Novak Djokovic becomes fourth man in Open Era to record streak of four consecutive Wimbledon titles – joining Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg; Kyrgios called for a woman who “looks like she’s had about 700 drinks” to be ejected and berated his own box
The top seed secured his 21st Grand Slam title to move ahead of Roger Federer and just one behind Rafael Nadal on the all-time list, sealed with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory.Djokovic joked about his “bromance” with Kyrgios after they had shared Instagram messages in the build-up to the match.
“Nick, you’ll be back, not just at Wimbledon but in the finals. I know that it’s tough to find consolation words after a tough loss like this, you showed why you deserve to be one of the best players in the world, particularly on this surface,” said Djokovic.
“I really respect you a lot, I think that you are a phenomenal tennis player, athlete and an amazing talent. You’ve been hearing that for many years, but now everything is starting to come together for you.
“I’m sure we’re going to see lots of you in later stages of Grand Slams. I never thought I’d say so many nice things about you, considering the relationship. OK, it’s officially a bromance.”
The Serbian has now won seven of the last 11 titles at the All England Club, equalling Pete Sampras’ tally and closing to within one of Federer’s men’s singles record here.It has been a difficult season for Djokovic but he has once again been able to rely on the lawns of Centre Court to bring the best out of him, and he raised his arms aloft after securing another famous win.
Much of the excitement for the match centred on how Kyrgios would both perform and behave in his first major singles final.
Kyrgios’ first service game featured a 125 miles per hour second serve ace and an underarm serve but mostly Kyrgios wowed with the quality of his play, breaking Djokovic in the fifth game and clinching the set with his seventh ace.
