The Duchess of Cambridge gave Novak Djokovic his fourth consecutive Wimbledon championship after he prevailed in four sets over a feisty Nick Kyrgios.
The 35-year-old Serbian dropped the opening set before coming back to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) and claim his eighth SW19 championship.
Throughout the entire final, Djokovic maintained his composure and unwavering presence, while Kyrgios alternated between being determined and petulantly arguing with his own box as the trophy steadily slipped from his grasp.
In more than three hours of tennis, the No. 1 seed committed just 17 unforced errors.
A standing ovation from a jam-packed Centre Court greeted him when the Duchess of Cambridge presented him with the trophy on the court.
From the Royal Box, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince George also observed Djokovic win his 21st Grand Slam championship.
The eight-year-old king was seen watching the action on the pitch while covering his face, grinning, and wincing.
It brings his total number of major championships to 21, one more than Rafael Nadal and one less than Roger Federer.
Kyrgios acknowledged that Djokovic was “a bit of a God” in a positive post-match interview, and the Serbian then declared that the two now had a “bromance.”
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Djokovic, who got off to a poor start and dropped the first set to the upbeat and unafraid Australian.
Kyrgios had the ideal start by serving seven aces and only giving up five points on his own serve.
However, as the first set finished in barely 30 minutes, Djokovic gradually started to gain the upper hand. In the fourth game of the second set, he broke Kyrgios’ service.
He then turned away three break points to tie the game at one.
Kyrgios grew irritated as unforced errors started to appear in his play.
He was especially enraged with one Centre Court spectator whom he thought was annoying him.
He screamed at the umpire, “She’s distracting me when I’m serving in a Wimbledon final!” regarding the onlooker.
You didn’t believe me, and then she did it again, so there isn’t another larger occasion. I almost lost the game due to it.
Why is she still in this place? She’s so inebriated that she’s talking to me in the middle of a game. What is appropriate?”
Nothing is acceptable, the umpire remarked, and Kyrgios responded, “Ok, kick her out.” I am certain which one it is. The woman wearing the dress who appears to have consumed 700 drinks, bro.
After losing the second set, Kyrgios got into a heated altercation with his staff in his box twenty minutes earlier.
The Australian kept criticizing his box at 4-4 in the third set, giving Djokovic a break of serve, and eventually lost the set.
In the fourth set, Kyrgios seemed to find his composure, as the match went back and forth before a tie break.
The unseeded Australian then committed a double fault on the opening point of the tiebreaker, and Djokovic easily won the match.
Before making his way through the crowd to celebrate with his family, the Serbian raised his arms high to joyous cheers.
He turned to Kyrgios during the post-match interview and promised to “come back” in a major tournament final in the future.
In a situation like this, it can be difficult to find solace, but you proved why you are one of the top players in the world, he added.
“I send you my best wishes.” You have my utmost respect and are a remarkable talent.
I never imagined that I would compliment you so highly. Okay, a bromance is in full force.
He’s kind of a deity, Kyrgios said in his own interview with the departing Sue Barker. I won’t lie; I believed I performed well.
I want to start by congratulating Novak and your team. Of course, you’ve won this championship so many times that I can’t even count them.
“Then obviously to all the umpires and ballkids.” Even though our connection might be very difficult at times, I wanted to express my gratitude for your patience.
“Then the mob.” My personal past two weeks have been incredible.
When asked if competing in his first grand slam final made him yearn for more, Kyrgios responded, “Absolutely not,” to the crowd’s laughter. Honestly, I’m really exhausted.
‘You know, I think my crew and I are all worn out. We played tennis a lot. After this one, I’m going to need a well-deserved vacation.