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.”
Loading....
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-6, 2-1 Nick Kyrgios
Gorgeous pass from Kyrgios with the backhand, 15-15.
Kyrgios letting out some frustration after hammering his return into the net. 30-15.
A series of backhands swapped, Djokovic cracks first, his forehand into the net. 30-30.
Heavy, heavy backhands from Djokovic dominating that 23-stroke rally, the longest of the match. 40-30.
Magic from Djokovic, the disguised, sliced backhand dropshot. Too good.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6, 1-1 Nick Kyrgios*
Kyrgios with another ace, a seventh of the match so far, 15-15.
And another unreturned serve. 30-15.
One more ace, 40-15. This is a barrage of power being sent down at Djokovic.
Kyrgios with what seems a pretty pointless challenge, that was bang on the line. But he cranks it up once more, unreturned serve, game.
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-6, 1-0 Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic, determined, moves quickly to 30-0 after conceding the first set.
Another unreturned first serve, 40-0. We saw this ruthlessness against Norrie in the semi-final.
Now an ace, a game to love, impressive!
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 4-6 Nick Kyrgios*
Maybe the biggest moment in Kyrgios career yet, he’ll serve for the first set in a Wimbledon final and take a huge step towards a maiden Grand Slam.
He starts with an ace, 15-0!
A huge miss from Kyrgios with the backhand volley at the net, it’s long and we’re at 30-30.
Second serve, hammered at 122mph, Djokovic can’t control it, it’s set point!
Djokovic survives, Kyrgios’ backhand sprayed wide. Deuce.
Another rocket, 131mph, unreturned, set point.
He’s got it, ACE! Game, first set, 6-4!
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 4-5 Nick Kyrgios
Djokovic quickly moving to 40-0, looking to put the pressure on Kyrgios to serve out the first set.
A comfortable hold in the end, putting Kyrgios away with the backhand down the line.
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 3-5 Nick Kyrgios
There are actual gasps from Centre Court at the power on these Kyrgios serves. Three holds to love in a row from Kyrgios, who is a game away from the set.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 3-4 Nick Kyrgios*
Kyrgios with the tweener from the baseline! Djokovic meets it at the net to win the point and then wraps up the hold to love with an ace. But this free, uninhibited play from Kyrgios. Great to see,
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 2-4 Nick Kyrgios
Kyrgios lands the one-two punch, with the forehand winner leaving Djokovic stuck at the baseline. Ace from Kyrgios, and then he controls the points beautifully before putting away two lovely volleys at the net.
Another hugely impressive hold to love.
Wimbledon 2022: Novak Djokovic 2-3 Nick Kyrgios* - Kyrgios breaks!
An awesome touch from Kyrgios gets him off the board as Djokovic slides into the net, and then Djokovic pushes the forehand long looking for the corner.
15-30, and a few cries of ‘c’mon Nick’ around Centre Court. The whip on his forehand almost catches Djokovic short, and then there’s another wicked backhand slice! So low from Kyrgios, he follows it with another drop shot and then backhand down the line. Djokovic nets!
Two break points! Kyrgios attacks the second serve, but then Djokovic plants the ball at his feet. Kyrgios was so far forward there.
Another to come. Double fault from Djokovic! The second serve is limp and into the net! Kyrgios skips back to his chair!
Wimbledon 2022: *Novak Djokovic 2-2 Nick Kyrgios
Ooff. Two huge aces from Kyrgios wrap up the hold to love. Djokovic did not even move.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies