Wimbledon 2022 LIVE: Novak Djokovic beats Nick Kyrgios to win seventh men’s singles title

Wimbledon ends where it began, with Novak Djokovic and a standing ovation on Centre Court, but he was not the central character here. While the records will show that Djokovic won his fourth straight Wimbledon title, adding his seventh overall and 21st grand slam, it can also be argued that it was handed away. Nick Kyrgios and his run to a first grand slam final has been captivating as well as controversial, but it was his unravelling here that will be the prevailing story of the final.

Djokovic, of course, played his part in grinding down Kyrgios and extinguishing the unique threat that he provides. It takes steel to battle from 40-0 down but it takes a champion’s timing to do it twice, and at crucial junctures in the match. Had they gone the other way, at the end of the second set and start of the third, then this may have developed into a different contest altogether.

Full report from Centre Court:

“I’ll buy you [Sue Barker] flowers after this, I’m in big trouble if I forget this [wedding anniversary].

“Darling, happy anniversary.”

“I love this place, it loves me back, the most special tennis court in the world.

“Everything is focused on the players. My daughter is there too, oh wow, OK.

“She’s not five years old yet, she wasn’t allowed to watch a match live, hopefully she can watch Daddy play live.

“My son is missing, he’s playing a set against Bob Bryan’s son. Thank you guys.”

Djokovic: “Thank you so much, I lost words what this trophy means to me.

“I said this many times, it’s always the most special one in my heart, it motivated me to play tennis in Serbia where my parents ran a restaurant.

“I saw Sampras win in 1993 my first image of tennis was grass and Wimbledon. Realising the dream.

“Every time it gets more meaningful and special. I’m blessed to be here with the trophy.”

Djokovic: “Nick, you’ll be back, not just Wimbledon, but finals.

“It’s hard to find consolation words. You showed why you deserve to be one of the best in the world. Congrats!

“I respect you a lot, a phenomenal athlete and tennis player. Everything is coming together for you. We’ll see you in the later stages of the Grand Slam. I never thought I’d say so many nice things about you, considering the relationship.

“It’s officially a bromance. I don’t know if we make it happen tonight or another night. Hopefully it’s the start of a wonderful relationship.

“I didn’t respond to that [going to a nightclub and going nuts], let’s start with dinner and drinks.”

Kyrgios: “He’s a bit of a god, I’m not going to lie. I want to congratulate Novak and his team, you’ve won this championship I don’t even know how many times.

“To the ball boys and umpires, you know we have a tough relationship, but thank you for putting up with it.

“Absolutely not [hungry to be back here again], I’m exhausted, we’ve played so much tennis. I’m happy with this result. Maybe one day I’ll be here again.”

Kyrgios, in his trademark red hat, steps up to accept his runner-up prize.

A huge ovation for Djokovic who lifts the trophy.

First blood to Djokovic, a mini-break. Kyrgios’ team urging him to remain focused.

It’s 2-1 Djokovic, Krygios is still getting into it with his box.

He loses his composure mid-point, smashing a forehand long after a physical point from the baseline. 3-1.

4-1. Kyrgios: “Why are you scared? I don’t get it, any of you? Say something. All of you ain’t yourselves.”

And it’s 5-1, Kyrgios smashing into the net again. He appears to have lost control of his game.

It’s long, five championship points!

Big serve, then a forehand at the net, some character from Kyrgios, 6-2. And an ace, 6-3.

But Djokovic does it after a gutsy rally from Kyrgios, who nets, it’s seventh heaven for the Serbian in SW19.