WIMBLEDON, England – Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final on Sunday to win his 21st individual Grand Slam title.
Djokovic took control of the game at the end of the third set, then used his characteristic mix of power and discipline to keep Kyrgios at bay and win, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3 ).
The win gave Djokovic his seventh men’s individual title at Wimbledon and his fourth in a row. He won the trophy he loves more than any other in his 28th consecutive win at Wimbledon, his 39th consecutive victory on the center court and in his 32nd Grand Slam final.
Kyrgios, who played his first Grand Slam final, was the best player at the start, beating Djokovic in every facet of the game. But as he has done so many times, Djokovic discovered the little ways to get the best out of the often erratic Australian in those essential points that decide a tennis match as tight as this.
These reached the tiebreaker of the fourth set, as Djokovic moaned through the rallies and induced Kyrgios to make four consecutive mistakes to advance 6-1.
In his third point of the match, Djokovic pushed Kyrgios to the back of the court and watched as one last setback hit the net. He raised his arms and, as he has done so many times before, took a taste of the grass on the central track to celebrate.
In the long history of this tournament, there have been finals with more historical champions and much more beloved players than Djokovic and Kyrgios, but it is unlikely that there has ever been one that has presented a greater contrast of styles, in resumes. tennis, in personality and even. in his approaches to tennis and to life.
Djokovic, 35, entered the match looking for his 21st Grand Slam title, just behind Rafael Nadal, who is 22. (Roger Federer, who will turn 41 next month and is recovering from an operation on his knees, he has 20. Last week he committed to Try to return to Wimbledon for the last time.)
Kyrgios had never made a Grand Slam semifinal until last week. He hasn’t played any yet because Nadal withdrew from the tournament with an abdominal tear the day before his semifinal match.
The final brought an irresistible feeling of strength and still object to this prestigious championship. Djokovic was 10-1 in five-set matches at Wimbledon. Kyrgios had never lost any. Djokovic has a record of victories against almost every top player except Kyrgios, who had not lost a set with him in his two games.
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