NOVAK IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

Wimbledon crown, 21st Grand Slam title for Serbian

LONDON (AFP) – Novak Djokovic won a seventh Wimbledon title and 21st Grand Slam crown on Sunday with a four-set triumph over Nick Kyrgios, whose challenge unravelled in frustration after a blistering start.

Top seed Djokovic won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) to equal Pete Sampras’ mark of seven titles at the All England Club and move within one of the men’s record of eight held by Roger Federer.

The 35-year-old Serb is now one Slam ahead of Federer in the all-time race and just one behind Rafael Nadal’s record of 22 majors.

“I’m lost for words for what this tournament and this trophy means to me,” said Djokovic. “It always has been and will be the most special one in my heart.”

Djokovic also praised Kyrgios after their oncefrosty relationship thawed at Wimbledon. “It’s officially a bromance,” he declared. “It is tough to find consolation words at a moment like this but you showed why you are one of the best players in the world.”

Djokovic is just the fourth man in the Open era to win four successive Wimbledon titles after Bjorn Borg, Sampras and Federer. Kyrgios said the Serb was “a bit of a god.” “First of all congratulations to Novak and your team, you’ve won these championships that many times I don’t even know any more.” The 40th-ranked player said he was “exhausted.” “I’m really happy with this result and maybe one day I’ll be here again but I don’t know about that.”

Djokovic had endured a difficult year at the Slams.

His deportation from Australia over his coronavirus vaccination status was followed by a quarterfinal loss to Nadal at the French Open.

His refusal to get vaccinated will bar him from flying to the United States next month for the US Open as things stand.