Djokovic races to an easy victory

Novak Djokovic raced to a fourth Wimbledon title and 13th career Grand Slam crown yesterday when he defeated a battling but exhausted Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).

World number 21 Djokovic added the 2018 title to his wins in 2011, 2014 and 2015 as he became the lowest-ranked champion since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001.

It also took his Slam total to within one of Pete Sampras and just four behind the 17 of Rafael Nadal who he defeated in the semifinals.

Anderson, the eighth seed, was the first South African in the final in 97 years and was bidding to become the first man from his country to be crowned Wimbledon champion.

However, he had spent 21 hours on court getting to the final and that marathon effort came back to haunt him at the worst possible time despite a late rally when he had five set points in the third set.

Victory was 31-year-old Djokovic’s first at the majors since he completed the career Grand Slam at Roland Garros in 2016.

Having arrived in the final with 172 aces to his name, Anderson managed just 10 yesterday and he also failed to convert any of his seven break points.

Anderson, sluggish in the 30-degree heat having played 21 hours at the tournament already, was broken on a double fault in the first game.

That set the tone and Djokovic broke again in the fifth game on his way to securing the opener. The Serb conceded just three points on his serve.

The second set followed a familiar pattern, Djokovic breaking in the first and fifth games and fighting off the only break point he faced in the eighth game.

Anderson battled in the third set where he had five set points but all were saved by Djokovic, who went on to claim victory when the South African netted a return. –