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 2-1 Nick Kyrgios*
Yep, this is great. Kyrgios is already pulling out the left-handed shots and looks to have the edge in the rallies. He pulls out the winner down the line, but Djokovic replies with an ace out wide. 30-15.
Kyrgios goes stretching for the forehand crosscourt and then frames another good serve form Djokovic. Solid hold.
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 1-1 Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios, serving from underneath the royals, sees his first serve belted back by Djokovic, who works his way into the rally but then goes wide. There’s an entertaining point to follow, Kyrgios staying low with the slice, Djokovic dropping short and Kyrgios then putting away the volley at the net.
Ace from Kyrgios! The first of many I’m sure. And an underarm serve! Djokovic reads it and the drop shot is a winner!
Now 40-30, after Djokovic goes down the line and Kyrgios nets. Big first serve from Kyrgios, Djokovic keeps it in play on the defence and is almost caught out by a lob from Djokovic.
But Kyrgios gets away with it as the Serbian nets on the backhand.
Yep, this is good.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 1-0 Nick Kyrgios*
A double fault from Djokovic on the opening point! A few murmurs at that. The next serve is straight fown the middle, and it’s followed by an ace. Now we have a rally, Kyrgios happy to slice on the backhand. He steps it up down the line. Djokovic goes wide!
30-30, Djokovic with the kicker out wide. Kyrgios looked for the angle but misses. Kyrgios then goes long on the Djokovic second serve.
*denotes next server
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Nick Kyrgios
Here we go! Novak Djokovic will serve first - and then he will take to the task of stopping the Nick Kyrgios serve.
Cannot wait for this. Strap in.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic gives Kyrgios a big pat on the back as the players meet at the net for the coin toss. There’s an early trick shot from Kyrgios during the warm-ups.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Nick Kyrgios
And here they are! Kyrgios leads Djokovic out onto Centre Court, raising a cool hand to the crowds.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Nick Kyrgios
In just a few moments Nick Kyrgios will take the most important walk of his career, emerging from the locker rooms through the corridors of the All England Club and out onto Centre Court. It’s a walk Novak Djokovic has made seven times on finals day alone.
The ballboys and ballgirls are out, which tells you we’re close.
Kyrgios to renew rivalry with ‘f***ing idiot’ umpire
Best of luck to Renaud Lichtenstein this afternoon, as the Frenchman faces the toughest job in tennis in umpiring Nick Kyrgios during a Wimbledon final.
The 41-year-old, seen here arguing with Alexander Zverev, will be in the chair for his first Wimbledon final this afternoon, although this is his fifth grand slam final.
Kyrgios clashed with Lichtenstein at the 2020 Australian Open, calling him “stupid” and a “f***ing idiot”.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Nick Kyrgios
It is seriously toasty on Centre Court. They’ve partially closed one half of the roof, I think to just offer some shade cover for the fans.
Sue Barker, on her 30th and final year of presenting Wimbledon, is fanning herself in between shots - somehow looking effortless despite the bold call of wearing a black blazer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments