Wimbledon 2022 LIVE: Novak Djokovic beats Nick Kyrgios to win seventh men’s singles title
The Serbian clinched a seventh Wimbledon crown after four hard-fought sets on Centre Court
Novak Djokovic withstood early brilliance from Australian showman Nick Kyrgios to secure a fourth successive Wimbledon title with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) victory on a sun-drenched Centre Court on Sunday.
The 35-year-old Serb stretched his unbeaten streak at Wimbledon to 28 matches as he calmly seized the initiative after being eclipsed in an opening set dominated by the Kyrgios serve.
In claiming a seventh Wimbledon crown, Djokovic took his Grand Slam singles haul to 21, one behind men’s all-time record holder Rafael Nadal.
“Thank you so much, I lost words what this trophy means to me,” Djokovic said. “I said this many times, it’s always the most special one.”
“He’s a bit of a god, I’m not going to lie,” Kyrgios said. “I want to congratulate Novak and his team, you’ve won this championship I don’t even know how many times.”
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-6 Nick Kyrgios
An easy backhand to be put away, but it’s long, Kyrgios 0-15.
Then the Aussie nets, Djokovic back level 15-15.
Stepping in, the Serbian sweeps a forehand past Kyrgios, who guesses wrong with Djokovic in the middle of the court. 30-15.
But that backhand is long, 30-30, a huge moment in the match, will Novak hold his nerve? Kyrgios two points from the set.
The Serbian takes his time, misjudging the throw, then Kyrgios hammers a return well long. Game point.
Kyrgios into the net, we’re heading to a tie-break.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-6 Nick Kyrgios*
Kyrgios to umpire Renaud Lichtenstein: “I’m in a tough position to challenge. You’re hesistant, you have no authority and are complacent.”
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-6 Nick Kyrgios*
An audacious drop shot gives Kyrgios a boost first up.
Then a brilliant backhand return from Djokovic, Kyrgios can’t get low enough, fast enough, and it’s into the net. 15-15.
Smash from Kyrgios! The Aussie edges ahead at 30-15. Djokovic picks up the drop shot, but smashes cross court and wide. Kyrgios pumps his fist in delight.
Game point, Kyrgios thinks he has an ace. Djokovic then challenges. Kyrgios argues with the umpire, of course.
He serves his second serve like it’s a first, Djokovic gets it back, he puts everything into a forehand, but it’s wide. 40-30.
This is a monster point, you sense he has to take this. And he does! Ace!
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 5-5 Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic so far keeping his head.
Kyrgios steps into a short second serve, punching a bachand winner down the line. 40-30.
But a superb serve, an ace, clinches the game, we’re level again at 5-5.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 4-5 Nick Kyrgios*
Kyrgios with a massive hold there and moves to within one game of forcing a deciding set.
Now, can he keep his composure and capitalise on any opportunities sent his way by Djokovic?
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-4 Nick Kyrgios*
Another routine hold for Novak, Kyrgios seemingly hanging on with his own serve.
“Let’s go!” Kyrgios with an extra push on second serve, huge. 30-15.
Now the noise from Kyrgios’ box, Djokovic picked up the drop shot, but he puts away the ball.
An ace is called back as a let by the umpire, Kyrgios rants about it being a “joke” and the sensor should be “toned down”.
He makes no mistake with the next serve, unreturned, the Aussie bounces back to his chair.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-3 Nick Kyrgios*
Kyrgios with some thunder on serve, this time Djokovic goes long.
Then a booming ace down the T. 40-0.
Djokovic pushes him close but a fine Kyrgios forehand secures the game.
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-2 Nick Kyrgios
That was another straight-forward hold for Djokovic. It’s 2-2 and he’s in control of his game.
Kyrgios must hang in there.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 1-2 Nick Kyrgios*
ACE! Kyrgios still digging deep on serve, that one at 127 mph to move to 15-15.
Gary Player and Tom Cruise approve.
The Aussie moves to 40-15 without much fuss. Another ace, make that 24, secures the game. 2-1.
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