Wimbledon 2021 LIVE result: Novak Djokovic beats Matteo Berrettini - men’s final latest updates

Novak Djokovic has defeated Matteo Berrettini in four sets to win his sixth Wimbledon title and equal Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s grand slam record.

The world No 1 had surged into a 5-2 lead in a nervous opening set but was pegged back by the powerful Italian, who broke back and then clinched the tiebreak with a series of punishing forehands.

Djokovic rallied in the second set, though, breaking twice to leave the match tantalisingly poised before his fabulous movement won a war of attrition in the third.

Playing in his first grand slam final, Berrettini buckled in the fourth set as a double fault handed Djokovic the break and, after three hours and 23 minutes, the Serbian completed his historic 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory.

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BBC pundit Tim Henman, a four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, said: “He could have won all four sets. Berrettini showed a lot of courage to keep digging in.

“He’s just had an incredible tournament. He came in as a huge favourite and put in an absolute masterclass over the two weeks. No doubt that the best player won this tournament.

“He talks about his hunger and desire and motivation. He’s drawn level with Rafa and Roger but there’s no doubt he wants to be the leader in that conversation.

“The calendar grand slam is definitely on the cards and that would be in the men’s game one of the greatest achievements in this sport.”

Novak is asked who will win the Euro 2020 final tonight, a question he volleys straight back. “You are putting me in an awkward position,” he jokes. “I am a huge football fan and I will enjoy the football tonight.”

Djokovic: “Congrats to Matteo. This is definitely just the beginning for you. True Italian hammer! I felt that on my skin in Paris and also today.

“Winning Wimbledon was a big dream as a kid, and I have to remind myself how special this and not take this for granted. From a seven-year boy constructing an improvised trophy from materials in my room, and today standing here with a sixth Wimbledon trophy, it’s incredible.”

On reaching 20 slams: “I’ve mentioned this before many times, I have to pay a great tribute to Roger and Rafa. I think they are the reason where I am today, they helped me to improve mentally, physically, tactically. When I broke into the top 10 I lost most of the matches against these two guys. The last 10 years have been an incredible journey that is not stopping here.”

Berrettini: “Well done Novak, he was better than me. He’s writing the history of my sport so he deserves it. I hope this is not the last time I come here. My family, my team, my friends, it’s been a really long path, a long journey, for me it’s not an end, it’s the beginning of a great career so without them all this wouldn’t be possible, so grazie and let’s keep trying.”

Novak Djokovic lifts the trophy to the sky, before giving it a kiss.

That’s three in a row for Djokovic at Wimbledon. This court belonged to Sampras, then Federer, and now it most certainly has a new king of men’s tennis.

Djokovic climbs into the crowd to hug his team, and they embrace as a group. The crowd roars. The Centre Court audience wanted Berrettini to keep them entertained and supported him heartily throughout, but they still appreciate the greatness they are watching. Three grand slams won, one more to go to complete the career slam this year.

Berrettini is unsurprisingly nervous and a shaky forehand gives Djokovic his first Championship point. Berrettini holds his nerve, though, with a fine volley before a blistering forehand saves another match point. But at the third time of asking Djokovic seals victory as Berrettini’s backhand slice finds the net.

Novak Djokovic is Wimbledon champion for the sixth time in his career and ties Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s grand slam record.

Djokovic is taken to 30-30 but follows a fine serve with a fabulous forehand winner before Berrettini’s error sees him move one game from victory.