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

Even Djokovic applauds an excellent volley by Berrettini on break point, with the Italian sinking right down to the grass and somehow killing all the weight off a passing shot. His resolve only lasts so long, though, and an unforced forehand error hands Djokovic his second break of the set. The defending champion has responded emphatically.

Berrettini’s errant forehand sees Djokovic quickly consolidate the break with a hold to 15.

Djokovic breaks immediately at the start of the second set. A forehand winner seemed to restore his momentum and he races into the net on break point. A great response from the defending champion.

Berrettini, whose legs had been sluggish under the weight of nerves early on, scampers to a Djokovic drop shot, skewers a slice deep into the court that even Djokovic can’t reach. That brings up set point and a huge serve seals it. From 5-2 down, Berrettini lands the biggest blow of this final.

A brilliant start for Berrettini in the tiebreak, who races into a 3-0 lead, but Djokovic fights back and they switch ends at 3-3 after two unforced errors from the Italian.

Djokovic takes Berrettini to deuce on serve as the Italian’s slice skids into the net after another gruelling rally. Again they go back and forth at deuce but still Berrettini finds an answer, a powerful forehand down the line forcing the error after a huge serve. Another booming forehand follows and we’re heading to a tie-break.

Djokovic rises to the pressure and holds comfortably to love. Berrettini will serve to stay in the first set.

With the momentum turned, Berrettini’s serve is back to its impenetrable best and he holds comfortably to 15. The pressure is all on Djokovic now.

Berrettini breaks back! A challenge at 30-15 offers the Italian a way into the game. Djokovic sees off one break point with a brilliant serve but Berrettini strikes on the second as he triumphs in a terrific rally! He’s firing on all cylinders and we’re back on serve in the first set.

Berrettini is taken to deuce. A fine serve gets him to within one point of safety but he snatches at a forehand drive volley and the ball sails long. He then shanks a backhand to bring up set point for Djokovic. They see-saw back and forth at deuce but after a titanic 11-minute battle Berrettini holds. That will do wonders for his confidence.