The world stood witness to the greatness of Novak Djokovic once again, as the Serbian superstar won the Wimbledon 2022 final, once again. The world no. 3 now has 21 grand slams under his belt and has overtaken Roger Federer (20) and just one less than Rafael Nadal (22) at the top spot.
Wimbledon has been one of his favourite hunting grounds, as this was 4th consecutive title here. Andy Murray last defeated him here way back in 2013. He has now won Wimbledon 7 times. On his way to the title, he overcame the challenge of Australian enigma Nick Kyrgios on Sunday.
With all said and done, let’s take a look at Djokovic’s road to Wimbledon 2022 final win.
Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 final: Nick Kyrgios has a meltdown vs Novak Djokovic, internet reacts
First round: Kwon Soon-woo (South Korea)
Score: 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
The six-time Wimbledon champion began his title defence in an unexpected way, as he faced a tough challenge against Kwon Soon-woo. The world no. 81 took home the second set with marvellous technique, however, Djokovic retaliated and won the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
“Credit to Kwon for playing some really high-quality tennis,” Djokovic said after the match.
“It was really difficult to hit through him, so I had to figure out a way tactically to get in control of the point. It wasn’t easy,” Djokovic added.
Second round: Thanasi Kokkinakis (Australia)
Score: 6-1, 6-4, 6-2
The 35-year-old brushed aside Australian star Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Wimbledon with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. The second round victory met with applause from the viewers all around the world.
“I must say I was quite pleased, the way I’ve raised my level in two days. It was really, really high-quality,” Djokovic said in the post-match press conference.
The Serbian broke Kokkinakis’ serve five times in the match and the Australian later expressed his surprise to the reporters.
“If that’s not his top intensity, I’m going to get chopped even more next time. He returned unbelievably, just did everything well,” Kokkinakis said.
Also Read: Wimbledon final: Djoko gets help from netcord to break Kyrgios for 1st time
Third round: Miomir Kecmanovic (Serbia)
Score: 6-0, 6-3, 6-4
Djokovic recorded a consecutive straight set victory in Wimbledon when he beat his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic 6-0, 6-3, 6-4 in the third round. The win helped him to advance to the Round of 16, where he faced Tim van Rijthoven from the Netherlands.
Also Read: Agitated Kyrgios has meltdown during Wimbledon final vs Djokovic. Watch
Round of 16: Tim van Rijthoven (The Netherlands)
Score: 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
The match could have been a different story as Dutch wildcard Tim van Rijthoven won the second set. However, Djokovic did not let the trend continue as he claimed the rest of the sets to clinch a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory.
The dutchman set up two break point chances against Djokovic in the second set. However, could not muster the ability to replicate his success in the next sets.
Also Read: Wimbledon 2022 final: What prompted Nick Kyrgios’ meltdown in third set vs Novak Djokovic
Quarter final: Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Score: 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Evidently the trickiest game for Djokovic at the Wimbledon 2022. 20-year-old Sinner forced Djokovic to five sets, winning the first two. However, the world no. 1 restored parity by winning the next two sets and taking the match to a tie-breaker.
The three hour and 35 minutes long game came to an end when Djokovic managed to snatch the win from the Italian youngster.
“I’m just glad I’m through,” Djokovic said after the match.
Also Read: Nick Kyrgios’ road to the Wimbledon 2022 final
Semifinal: Cameron Norrie (Great Britain)
Score: 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
Cameron Norrie also proved to be an able opponent to Novak Djokovic, as he began by winning the first set against the Serbian. However, Djokovic retaliated in the following sets and defeated him 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 on July 8.
The Serb will face off against Nick Kyrgios on Sunday, July 10 at the final.
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Final: Nick Kyrgios (Australia)
Score: 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
As was the problem with Djokovic through out the tournament, he encountered again with early match inconsistency, with the Aussie taking away the first set.
Kyrgios was perfect the whole opening set. He out-rallied Djokovic from the backhand corner and served incredibly well. He also wove a web of diversity. Djokovic, however, remained focused and gradually integrated himself into the game. In his service games, he first started to play on his terms, luring Kyrgios into lengthier exchanges before firing. Then he gradually improved his ability to read Kyrgios’ serve.
He displayed excellent performance in the third set, making 14 winners compared to just two unforced errors. He consistently outweighed Kyrgios from the top of the baseline, dragging him from side to side while deftly deflecting his first strike.
At the end the Serb prevailed, winning the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
