In a match in which Kyrgios grew increasingly frustrated with the break and his own team, Djokovic remained calm in freezing temperatures to hold off Kyrgios in four sets 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3). This was the first Grand Slam final for Kyrgios, while it was Djokovic’s 32nd, and in the end experience paid off.
Kyrgios stormed into the first set in just 31 minutes and won 6-4, with Djokovic struggling to read the Australian’s serve. But then Djokovic found his rhythm, dropped the tempo ever so slightly and held on to take the second set 6-3 — which proved to be the turning point in the match. Kyrgios was visibly more frustrated in the third set and asked the umpire to remove a spectator who he said had “had 700 drinks, bro” and was talking to him during a point. Kyrgios also often directed frustration at his team as Djokovic largely kept his cool. He broke Kyrgios in the ninth game and then served out to go 2-1 up in sets. The fourth set, after a strong effort by both players, went to a tie break. Djokovic took the read on Kyrgios’ serve to win his third championship point. This triumph brings Djokovic level with Pete Sampras and William Renshaw on seven Wimbledon men’s singles titles, one short of Roger Federer’s record. Here’s how the men’s singles final went down on Center Court and how Djokovic kept his cool as Kyrgios lost his. THE JOKER’S REIGN AT WIMBLEDON CONTINUES 🏆 @DjokerNole captures his 21st Grand Slam title! pic.twitter.com/owXKPOOog7 — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 10, 2022
Taming the serve Kyrgios
Djokovic doesn’t have the reputation of being the best returner in the game. Man is a machine. But in the first set he couldn’t really hold Kyrgios’ serve — which included a second ace at 125 mph in just the second game of the match. Kyrgios lost just five points on his serve in the first set to collapse. It meant Djokovic had dropped a first set for the third consecutive Wimbledon match — just the third time in his grass-court career that has happened. But Djokovic is well aware of the turn of events and soon got a hand on Kyrgios’ serve. Kyrgios had won both of their previous meetings before Sunday’s final — and Djokovic had equaled just one break point chance in those two matches. But he broke Kyrgios once in the second and third to gain a foothold. It was truly remarkable given that Kyrgios managed to hold over 70% of his first serves, but Djokovic was able to manage them in the key moments. That included the tiebreak, when he broke Kyrgios’ serve three times to allow him to serve out for the championship. THAT’ll DO [email protected] defeats Nick Kyrgios in tiebreak to win the #Wimbledon Championship! pic.twitter.com/VojQ4mHLN5 — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 10, 2022
Third row fireworks at Center Court
Djokovic told us on Friday to expect “fireworks” in this match, and while there were no on-court flashpoints between the two players, he wasn’t looking for drama. They talked about their booming “dirt” in the buildup to this match, and there wasn’t really a bad moment between them during the match, but Kyrgios was still vocal as the match progressed as he targeted the referee, a spectator and even his own team. When Kyrgios missed his chance to break Djokovic late in the second set — surrendering three set points — he raised the chatter to his box. He was increasingly frustrated with the way the match was going and the conversation continued in the third set. At one point he said to his box, “I don’t get it! Why? I don’t get it,” then followed: “I’m going to hit a 130 [mph] second serve, that’s what I’ll do.” He then threw down an ace. He was also given a warning for an “audible obscenity” during that set, all in front of 8-year-old Prince George, who was seated in the front row of the Royal Box next to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. He was also angered by a viewer who said he was being talked down to at points. He complained about the spectator to the referee, saying: “Why is she still here? She’s drunk out of her mind.” And then there was his own team, which he was pissing off as the third set progressed. “I can’t do anything, do you guys care or what? I don’t like it. Do you know how hard it is to ace a guy three times?!” This continued in the fourth, with Kyrgios shouting at his box during the tiebreak, “What are you afraid of?!” It was the third set when the momentum shifted behind Djokovic. Kyrgios’ frustration continued in the fourth with several wrong calls going against him, and at one point he told the umpire: “You haven’t made any decent passes in three hours.” “It’s officially a bromance.” [email protected] to @NickKyrgios 😂 pic.twitter.com/QQCZyFDbxX — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 10, 2022
The battle to be the ultimate male KATAGOS
Djokovic is involved in 21 men’s singles Grand Slams, just one behind Rafael Nadal. Nadal has always played down the importance of emerging from that golden generation with the most Slams between himself, Djokovic and Roger Federer. But Djokovic has often spoken of wanting to be ahead of the pack. However, his vaccination attitude may make things difficult in the next two Slams. He is currently not allowed to travel to the US because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, while Australia imposed a three-year ban after he was deported in January. That means he is unlikely to play another Slam until France next year, on his least favorite surface. At 35, judging by his competitors, Djokovic still has a few years at the top ahead of him, but his chances of winning the Slams are slowly receding. What is not in doubt is his current hold on the Wimbledon title. Kyrgios had spoken of the importance of experience here — and how while this would be his first Grand Slam final, Djokovic knows every blade of grass and exactly how to navigate the sport’s biggest occasion. He said that would give Djokovic the edge and he was proved right as Djokovic won his fourth title on the bounce. Djokovic has won his last 39 matches on Center Court and his winning streak stretches to 28 matches at Wimbledon (the two losses in 2016 and 2017 both came on Court No. 1). He has reiterated his love for Center Court in the last fortnight and the next time we see him win a Slam might be this time next year. By that point Nadal would have had three chances to stretch in front, while Federer may still be in the middle of his comeback.
