(Tennis news) It wasn't for the first time in his career that Novak Djokovic lost the first set at Wimbledon 2022. Matteo Berrettini did the same thing in the 2021 final while Cameron Norrie and Janik Sinner did the same in the semi-final and quarterfinal round against the Serb as did Nick Kyrgios in the 2022 final. But all four suffered a similar fate, Djokovic scripted yet another incredible comeback win on the Centre Court as he beat the unseeded Australian 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) to claim his fourth successive Wimbledon championship..
Djokovic as it stands now has 21 Grand slams which is second in the all-time list, one ahead of Roger Federer and one behind Rafael Nadal's tally of 22 Major crowns. He has 7 Wimbledon titles which has equalled the legendary Pete Sampras in the second spot in the list of most Wimbledon titles in Open Era as Federer's tally of eight titles continues to stay atop. Djokovic has now won 4 titles in consecutive years which is the joint second-most in the Open Era at Wimbledon. Novak has gone on to win 9 Grand Slam titles after his 30th birthday, a tally that puts him one ahead of Nadal as he now stands atop in the unique list. Federer, Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver all managed four such titles each. His record of 21-11 in Grand Slam finals, remains the second best in Open Era after Nadal's 22-8 as Federer stands third with his win-loss record of 20-11.
Djokovic strolled into the second week of the championship, sliding into the final and going home with the title. This was subsequently Novak’s 32nd Grand Slam final and eighth Wimbledon final to Nick Kygrios’ first. Kyrgios was full of confidence as he yawned when the players waited in the lobby before walking on to the court. He was awake for his career’s biggest match as It didn’t take too long for Nick to dish out a 125mph second serve blitz, an underarm serve, a ridiculous forehand down-the-line winner that curved in and landed inside the sideline.Kyrgios was forcing Djokovic to the net as the Australian earned two break chances in the fifth game and won the first set 6-4.
Kyrgios was as focused as he had been all fortnight, having gotten an extra day off because of Rafael Nadal’s injury in the semi finals. Djokovic was unflustered by Nick’s momentum as he rode the Kyrgios wave and waited for his moment to turn it around. The moment arrived in the third game after a 23-shot rally, which was the longest of the final and Djokovic won that point by making Kyrgios run across the baseline. It signalled a shift in the momentum, and the very next game, a forehand error by Kyrgios was sandwiched between a solid Djokovic return and backhand winner got the Serb to 0-40. A lucky shot saw Djokovic break the sturdy Krygios serve for the first time in the match. The Aussie as usual started to murmur towards his box, and by the time he could regain his confidence he fluffed four breakpoints with Djokovic eventually winning it as the typical Kyrgios chatter and commotion had flared up.
The Kyrgios serve always packs power and precision, no matter the presence of the greatest returner of the world on the other side.The Australian had only dropped two points on serve as he lost just three points while serving at 5-4. Kyrgios’s mind seemed to wander after he complained to the chair umpire about someone in the crowd “distracting me when I’m serving, It nearly cost me the game”. While Kyrgios’ mind wandered away, Djokovic remained solid and served stronger, winning 94% points on his first serve whereas Kyrgios won only 66%. Kyrgios repeatedly kept talking to his box, even between his first and second serve. He frustratedly applauded at Djokovic’s box when he served out the set. The crowd was on their feet throughout in the fourth set in which both players refused to give an inch to the other on serve. An unfortunate Kyrgios double fault started the tiebreaker, it ultimately ended with Kyrgios losing the tiebreaker 7-3.
“I am at a loss of words for what this trophy means. It has always been and always will be the most special tournament. Realising a childhood dream in 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,” said Djokovic after the win.
Also read: Novak Djokovic reaches Wimbledon final after win over Cameron Norrie
