Just weeks ago Novak Djokovic was considering missing Wimbledon, perhaps that was to throw off his opponents. Whatever the reason, the former world no. 1 is ecstatic that he fronted for another Wimbledon campaign, as he now is the champion. Djokovic claimed his fourth title at the famous tournament. With the 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) victory the Serb is now back into the top 1o, sitting at no. 10.
Djokovic brought up his first break point at 30-40 and converted immediately to take the early advantage. Anderson was not able to compete with Djokovic as he hit eleven unforced errors to one from his more experienced opponent. Anderson was, of course, backing up from his marathon semifinal against John Isner that lasted six hours and 36 minutes after a 26-24 fifth set.
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Photo: LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates with the trophy after beating Kevin Anderson of South Africa in the final of the gentlemen’s singles at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Playing near perfect tennis Djokovic broke again at 3-1 to push his lead to 4-1. This came as Djokovic hit a short dipping shot as Anderson rushed the net, a shot Anderson could not deal with.
After the first set, Anderson received treatment on his elbow.
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Photo: LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Kevin Anderson of South Africa receives treatment during a break in the Men’s Singles final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
It was not looking good for Anderson as he was broken in the first game of the second set.
After a double fault by Anderson, Djokovic had a look at two break points. Anderson hit wide to hand Djokovic a double break in the second set and a 4-1 lead.
With Djokovic serving at 5-2 Anderson earned his first break point at 30-40 only to hit out to see the game at deuce. Djokovic served out the game to take a commanding two sets to one advantage
In the third set at 4-3, Anderson had a second break point that again he hit long, the tall South African was at least now competing well and looked threatening.
Some Djokovic double-faults helped Anderson bring up several set points at 5-4. Djokovic fought hard to win the game to level at 5-5.
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Photo: LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns against Kevin Anderson of South Africa during the Men’s Singles final on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Djokovic hit wide at 15-30 to present Anderson with two more set points. The first was hit into the net, the second saw Djokovic come into the net and hit a winner past Anderson. A powerful forehand sent Djokovic scrambling to his forehand side and forced an error. A big first serve saw Anderson again fail to convert a break point. Djokovic worked his way to advantage before a big Anderson forehand forced another error from Djokovic. In the end, behind some big first serves, Djokovic was able to win the game and send the set into a tie-breaker.
Djokovic got two mini-breaks to lead 4-1 before another big serve saw Anderson stretch to return long for 5-1. Then a wide shot from Djokovic to the score to 2-5 with Anderson serving. An unforced error from Anderson as he hit it into the net brought up four championship points. The first was saved after a big first serve and a smash.
At 6-3 Djokovic stepped up to serve, a first serve return was hit into the net and Djokovic slumped to a squat position as the magnitude of the moment sank in. He then shook hands and then let out a roar as he held his arms aloft and looked to the sky to celebrate.
The key to this match was that Djokovic had a look at four break points and converted all of them, while Anderson could not convert from seven opportunities. You have to think what might have been if Anderson took the match into a fourth set, but it is all speculation as Djokovic held his nerve and claimed his fourth Wimbledon title.
For Djokovic, this win and the presentation that followed was more special than in the past. His three-year-old son Stefan was in the player’s box to watch on. Djokovic said, “For the first time in my life I have someone screaming daddy-daddy, the little boy right there”.
Nole is back.
Below are the post match interviews and press conferences.
