Djokovic took control of the match late in the third set and then used his trademark blend of power and discipline to keep Kyrgios at bay to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 ( 3). The win gave Djokovic his seventh men’s singles title at Wimbledon and his fourth in a row. He secured the trophy he cherishes more than any other in his 28th consecutive Wimbledon victory, his 39th consecutive victory on Center Court and his 32nd Grand Slam final. Kyrgios, playing in his first Grand Slam final, was the better player early on, outplaying Djokovic in every facet of the game. But as he so often does, Djokovic found the little ways to get the best of the often erratic Australian in those key points that define a tennis match as tight as this one. Those came in the fourth-set tiebreak as Djokovic whined through rallies and sent Kyrgios into four straight errors to take a 6-1 lead. On the third match point, Djokovic pushed Kyrgios to the back of the court and watched a final backhand hit the net. He raised his arms and, as he has done so many times before, took a glimpse of the Center’s grass in celebration. In the long history of this tournament, there have been finals with more champions and players far more beloved than Djokovic and Kyrgios, but it is unlikely that there has ever been a greater contrast in style, tennis resumes, personality and even. in their approaches to tennis and life. Djokovic, 35, entered the match seeking a 21st Grand Slam title, second only to Rafael Nadal, who has 22. (Roger Federer, who turns 41 next month and is recovering from knee surgery, has 20. Last week, he pledged to try to return to Wimbledon one last time.) Kyrgios had never even made a Grand Slam semifinal until last week. He has yet to play in one because Nadal pulled out of the tournament with an abdominal hernia the day before the semifinal match. The final brought an irresistible force-meets-immovable-object feel to this prestigious championship. Djokovic was 10-1 in five-set matches at Wimbledon. Kyrgios had never lost one. Djokovic has a winning record against almost every top player except Kyrgios, who had not lost a set against him in their two matches. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
