finalist was quick to sing Djokovic’s praises after the game;
“He’s a bit of a god; I’m not going to lie. I thought I played well,”
The two had previously clashed but had put that all behind them once the drama of the final was complete, and Djokovic returned the praise back to Kyrgios, stating;
“It is tough to find consolation words at a moment like this, but you showed why you are one of the best players in the world,”
“I wish you all the best. I respect you a lot, and you are a phenomenal talent.”
“I never thought I would say so many nice things about you! OK, it’s official: it is a bromance.” He added.
Back on Track
The tournament win will help to get Djokovic back on track after a very difficult year, and though the win comes without any ranking points, due to the All England Club’s decision to ban Russian players due to the invasion of Ukraine, it’s clear that winning the Championship means more than enough for the player;
“It’s not a coincidence that Wimbledon has such relevance in my life and career,” he said.
“It’s a relief, as well, considering what I’ve been through this year. It adds more value and more significance and more emotions, of course.”
“This year started the way it has started, and it has affected me definitely in the first several months of the year,” the 35-year-old said.
“I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place.”
“I realised at that point that it’s going to take some time, that I have to be patient, and sooner or later, I will get myself in the optimal state.”
And it now appears that Djokovic is nearer the level he wants to be at, and while he’s clearly at the tail end of his extraordinary career, don’t rule out another Grand Slam or two. He now finds himself one behind Nadal in terms of total major titles, and that will be a milestone that provides more than enough motivation for the veteran fan favourite.