‘ Spent force’ Djoko says his son inspired him to title
London, July 16: Novak Djokovic revealed Sunday that the thought of his son seeing him win a Grand Slam title for the first time inspired him to his fourth triumph at the All England Club and 13th crown at the majors.
Written off as a spent force — and even doubting his own famed powers of recovery — after seeing his world ranking slump to its lowest in 12 years, Djokovic swept past a weary Kevin Anderson 62, 6- 2, 7- 6 ( 7/ 3) in the final, adding the 2018 title to his wins in 2011, 2014 and 2015.
His crowning moment, however, was seeing three- yearold son Stefan watch the trophy ceremony from up in the players box in the arms of his mother Jelena.
“Actually, I didn’t talk about it, but it was the biggest motivation I’ve had for this Wimbledon this year,” said the 31- year- old Serb whose win will see him return to the top 10 in the world.
“I was imagining this moment of him coming to the stands, cherishing this moment with my wife and me and everyone.
“I never had him in the box watching the tennis match. I was hoping that Wimbledon can be that tournament because he’s big enough now I think to stay quiet maybe for 30 minutes or so.”
Stefan was not allowed to watch the match itself from courtside as All England Club rules ban under- fives.
But Djokovic had already introduced the toddler around the grounds, even hitting with him in practice.
“He was by far the best sparring partner I had in the last couple of weeks,” joked the champion.
Sunday’s triumph was Djokovic’s first at the majors since the 2016 French Open when he secured the career Grand Slam.
It was his first Slam final since finishing runner- up at the 2016 US Open. —