Used to make Wimbledon trophy out of materials: Djokovic on 20th Grand Slam

Serbian Novak Djokovic beat Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon men’s singles final to lift the elusive title for the sixth time. He did so by beating the first-time finalist Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4/7), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in a match that lasted three hours and 24 minutes.

With this win, he equalled the record of 20 Grand Slams held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“When I was a little boy, I used to make the Wimbledon trophy out of materials in my room, imagining I’d be standing here one day,” Djokovic said during the post-match presentation.

Former World No 1 Roger Federer also wished Djokovic on achieving the title. He wrote on Twitter: “Congrats Novak on your 20th major. I’m proud to have the opportunity to play in a special era of tennis champions. Wonderful performance, well done!”

His win also put him three-quarters of the way to the first calendar Grand Slam of all four majors since 1969.

A sixth victory at the All England Club for Djokovic, who was playing in his 30th final at the Slams, added to his nine Australian Opens, two Roland Garros titles as well as three at the US Open.

Should he win a fourth title in New York in September, he will become just the third man in history after Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) to complete the calendar Grand Slam.

“It was more than a battle. He is a true Italian hammer I felt it on my skin,” said Djokovic of Berrettini.

“It means none of us three will stop. Roger and Rafa are legends they are the reason I am where I am today.”

The Serb also now has 85 career titles while he has become the first man to break the $150 million prize money barrier.

A gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics could give him the first-ever Golden Grand Slam by a male player.

Berrettini, hoping to be Italy’s first singles champion at Wimbledon, saved two championship points in the eighth game but failed in front of an experienced campaigner.

“Novak is a great champion he is writing history on this court,” said Berrettini. It is not the end it is the beginning for me. Without my family, friends and team all this would not have been possible so I just say Grazie, Grazie,” Berrettini said.