ALL ENGLAND CLUB, LONDON - Novak Djokovic secured his 21st Grand Slam and a seventh Wimbledon title by beating Nick Kyrgios 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (3) in the men's final.
The Serb had to come from a set down to overcome Kyrgios, playing in his first ever singles Grand Slam final, and now sits just one behind rival Rafael Nadal (22) in the men's all-time list of career majors.
Prior to today's meeting between the two, Djokovic hadn't even taken a set off Kyrgios in their previous two meetings, but the No.1 seed is a different beast when it comes to Grand Slams and especially Centre Court - the four-time defending champion hasn't lost on this court since 2013.
Djokovic, who lost the opening set in his quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches en route to scooping the Wimbledon title, found his best form after a cagey opening set and Kyrgios didn't react quick enough.
As Kyrgios battled with the umpire, a drunken fan and himself at times, it was the 35-year-old who kept his focus and saved his best til last as he brushed aside his opponent's serving threat to win after a nervy fourth-set tie-break.
Nick Kyrgios reacts to Wimbledon defeat
"Yeah he is a bit of a God, I'm not going to lie. I thought I played well," he said of Djokovic.
"First of all congratulations to Novak and your team, you've won this Championships that many times I don't even know any more.
"Obviously to all the ball kids, the umpires, I know we have a tough relationship at times so thanks for putting up with it.
"And [thanks] to the crowd, it has been an amazing couple of weeks for me personally."
On whether reaching a first Wimbledon final has made him hungry for more, he added: "Absolutely not! I'm so tired honestly. Myself, my team, we're all exhausted. We've played so much tennis.
"I'm really happy with this result and maybe one day I'll be here again but I don't know about that."
Novak Djokovic speaks out on Wimbledon victory
"I am lost words for what this tournament and this trophy means to me. It always has been and will be the most special one in my heart," he said. "It motivated me to play in my small mountain resort and I saw Pete Sampras win and I asked my mum and dad to buy me a racquet.
"It was my first image of tennis - every single time it gets more meaningful and I'm blessed to be standing here with the trophy.
"It is the most special tennis court in the world and when you walk on the untouched grass and everything is so directed on the tennis, the players' ball and racquet and it has the most recognition in the world."
The Sporting News was on hand to bring you live updates from Centre Court - see how the action unfolded below.
Nick Kyrgios vs. Novak Djokovic result
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Kyrgios | 6 | 3 | 4 | 6 (3) | - |
| Novak Djokovic | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 (7) | - |
Nick Kyrgios vs. Novak Djokovic score updates and highlights from Wimbledon 2022 final
All times BST
*denotes server
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-6 (3-7) Novak Djokovic - DJOKOVIC WINS FOURTH SET AND THE MATCH
Djokovic does it! Kyrgios again firing into the net and errors costing him at the worst time. Djokovic is your Wimbledon 2022 champion and that's a seventh tournament triumph for him at SW19!
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-6 (3-6) Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios hits a backhand long and it's almost over for the Aussie. He pulls one back with a forehand winner at the net and then another with an ace.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-6 (1-5) Novak Djokovic
A long rally ends with Kyrgios going for a big forehand winner but it's wide. Kyrgios then puts a backhand wide, it's not going to plan. He then makes the error again, this time a fierce forehand hitting the net. Djokovic is two away!
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-6 (1-2) Novak Djokovic
The worst start for Kyrgios as he double faults. Djokovic wins the next with a comfortable volley at the net but then can't hit a forehand over.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-6 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic puts a backhand wide before Kyrgios hits one into the net, 15-15. Mistakes from both again get them to 30-30 and Kyrgios within two points of the set. Kyrgios can't capitalise though and his return forehand is wild, 40-30. He hits another into the net and into the tie-breaker we go.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-5 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios wins a rare point off his own drop shot which Djokovic doesn't get to in time for the opener. An overhead smash at the net takes him to 30-15. Djokovic should do better with a backhand at the next but he puts it wide, 40-15. Kyrgios again argues with the umpire over a let call and then loses the next point. He finishes with an ace though.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 5-5 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic double faults. Kyrgios overhits a backhand volley and then Djokovic drills a serve down the middle, 30-15. Kyrgios is too casual in returning a fierce Djokovic forehand at the next but then goes aggressive with a return winner, 40-30. Djokovic closes with an ace out wide.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 5-4 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios hits an ace to start before Djokovic's return goes wide, 30-0. Djokovic does brilliantly at full stretch with a backhand at the net to snatch a point back. Djokovic gets level with a forehand winner to the right but Kyrgios pulls out another ace at a key moment. Another big serve can't be returned and Kyrgios holds.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 4-4 *Novak Djokovic
Someone shouts out "come on Nick!" mid-rally but it certainly doesn't help him as he falls to 30-0. Djokovic then delivers an ace before Kyrgios hits a backhand into the net. Who's going to be first to concede a break of serve in this fourth set?
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 4-3 Novak Djokovic
Back on serve and back on ace duty for the Aussie, but then he double faults, 15-15. Djokovic puts a return wide and Kyrgios again shouts "let's go!" He does brilliantly to win a point at the net to get to 40-15. He then thinks he's won the game with an ace but is baffled the umpire calls a let. He responds by drilling an 127mph serve to hold.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 3-3 *Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios is unsussecful with a challenge, 30-0, and then is on the receiving end of an ace as he shakes his head. Djokovic gets a net cord with a volley. A game to forget for Kyrgios there.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 3-2 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios has cut out the complaints from the previous set and is going about his service game. He's at 40-0 before Djokovic wins a point. The Serb catches him out again with the deft backhand drop shot to the left, 40-30. Kyrgios holds with a fierce forehand out wide.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 2-2 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic double faults to start but gets back on track with a sweet forehand down the left and then Kyrgios crashes one of his own into the net, 30-15. An ace follows before Kyrgios hits one wide. Djokovic isn't looking in any danger of being broken right now.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 2-1 Novak Djokovic
Another ace and a controlled backhand volley gets Kyrgios to 30-15. Djokovic guesses the wrong way on a Kyrgios forehand at the next and then can't get anywhere near another ace.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 1-1 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic's drop shot is precise once again. Kyrgios then overhits a forehand on the move, 30-0. Djokovic then serves an ace down the middle before a forehand winner sees him hold to love.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 1-0 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios gets to 40-0, the last point courtesy of some big-hitting that forces Djokovic into a mistake at the net. Djokovic gets one back after reading Kyrgios' drop shot but Kyrgios holds with a backhand into the corner, Djokovic applauds the shot.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-6 *Novak Djokovic - DJOKOVIC WINS THIRD SET
Djokovic starts with an ace as he aims for a two sets to one lead. Kyrgios fires a forehand well beyond the base line, 30-0. Djokovic then scuffs a shot before Kyrgios hits a brilliant forehand return winner. 30-30. Djokovic gets set point following an unsuccessful challenge by Kyrgios and then puts one wide himself. Kyrgios claps with his racket (not sure who to!) as he takes a seat. He's in danger of unravelling here and needs to focus.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-5 Novak Djokovic
Back-to-back aces from Kyrgios at the start as he shouts to himself, "let's go!" Kyrgios then comes to the net but Djokovic reads it and puts a forehand round him, 40-15. Kyrgios misses a volley at the net, 40-30. Djokovic gets to deuce with another forehand down the line and Kyrgios is angry with himself. Double faulting to set up break point does little to calm him before he finds the net and Djokovic has the break! Kyrgios sits down in his chair and slams his racket to the floor. He's not happy right now.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-4 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic hits a lovely forehand that lands on the base line to get to 30-0 and follows that up with a big serve Kyrgios can't return. He hits a forehand long on the run at the next and Djokovic holds to love.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 4-3 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios is back on serve down the other end, away from the woman he complained about in the previous service game. He finds himself 15-30 down before hitting an ace to level. A ferocious ace at the next leaves Djokovic on the floor! He gets the hold with another big serve.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 3-3 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic isn't letting any of that get to him though, he gets to 40-0 comfortably and holds with a delicious drop shot.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 3-2 Novak Djokovic
Tweener alert! Kyrgios hits one from the back of the court which Djokovic can't return. He then hits another on the next point but Djokovic goes on to win that rally. Kyrgios unleashes all his power on a forehand that sits up nicely for him to get to 40-15. Kyrgios is annoyed as someone calls out just before he serves and ends up double faulting, deuce. He silences them with back-to-back aces as the umpire reminds the crowd to stay quiet between serves. He does however pick up his first code violation for audible obscenity. He complains: "The one that looks like she's had 700 drinks bro," as he calls for a drunk woman to be thrown out.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 2-2 *Novak Djokovic
A bit of crowd trouble as one rowdy fan has just been kicked out, Kyrgios looks round to see what's going on. He keeps his focus to take the opening point though. Djokovic responds with an ace, 15-15. Djokovic takes control, a double-handed backhand down the line gets him to 40-15 and then Kyrgios' return is wide.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 2-1 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is enjoying success with the backhand drop shot, he catches his opponent off guard again to get to 15-15. Kyrgios goes on the offensive with his play and gets to 40-15 before double faulting. Djokovic is returning a lot more first serves right now and reaches deuce. He goes on to hold with an ace out wide.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 1-1 *Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios hits a delicate volley off the backhand to take the first point. Djokovic takes control with a forehand winner and an ace, 30-15. Djokovic then hits a backhand into the net before lobbing Kyrgios who is annoyed at himself for a poor drop shot initially. Kyrgios then makes the mistake again.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 1-0 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios hits a tweener into the net from the base line, 15-15, and then sends a backhand long. He gets level with an ace down the middle. Djokovic gets break point after coming to the net and forcing Kyrgios to hit a forehand round him but it goes wide. Kyrgios comes to the net at the next and saves break point with a controlled volley. Djokovic gets another, this time a forehand winner right to the back of the court, but Kyrgios denies him again. He goes on to hold with an ace.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-6 *Novak Djokovic - DJOKOVIC WINS SECOND SET
Kyrgios gets to 0-30 with the point of the match so far. He runs from the back right to the front left to make a drop shot and returns it beyond Djokovic's reach as the Serb tumbles to the floor. Djokovic then puts a forehand wide and Kyrgios has three break points! He saves all three as Kyrgios makes the mistakes on each of them. He gets another break point though but Djokovic's drop shot gets him out of trouble again. Kyrgios is now having words with his box after hitting a forehand long and again looks to them as Djokovic goes on to take the second set.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 3-5 Novak Djokovic
At 15-15, Kyrgios hits his 12th ace of the match. Djokovic gets level when Kyrgios sends a forehand into the net but restores his lead with an ace out wide. Djokovic can't return the next and he'll now look to hold serve to take the second set.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 2-5 *Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios wins the opener before sending a forehand wayward. His next forehand return is excellent though and Djokovic barely moves, 15-30. No consistency at all as his next return flys off his racket out of bounds, 30-30. He can't return the next and then hits a backhand wide.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 2-4 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios is just having a few words with himself in between serves to keep his focus. He gets to 40-15 with a lovely forehand down the right side and then closes with an ace.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 1-4 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic gets to 30-0 comfortably but then double faults. Kyrgios can't return a serve down the middle, 40-15, and then the Australian rattles off a fierce backhand winner to close the gap further. Kyrgios then comes to the net and hits an overhead smash to get to deuce and the crowd erupts. Kyrgios then hits an easy forehand into the net and then does the same with a backhand.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 1-3 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic needs to return these big serves to get Kyrgios into a rally to have any chance of breaking him. He does just that, a backhand winner across court sets up three break points. Djokovic wins it, a forehand shot clipping the net and trickling over. He holds his hands up to apologise but that's a big break for the Serb.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 1-2 *Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios hits a neat backhand down the line from the back left of the court, 15-15. Kyrgios and Djokovic both go for big winners at the next two points but find the net, 30-30. A long rally ensues as Djokovic waits for Kyrgios to make the mistake, he does as a backhand goes long. Djokovic holds with a delicate drop shot that Kyrgios has no chance in making.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 1-1 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic wins the first point before Kyrgios serves up an ace. Another two aces follow. Djokovic is struggling to read it at all and at this speed you can hardly guess which way he's going to go. Djokovic then hits a rare return winner that kisses the base line, 40-15. The Serb can't return the next though.
Nick Kyrgios 6-4 0-1 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic lost his first set against Norrie in the semifinal and will need to come from behind again if he's to win today. A strong service game gets Djokovic on the board here, holding to love.
*Nick Kyrgios 6-4 Novak Djokovic - KYRGIOS WINS FIRST SET
An ace gets the ball rolling before Djokovic puts a backhand into the net, 30-0. Kyrgios then makes back-to-back errors to allow Djokovic back in. Djokovic is annoyed he can't return the next serve and it's set point. He goes for a big backhand winner but it's wide. Two huge serves later though and Kyrgios takes the first set in his first ever Grand Slam Giles final.
Nick Kyrgios 5-4 *Novak Djokovic
Anything Kyrgios can do, Djokovic can too. He gets to 40-0 with Kyrgios barely hitting a ball and sees the game out with.a forehand into space. Maybe Kyrgios is saving himself for this important serve up next to take the first set.
*Nick Kyrgios 5-3 Novak Djokovic
Djokovic can't return two big opening serves and the third follows the same path. The fourth? You guessed it. An ace he doesn't even try to reach.
Nick Kyrgios 4-3 *Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios opts to hit one between his legs mid-rally but Djokovic reacts quickly to get the point, 30-0. Kyrgios then hits a backhand into the net and Djokovic finishes with an ace.
*Nick Kyrgios 4-2 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios goes to 30-0 with a forehand down the line followed by an ace. He smashes a backhand volley down into the grass to go 40-0 and then sees the game out with a serve and volley. Very comfortable for the Aussie so far.
Nick Kyrgios 3-2 *Novak Djokovic
It's Kyrgios who's being the more daring when it comes to drop shots so far, he puts one to the right which Djokovic can't get to, 15-15. Kyrgios earns himself two break points with a fierce backhand the Serb also can't return over. Djokovic saves one but not the other and Kyrgios is the first to break!
*Nick Kyrgios 2-2 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios brings out the serve and volley to take the opener. He soon reverts back to absolutely drilling those serves down the middle and two of them are aces as he holds to love.
Nick Kyrgios 1-2 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic wins a brilliant opening point with a backhand slice at the net which his opponent can't return. Kyrgios then whips a forehand winner down the line of the highest quality, 15-15. Djokovic drills an ace and then Kyrgios hits one wide. Djokovic goes on to hold.
*Nick Kyrgios 1-1 Novak Djokovic
Kyrgios' second serve of the match is a cool 130mph which Djokovic returns but the Aussie gets to 30-0 by winning the point with a backhand volley. He gets to 40-0, a 133mph ace this time. Then he goes for the underarm serve but Djokovic is quick to it. Kyrgios gets the hold after Djokovic puts a backhand into the net.
Nick Kyrgios 0-1 *Novak Djokovic
Djokovic begins with... a double fault. A point later and he's got his first ace under his belt though. He puts a forehand wide to allow Kyrgios back in, 30-30. Two big serves later and Djokovic is up and running.
2.05pm: The players are just going through a quick warmup and then we'll be underway. It is absolutely baking on Centre Court. Factor 50 needed for sure.
2pm: An almighty roar indeed! Kyrgios comes out first closely followed behind by Djokovic. The Serb has his cap on right from the start today (he put it on after going a set down against Norrie last time out) while Kyrgios is also wearing his cap, back to front, of course.
1.57pm: The ball boys and girls, as well as the line judges, have come out to a big round of applause. Think we can expect an almighty roar when the players come out very shortly.
1.50pm: Ten minutes until the players should begin making their way out.
Here's a quick reminder of how both players have made it through to the final day of the tournament.
Kyrgios' route to the final:
R1: d. [WC] Paul Jubb 3-6 6-1 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 7-5
R2: d. [26] Filip Krajinovic 6-2 6-3 6-1
R3: d. [4] Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9-7)
R4: d. Brandon Nakashima 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-2
QF: d. Cristian Garin 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-5)
SF: d. [2] Rafael Nadal w/o
Djokovic's route to the final:
R1: d. Kwon Soon-woo 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4
R2: d. Thansi Kokkinakis 6-1 6-4 6-2
R3: d. [25] Miomir Kecmanovic 6-0 6-3 6-4
R4: d. [WC] Tim van Rijthoven 6-2 4-6 6-1 6-2
QF: d. [10] Jannik Sinner 5-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-2
SF: d. [9] Cameron Norrie 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4
1:40pm: Kyrgios described himself as a "reckless ball of energy" in the build up to today's final but the 27-year-old has been struggling to sleep given the nerves.
"I probably got an hour's sleep just with everything, like the excitement," he said on Saturday. "I had so much anxiety, I was already feeling so nervous, and I don't feel nervous usually. But I had a shocking sleep last night.
"I was just restless, so many thoughts in my head about a Wimbledon final. That's all I was thinking about. I was thinking of just playing, obviously imagining myself winning, imagining myself losing, everything.
"I feel like I'm just a reckless ball of energy right now. I just want to go out on the practice court now and hit some tennis balls and just talk. I don't know. I want it to come already. Yeah, I want the final to come already."
1.20pm: Despite Djokovic boasting all the experience at this stage in Grand Slam tournaments, Kyrgios may still have a slight psychological advantage when it comes to head-to-head meetings.
He leads the head-to-head between the pair with the Serb not winning a set in their two meetings in 2017.
“One thing for sure, there is going to be a lot of fireworks emotionally from both of us. It is going to be his first Grand Slam final," Djokovic said after beating Cameron Norrie in the semifinal.
"He is very excited and he doesn’t have much to lose and he is always playing like that. He is playing so freely, one of the biggest serves in the game. Just a big game overall, a lot of power in his shots.
"We haven’t played for some time. I have never won a set off him. Hopefully it can be different this time."
1pm: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of the men's final at Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic has been here eight times before in a Wimbledon final but this is Nick Kyrgios' first time in a Grand Slam final.
How will he handle the pressure? Will nerves get the better of him? Can Djokovic win an incredible 21st Grand Slam.
We'll be finding out the answers to all of that in a few hours time! Stay tuned for build up and live game-by-game updates.