In front of 15,000 spectators, Djokovic drew level with Roger Federer (SUI) and Rafael Nadal (ESP) with the number of Grand Slam victories. The trio now holds 20 major wins each. But it took 3:24 hours before the fight was decided in favor of the world number one. Because Berrettini – number nine in the ATP and the first Italian in a men’s final at Wimbledon – offered a self-sacrificing fight.
“It was more than a fight. Congratulations to Matteo, it was a tough match. Losing a final isn’t the nicest feeling. But there is still a great career ahead of him. His blow is a real hammer, I felt it, “said defending champion Djokovic, who won in 2018 and 2019 as well.
Wimbledon: Djokovic holt 20. Grand-Slam-Titel
Novak Djokovic won the men’s final at Wimbledon on Sunday and thus his 20th major title. In his sixth triumph at the All England Championships, the Serb defeated the Italian debutant Matteo Berrettini in four sets 6: 7 (4/7) 6: 4 6: 4 6: 3.
“Winning Wimbledon has always been a dream of mine. I’ve said it many times before, I don’t take it for granted. I enjoy it, it’s always a great privilege. To be here with my sixth trophy is simply unbelievable, ”said the 34-year-old on the pitch.
Berrettini takes first set
In the first service game Berrettini missed a break chance, Djokovic acted incorrectly in his 30th Grand Slam final and made his third double fault with a score of 1: 1 0:15. With his routine, the world number one developed his first break chances and after 19 minutes made it 3: 1.
The 34-year-old Djokovic seemed to have arrived, he grabbed the next service game to zero and pulled away to 4: 1. The 25-year-old Italian was unimpressed by this, however, with a 2: 5 deficit he fought for every point and ball, shortened to 3: 5 and managed the rebreak to 4: 5. Without further loss of service, the tiebreak went, which Berrettini secured with an ace to 7/4. It took 70 minutes before the 1.96-meter giant inflicted the second loss of a set on the Serb in the course of the tournament.
Djokovic takes command
In the second set, Djokovic took command from the start, took Berrettini twice from the service and pulled away to 4-0, where he needed exactly 68 seconds for his service game to make it 4-0. But when the score was 5: 1, Djokovic showed nerves again. Instead of serving, he conceded a rebreak, with a 5: 3 serve Berrettini he also had three break chances, respectively set balls, but he also missed these. Only with his own service did he make it 6: 4 after a further 43 minutes and managed to equalize the set.
The third set was also contested from the start. The “Djoker” made the break to 2: 1 and fended off two break balls by Berrettini at 3: 2 and thus the chance to equalize the Italian. The audience went wild. Referee Marija Cicak from Croatia, who was the first woman to lead a men’s final at Wimbledon, had to warn the audience several times to calm down. The players then played their service games, Djokovic used his second set ball after 47 minutes and established the 2: 1 set lead.
Long at eye level
The fourth movement was also at eye level for a long time. In the seventh game Djokovic then struck, continuously increased the pressure and developed a break chance; Berretini closed the game with a double fault. Djokovic then put another show of strength on the Italian after his service and recovered his third match point after 3:24 hours.
“It’s an incredible feeling, maybe too many feelings to handle. Novak was better than me, so he deserved to win. He makes history in this sport and deserves every congratulations. I’m happy with my final, hopefully it won’t be the last. I would like to thank my team, we will keep trying, ”said Berrettini after his debut at a Grand Slam final.
Still on course for the “real” Grand Slam
Djokovic remains on course for a “real” Grand Slam, that is, winning the major tournaments in Australia, France, England and the USA within the same calendar year. Should he take over from defending champion Dominic Thiem in September, Djokovic would only be the third player ever and the first since Rod Laver (1962, 1969) to succeed. The “Golden Slam” – including the Olympics – is still possible.
He sees his 20th Grand Slam title as a motivation: “It means that none of us three will quit. I have to pay tribute to Rafa and Roger, they are legends in our sport. You are the reason I am standing here. They helped me understand what I need to do better to be here. At the end of 2010, 2011 something changed. The last ten years have been an unbelievable journey that does not end here today. “
All England Championships Wimbledon
(UK, £ 17,066,000, turf)
