Novak Djokovic wins fourth Wimbledon title after beating Kevin Anderson in straight sets

Serbia's Novak Djokovic lifts the trophy after winning the men's singles final match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa, at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, in London, Sunday July 15, 2018
Novak Djokovic celebrates winning Wimbledon on Sunday Credit: AP

As the tennis broadcaster Mary Carillo put it this week, there are comebacks, and then there are come-all-the-way-backs. By seizing Sunday's Wimbledon final in straight sets, Novak Djokovic put himself firmly in the second camp.

Two years and five weeks ago, Djokovic completed arguably the greatest feat of Open era tennis by landing a fourth straight major title in Paris. In the era of the Big Four, this was such an absurd achievement that it literally boggled our minds, as if Djokovic had just eaten a car.

But he paid a price for his supremacy. Twelve months of absolute rule took so much out of Djokovic that he has been recovering ever since, both mentally and physically. Oddly, it turns out to be the grass – once his weakest surface – that has brought him back to himself.

Djokovic has played only three finals on the world tour in the last 14 months. He won Eastbourne last year, finished as runner-up at Queen’s three weeks ago and on Sunday lifted a fourth title on Centre Court.

As he ascends the ladder of Open-era Wimbledon champions, now standing behind only Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg, anyone would think that he came from Sussex rather than Serbia.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Kevin Anderson of South Africa walk with their trophies after 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.
Djokovic walks away with another Wimbledon win in only his third final in 14 months of tennis Credit: Getty Images 

Despite his heavy presence on the  SW19 honours board, Djokovic found himself battling the crowd once again. Everyone knew that Kevin Anderson was coming in with the equivalent of a weighted rucksack on his back after that daft 6hr 36min semi-final against John Isner. A blowout defeat seemed so predictable that every small Anderson victory was greeted as if he had just performed a backflip.

The first two sets lived down to expectations. Anderson coughed up 25 unforced errors and dropped serve four times in eight attempts. (Bear in mind that he had only been broken twice during the whole of the Isner epic.) “Of course, my body didn't feel great,” he admitted afterwards, “but I was definitely quite nervous too.”

Harsh as it might seem, the early debate around the grounds centred on the question of where this match might rank among the worst Wimbledon finals. Somewhere between Sampras-Pioline (1997) and Hewitt-Nalbandian (2002) was the consensus, although last year’s Federer-Cilic letdown was hardly much better.

Fatigue and nerves got the better of Kevin Anderson early on
Fatigue and nerves got the better of Kevin Anderson early on Credit: Getty Images

There is room for debate here among the tennis authorities, With each passing slam, it feels as if the attrition factor of best-of-five-set tennis is leaving more players handicapped for what should be the showpiece matches. Tickets for Sunday’s final started at more than £200 a pop – a sum for which one might hope to watch two fully functioning athletes.

Happily, though, the third set turned into a proper battle. Anderson had shaken off his early butterflies by now, and warmed up his ravaged body with the help of an elbow massage from the trainer.

As the breaks of serve dried up, Djokovic grew a little anxious himself, committing three double-faults in a single service game of his own at 4-5. He even had to fend off five set points, and when a miscued forehand nearly flew long on the first of these, the crowd shrieked in excitement.

Djokovic was unimpressed, barking “Tell them to shut the f--- up” at chair umpire James Keothavong. A few minutes later, he slid a forehand passing shot up the line and turned to a group of fans who had been giving him gyp, saying “You, you” and blowing the same air kisses we saw him use during his third-round match against British No. 1 Kyle Edmund.

At times during this tournament, Djokovic has played up to his anti-hero status, using the fans’ negativity as fuel. After that little flashpoint, he regained his former poise, and Anderson was left with few options. If Anderson played from the baseline, his groundstrokes broke down first. If he came forward, he was either passed or left picking the ball up off his bootlaces. Eventually, he missed a return to complete his 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 defeat.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 in their men's singles final match on the thirteenth day of the 2018 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon
Djokovic's celebration was more understated than in past grand slam wins Credit: Getty Images 

Djokovic did not explode in exultation. Instead he squatted down on his haunches for a moment, apparently lost in reflection, before strolling to the net for the handshake. Then came two personal traditions: the chewing of a piece of Centre Court’s hallowed turf, followed by his trademark “Wonderbra” celebration, in which he cups his hands underneath his pectorals and then thrusts them towards the crowd.

One heartwarming surprise remained, as Djokovic’s three-year-old son Stefan ran into his mother’s arms in the player box and yelled “Papa! Papa!”

Asked about this moment in the interview review afterwards, Djokovic replied “It was one of the biggest motivations I've had for Wimbledon this year. I was visualising, imagining this moment of him coming to the stands, cherishing this moment with my wife and me and everyone.

"He's under five years old, and you're not allowed if under five to be present. He was not there till the very moment when I was walking to get an interview [with Sue Barker]. He walked in. So that was just a moment that I will carry inside of my heart forever.”

Only 40 days ago, in Paris, Djokovic stumbled off court after his quarter-final exit at the hands of the unheralded Marco Cecchinato in a towering rage. “I don’t know if I’m going to play on the grass,” he told reporters in a stormy press conference. As of this evening, he will surely be glad he did.

                                                                                                    

Djokovic speaks 

[Looking at his son Stefan] For the first time in my life I have someone screaming daddy, daddy He is under five years so he can't watch the match live. But he's here now. 

He's been the best sparring partner I've had in last few weeks. I'd like to congratulate Kevin. He's spent a lot of hours on the court, and in the third set he was the better player. So I'd like to say congratulations and wish you all the best. 

It's easy to talk now, but I had to really trust the process and trust in myself. I owe a great, great thanks to my team to everyone who has been supporting me.

I had a surgery and was absent from the tour for six months and faced this severe injury for the firs time. I had any moments of doubt and didn't know if I could compete. It's my first grand slam final in a couple of years and this is the best place to come back. Very, very special. 

The grass tasted very well, I had a double portion to treat myself. It's truly something different to play in a grand slam final, especially here. 

Thank you to the crowd and for showing so much passion in the last couple of weeks. It's a pleasure to play in front of you. 

Anderson speaks

I really worked hard, and came within a point of pushing us to the fourth set. 

But Novak's a champion of our sport and I'd like to say congratulations to him and his team. 

I don't feel as fresh as I did at the start of the week. But I'd have given another 21 hours to get to play in the final here so it really meant a lot to me, thank you. 

Too many people to thank, my whole team and so many people who flew out from all around the world. My whole family, my beautiful wife, my mum and my brother who's somewhere in the stands. My dad, who coached me and introduced me to the sport. 

Also want to thank the crowd. The support I've had throughout the week has been incredible. 

Both players are given their trophies

 And here's the moment of victory:

Djokovic eats some grass

And then gives his box a fist pump. He is the Wimbledon champion for a fourth time - that's more than McEnroe and Becker

Credit: Getty Images

Game, set and match! Djokovic defeats Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6

Anderson nets a forehand return! Djokovic wins the tie-breaker 7-3 and with it the match and this year's Wimbledon title!

Third set tie-break: Anderson 3-6 Djokovic* (*next server)

Anderson saves the first championship point with a smash. Djokovic will now have two serves...

Third set tie-break: Anderson* 2-6 Djokovic (*next server)

Anderson nets a forehand. It's four championship points for Djokovic!

Third set tie-break: Anderson* 2-5 Djokovic (*next server)

Anderson retrieves one of the mini-breaks as Djokovic drags a backhand wide. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson 1-5 Djokovic* (*next server)

Service winner extends Djokovic's lead at the change of ends. Djokovic is two points away from his fourth Wimbledon title. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson 1-4 Djokovic* (*next server)

Djokovic gets the second mini-break with a brilliant low backhand pass that Anderson can only volley long. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson* 1-3 Djokovic (*next server)

Djokovic flicks a forehand passing shot down the line to secure the mini-break. Excellent pass. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson* 1-2 Djokovic (*next server)

Anderson pushes a backhand long. Still on serve. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson 1-1 Djokovic* (*next server)

Djokovic guides a backhand down the line to level things up. 

Third set tie-break: Anderson 1-0 Djokovic* (*next server)

Anderson skids away a forehand winner to claim the first point of the breaker. 

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 6-6 Djokovic (*next server) - Tie-break time

Djokovic's serve has momentarily fallen apart. He looks so shaky, and Anderson is punishing him - guiding a backhand pass crosscourt for 0-30. Djokovic then pushes a forehand wide and it's two more set points for Anderson at 15-40. Djokovic saves the first when Anderson nets a makeable forehand return, and the second with a brilliant first serve-forehand winner combo. Anderson dusts himself down and brings up a third set point of the game with another brilliant forehand.  But Djokovic saves it once more, this time when Anderson sends a forehand return long. Djokovic then misses a game point, and is taking an absolute age between points - bouncing the ball 17 times before serving. He is so edgy out there, screaming "shut the f*** up" at the crowd and blowing a kiss pointedly at a spectator. But an ace seals a desperate hold, and we're into a breaker

Djokovic has saved five set points in total. 

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 6-5 Djokovic* (*next server)

Anderson is a new man this set, completely transformed from the early stages. He holds to love here, with all four serves north of 130mph. We have a final at last. The crowd is desperate for a fourth set. Djokovic will serve to stay in the third set for a second time. 

Credit: Getty Images

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 5-5 Djokovic (*next server) - Djokovic saves two set points and holds

It's gone 4pm. For the first time ever the Wimbledon and World Cup finals are taking place at the same time.

Anderson meanwhile is once again putting the pressure on his opponent, bullying Djokovic into a missed backhand for 30-30.  And it's then set point Anderson at 30-40 when Djokovic double faults! His second double of the game. The crowd think Anderson has won the set but a Djokovic miscue lands plum on the line and he eventually prods away a smash to save the set point. But moments later, Djokovic double faults for a third time in the game! It's a second set point for Anderson. Djokovic saves it again - this time with an excellent forehand winner crosscourt off an awkward Anderson return. Anderson then has another chance to force a set point but after setting up the point perfectly he goes wide with a forehand. He also uses his third and final challenge of the set. On the next point, Anderson nets a forehand return and it's game Djokovic. Both men scream at the end of the game. Djokovic showing real defiance to the crowd for the first time today. 

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 5-4 Djokovic* (*next server)

A real shame it's taken Anderson this long to find his serve. He's in a really nice rhythm now, banging down consecutive aces and then feathering a beautiful angled drop volley to complete a hold to 15. Djokovic will serve to stay in the third set. 

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 4-4 Djokovic (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Hello! Anderson finally wins a point in a returning game as he absolutely vaporises a shaky second serve, ripping a forehand return winner for 0-15. Anderson then guides a forehand winner onto the sideline for 30-30. And then would you believe it? An Anderson backhand hits the tape and dribbles over for a winner. It's 30-40, break point Anderson! Can he take it? No! He gets the return in play but then pushes a backhand long. Djokovic then puffs his chest out and takes the next two points - the first an easy volley, the second an absolute howitzer of a second serve. 

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 4-3 Djokovic* (*next server)

The crowd are desperately trying to give Anderson a second wind, screaming themselves hoarse with pretty much every point he wins. An ace takes Anderson to 40-0, before another ace seals the hold to 15. If Anderson can break Djokovic in the next game, he'll be serving for the set. 

Credit: AFP

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 3-3 Djokovic (*next server)

It must be so hard for Djokovic not to assume this match is done. But then I guess his ability to stay entirely present is why he's one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He guides a backhand pass up the line for 30-0, and ends up holding to love - making it 15 straight points on serve. He hasn't dropped a point on serve this set. Federer-esque.  

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 3-2 Djokovic* (*next server)

You know that expression "stranger things have happened"? In all seriousness, how many stranger things have happened than Anderson coming back to win this match in five? I can't think of many in tennis. 

Anyway, Anderson is certainly serving better this set, finding a groove at last and racing to 40-15 with a fourth ace. An excellent crosscourt forehand secures the hold to 30. 

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 2-2 Djokovic (*next server)

Anderson may be holding serve at last but he's making no inroads on the Djokovic serve this set. Novak holds to love here, sealed with an ace out wide that his opponent doesn't even move for. 

Credit: Getty Images

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 2-1 Djokovic* (*next server)

Better from Anderson. He holds serve comfortably in consecutive games for the first time all match, and lets out a roar of celebration. He's also levelled David Nalbandian's total of six games in a Wimbledon final. 

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6, 1-1 Djokovic (*next server)

Should Anderson have tried getting to the net a bit more today? He makes only his ninth net approach of the match but duffs a volley for 30-15. Djokovic then scoots away with the game and holds to 15. 

Anderson 2-6, 2-6, 1-0 Djokovic* (*next server)

Both players are ready to resume. We have 33 minutes until the World Cup final starts. Will this be done by then?

Anderson was broken in his first service game of both the first two sets, but he holds here to 15 with a big serve out wide. He inevitably celebrates with a big call of "Come on!". He's still saying "Come on!" in fact as the players change ends. 

Anderson* 2-6, 2-6 Djokovic (*next server) - Second set Djokovic

Anderson can't move his feet again - blaring a couple of forehands long - and Djokovic eases to 30-0. Credit Anderson though as an excellent volley and then clever backhand winner have us at 30-30. And then would you believe it a stinging Anderson return draws a missed Djokovic forehand, and for the first time today he has a break point. Djokovic saves it though after outlasting his opponent in another lengthy exchange and drawing a missed backhand. A trademark backhand winner down the line from Djokovic then brings up set point, which he takes with a biting service winner out wide. 

After 1hr 12 min, Djokovic is a set away from his fourth Wimbledon title. Both players exit the court for a comfort break at the end of the set. 

Credit: AFP

Anderson 2-6, 2-5 Djokovic* (*next server)

Anderson at least forces Djokovic to serve out the second set as he crunches a forehand winner away to complete a hold to 15. Djokovic looked like he had half an eye on his upcoming service game. 

Anderson* 2-6, 1-5 Djokovic (*next server)

This must be so demoralising for Anderson. He plays a really excellent point but still loses what is a 17-shot rally after Djokovic scurries around the court and somehow keeps himself alive. Djokovic then bangs down an ace and flicks away a forehand winner for 40-15. But what have we here? Anderson connects beautifully with a couple of returns and gets to deuce on the Djokovic serve for the first time today. Anderson then looks like he'll finally earn himself a break point, but Djokovic again somehow comes out on top in another gruelling baseline exchange. Djokovic eventually holds with a sadistic wrong-footing forehand winner, and Anderson will serve to stay in the second set

As it stands, Anderson has hit as many double faults (three) as he has aces. 

Anderson 2-6, 1-4 Djokovic* (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Anderson's legs look like they weigh about a ton. He just can't get any spring and is broken to 15 in a pretty wretched game that includes a double fault and two unforced errors. Djokovic is playing this absolutely perfectly, and just making his exhausted opponent hit one extra ball. 

Credit: AP

Anderson* 2-6, 1-3 Djokovic (*next server)

Incidentally it was the Wimbledon 2012 third round against Macros Baghdatis when Murray was penalised for a ball falling out of his pocket. 

Anyway, back to the here and now. For pretty much the first time today, Anderson wins a long rally to go up 0-15, but Djokovic breezes through the next four points to hold. 

Anderson 2-6, 1-2 Djokovic* (*next server)

Huge cheers for Anderson as an ace helps him on his way to 40-0. But he just can't move his feet today and three straight errors have us at deuce. Brutal accuracy from Djokovic who's painting the lines with his groundstrokes. Anderson is so anxious he's saying "Come on!" after pretty much every point he wins. A fourth game point then comes and goes after a double fault. On the next point a let is called mid-rally after a ball falls out of Anderson's pocket. I remember that happened a couple of times to Andy Murray in a match and he lost the point (I think it was the 2012 US Open semi against Tomas Berdych). Anderson eventually digs out the hold when Djokovic can't chase down a drop volley. 

Anderson* 2-6, 0-2 Djokovic (*next server)

Centre Court is so flat, no-one really knows what to make of this. At least the mixed doubles final should be fun later!

Djokovic is maintaining such a good level, holding to 15 with a serve so accurate it sends chalk flying up into his opponent's eyes. 

Credit: REUTERS

Anderson 2-6, 0-1 Djokovic* (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

First signs of frustration for Anderson as he nets a forehand for 15-30 after a brilliant Djokovic return. Another netted backhand gives Djokovic two break points at 15-40. And he only needs one - sending a backhand skidding onto the baseline to seal an early break. Anderson desperately challenges, but Hawk-Eye shows the ball to be in. 

This is painful to watch, bringing back memories of Cilic's collapse last year against Federer. 

Anderson* 2-6 Djokovic (*next server) - First set Djokovic

Djokovic isn't always the best closer of sets, but he's solid enough here and helped by a couple of Anderson errors. A wild Anderson forehand flies long and that's a hold to 15 for Djokovic and with it the first set. 

After 29 minutes, Djokovic is a set to the good and Anderson is getting treatment on his right arm. 

Anderson 2-5 Djokovic* (*next server)

Well played Big Kev. A second ace of the match seals the hold to 15, and Djokovic will serve for the first set

Anderson has called for the trainer, it looks like an arm problem. 

Anderson* 1-5 Djokovic (*next server)

A crisp forehand volley winner is the highlight of a love service hold for Djokovic. A fourth Wimbledon title feels inevitable at the moment. 

"I'm still backing Kev" Credit: AFP

Anderson 1-4 Djokovic* (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

You feel for Anderson here. He looks a touch heavy-footed - understandably - and mistimes three forehands to fall down 15-40 and two break points. Djokovic only needs one, snaring his man with a low, dipping passing shot at Anderson's shoelaces. 

Anderson* 1-3 Djokovic (*next server)

Anderson tries to gee himself up when he draws an error for 40-15, but Djokovic seals the hold on the next point with a clinical crosscourt forehand. 

Anderson 1-2 Djokovic* (*next server)

First cry of "Come on!" from Anderson as a Djokovic backhand sails long for 30-0. Anderson then crunches a 137mph ace and a service winner out wide to complete a love hold.  

Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley

Anderson* 0-2 Djokovic (*next server)

This sub-optimal start has prompted a conversation between Simon Briggs and me about the worst Wimbledon finals we've ever watched. I'm going Hewitt-Nalbandian in 2002; Simon's saying Sampras-Pioline in 1997. 

But we are of course getting way ahead of ourselves just a game in and being very harsh on Big Kev.  

That said, Djokovic holds breezily to 15 here as Anderson sprays a couple of forehands almost into the stands. 

Anderson 0-1 Djokovic* (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Anderson wins the first point of the final when Djokovic sends a backhand long. Anderson then moves to 30-15 with a knifed volley winner, before a missed backhand and a forehand long present Djokovic with a break point at 30-40. Anderson duly double faults and Djokovic has the break. 

Not the start Anderson was after.  

Ready? Play

Anderson to serve first.  

Credit: AFP

Coin toss is done

And the players are warming up. We'll be under way very soon. 

The players are out

Big noise as you would expect, with lots of Serbian and South African flags fluttering in the sunshine. Wills and Kate among those in the Royal Box. 

Excitement building

Centre Court is abuzz with anticipation, as the ball boys and girls come out to a rapturous reception. 

Novak's back

Amazing to think that only a month ago Djokovic was in such a rage after exiting the French Open he suggested he would miss the grass-court season.  Now here he is on the cusp of winning a fourth Wimbledon title. 

Anderson meanwhile is looking to become the first non "big four" man to win Wimbledon since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002. 

Credit: AFP

Head to head

Djokovic has won all of the last five meetings between the pair, with Anderson's only victory coming 10 years ago in Miami. Their most recent meeting came here at Wimbledon, and saw Djokovic battle back from losing the first two sets to win in five. 

Will we be in for something similar today? Probably not. 

And then there were two

So here we are. After two weeks of baking-hot sun and intriguing (if not always thrilling) tennis, 126 men have headed home and we are left with just the two finalists: Kevin Anderson and Novak Djokovic. 

Were all things equal this would be a tricky match to call, what with Anderson's serve-heavy game well-suited to grass and his giant-killer pedigree burnished by defeating Roger Federer in Wednesday's quarter-final. 

There is of course though a huge 6hr 36min cloud hanging over Anderson, whose body will surely be in bits after Friday's marathon semi-final against John Isner. 

Anderson did at least theoretically have a day off yesterday but he looked drained of energy during his press commitments, and will be made to work extremely hard this afternoon by the almost sadistically durable Djokovic. 

Hopefully Anderson can at least give a better account of himself than he did in his only previous major final - a heavy defeat to Rafael Nadal at last year's US Open where he looked overawed by the occasion. 

Credit: Getty Images

One potential saving grace is the fact that Djokovic took a physical pounding himself in an epic semi-final against Nadal that spread over two days and did not finish until after 3.30pm yesterday. 

When asked after his victory about Anderson, Djokovic said: "Well, I mean, considering he's playing only his second grand slam final, obviously he has a lot more to gain. If I take my last couple years, I don't have much to lose myself. I'm, again, in a grand slam final after a long time, after actually almost two years.

"Of course, we want this trophy. We want this match, both of us. Who is going to take it? I don't know. It really depends."

Djokovic is the heavy favourite with the bookies, and I personally think he'll win in straight sets today. 

The players will step onto Centre Court - where temperatures are already in the high 20s and are expected to reach 30 degrees - at 2pm. 

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