Djokovic’s success against Kyrgios came down to one powerful thing

What can make tennis and occasions like the Wimbledon men’s singles final so engrossing is the battle between personalities, just as much as playing styles.

Sunday’s match between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios could not have been a finer example of those contrasts and how they contribute towards not only a sporting contest but also as a spectacle.

From my position on Centre Court, one of the most eagerly anticipated grand slam finals in recent memory became in many ways a performance between two characters, and in the end it was the cool, steely composure of Djokovic that resulted in his seventh Wimbledon title.

Still, within the melting pot of Centre Court, it would have taken a clinical and determined eye to concentrate on the willpower of Djokovic over what was happening on the other side of the net.

Although I had covered Wimbledon for much of the past fortnight, Sunday, for one reason or another, ended up being the first time I had seen Kyrgios in person – and it was quite the experience.

There is not another player like the 27-year-old Australian and it can be hard to take your eyes off him, from the thunderous serve, the invention and spontaneity of his selection of shots, to the mutterings and grumblings from the back of the court.

Kyrgios constantly grabs and demands your attention – and it took Djokovic unlocking a new level of mental resilience to avoid becoming distracted. In a very different way, watching Djokovic’s resolve and the way he began to break down the Kyrgios serve was equally compelling.

From the alertness of his return position to his flawless hitting throughout the key stages of the second and third sets, this was a player who was able to shut out everything else that was going on around him.

It was met, on championship point, by cries of “Nole, Nole” around Centre Court, and after so many finals at Wimbledon of playing Roger Federer, Andy Murray or the determined underdog, the outpouring of support towards a player who has found his home in SW19 showed a recognition, too, that ice can be a popular winner in the battle against fire.

Yours,

Jamie Braidwood

Sports reporter