It was a well-known scene on Centre Court docket Sunday. Simply moments after securing one other Wimbledon title, the Serbian knelt down, pulled a chunk of grass from the courtroom and tasted his victory.
On this event, that chew was additional candy. Djokovic claimed his first main title of the season and his twenty first Grand Slam total by defeating Nick Kyrgios in an thrilling four-set remaining.
“Clearly over the moon with pleasure and happiness of experiencing this second as soon as once more. I’ve mentioned it many occasions, this event is additional particular for me as a result of it has been the primary event that I’ve ever watched as a child that acquired me to begin enjoying tennis,” Djokovic mentioned. “I do not take any wins with no consideration, and significantly not [at] Wimbledon. In opposite, really each time feels a bit totally different, particular in its personal approach. After all, having household and shut individuals in my life right here to share this victory with them, it was lovely.”
Djokovic Defeats Kyrgios For Seventh Wimbledon Title
This time one 12 months in the past, Djokovic earned his third main of the 2021 season and positioned himself for a run on the Grand Slam — lifting all 4 main trophies in a calendar 12 months. Coming into this version of The Championships, nonetheless, he had solely claimed one trophy for the season.
That didn’t spoil the Serbian’s confidence, although. The 35-year-old has now gained 4 straight Wimbledon titles and has not misplaced a accomplished match on the event for the reason that third spherical in 2016 towards Sam Querrey.
“Coming into Wimbledon, I felt good for my tennis as a result of I’ve gained three titles in a row right here previous to this 12 months. I all the time preferred enjoying on grass. I felt like every year I have been bettering my tennis on grass,” Djokovic mentioned. “I got here off from Paris from a troublesome and likewise emotional loss towards Nadal that clearly was disappointing. However Rome, Paris, I used to be already enjoying the tennis that I need to play, that places me ready to compete for the best titles.
“I preferred my probability coming into Wimbledon. As I all the time am, I am very impressed to play my finest tennis in London.”
Kyrgios has confirmed a fan favorite around the globe together with his unpredictable recreation, which options every little thing from underarm serves to tweeners. However Djokovic had his personal supporters who acquired behind him on Centre Court docket as he closed in on the trophy, which put him in a tie with Pete Sampras and William Renshaw for second-most Wimbledon males’s singles titles in historical past behind Roger Federer.
“I did positively really feel assist and really feel love from the group as we speak, so I am very grateful for that,” Djokovic mentioned. “Clearly it isn’t [a] secret that any participant want to have individuals backing him through the match as a result of in the long run of the day this might make a fairly huge distinction with how you’re feeling mentally. Undoubtedly simpler to beat sure obstacles and conditions within the match when you’ve got individuals supporting you and being there for you.”
Ultimately, it was Djokovic’s expertise that helped him over the road towards Kyrgios, who put up a spirited effort in his first main remaining. The Serbian has appeared in 32 main championship matches, essentially the most of any man in historical past. Kyrgios pointed to the 27-year-old’s composure as a key within the match, which the champion appreciated.
“I’m clearly grateful to him for praising my composure. I knew that that in all probability was one of many key components as we speak to be able to win towards him,” Djokovic mentioned. “Not that he is not composed, however he had by no means performed in a Wimbledon remaining. We all know that additionally he sort of has his ups and downs within the match. My expertise of enjoying in this sort of event earlier than might finally determine or might assist to my very own benefit and favour.”
Rod Laver Enviornment, the centre courtroom on the Australian Open, has been Djokovic’s most profitable courtroom — he has lifted the trophy on the season’s first main 9 occasions in spite of everything. However having gained seven of the previous 11 editions of Wimbledon, the 35-year-old is proving greater than comfy on the hallowed lawns of Centre Court docket.
“The extra you win, it is logical the extra assured, the extra comfy you’re feeling on the market each subsequent time you step out on the courtroom,” Djokovic mentioned. “So the run retains going. I really feel very linked with this courtroom and with this event, undoubtedly.”
