Novak Djokovic loving life after making history at Wimbledon

Djokovic came from a set down to win a sixth SW19 title and third in succession. Novak Djokovic savoured his history-making achievements after defeating Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final to equal Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record of 20 grand slam titles.

Federer had 16 titles when Djokovic won his second in 2011 but over the last decade the Serbian has relentlessly hunted down his great rivals. Speaking on court, Djokovic, who made it six Wimbledon titles and three in a row, said: “I have to pay a great tribute to Rafa and Roger. They are legends of our sport. The two most important players I ever faced.

 

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“They are the reason I am where I am today. They made me realise what I had to do to improve. The last 10 years has been an incredible journey that is not stopping here.”

Whether Djokovic will give himself the chance to become the first man to win the Golden Slam of the four major titles and Olympic singles gold in a year is up in the air, though, after he revealed he is reconsidering whether to play in Tokyo.

The decision not to allow any fans, plus tight restrictions on athletes, have prompted a rethink, with Djokovic saying: “My plan was always to go to the Olympic Games. But right now I’m a little bit divided. It’s kind of 50-50.”

This was Djokovic’s 30th slam final but never has so much been on the line, and nerves were very evident in his first two service games as he committed three double faults and struggled to elevate his second serve over 80mph.

The crowd were fully into the match, alternating chants of ‘Matteo’ and ‘Nole’ ringing around Centre Court and giving Marija Cicak, the first woman to umpire a Wimbledon men’s singles final, a few difficult moments.

There were more of those for Djokovic in the third and fourth sets, too, but he has made a career of winning the important points and so it was again here.