Wimbledon final, as it happened: Djokovic downs Anderson in straight sets to clinch fourth title

Wrapping it up

The final was hardly a classic and fortunately (if you were itching to change to the World Cup) or unfortunately didn’t turn out to be a five-set marathon. Tough for Anderson to have made an arduous journey to the final hurdle and fall apart on the day when it mattered the most. He’s won quite a few hearts though with the way he has conducted himself throughout the tournament. But the story of the day is Novak Djokovic, who’s revived himself with this title. Suddenly the following hard court season’s become a lot more interesting. It’s not about Roger and Rafa alone anymore. Novak Djokovic is back, ladies and gents! And, that’s the bottomline.

Thank you for joining this coverage. Let’s quickly switch over to the World Cup now.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC:-

“It feels amazing because for the first time in my life I have someone screaming ‘Daddy, Daddy’ and it’s a little boy right there. He’s under five years old, so he couldn’t watch the matches live but we hoped if I lifted the trophy he could be there. He was by far the best sparring partner I had in the last couple of weeks. But I would just like to congratulate Kevin. He has had quite a few hours in quarter-finals and semi-finals. In his first Wimbledon final he didn’t play well in the first two sets, but he was a better player in the third set and I was happy to come through. The last couple of years haven’t been easy. I had surgery and was absent from the tour for six months. This was my first Grand Slam final after a couple of years. There was no better place to make my comeback. This is a sacred place for tennis. I always dreamed of holding this trophy when I was a young boy. The grass tasted really good. I had a double portion this year.”

KEVIN ANDERSON:-

“Playing against Novak isn’t easy. Congratulations to [Novak]. I’m not feeling as fresh now as I was coming into the week. But this is an amazing tournament for all of us. That’s what it had to take for me to get here. I would have given another 21 hours to have the opportunity to play out here.”  

Djokovic wins title No. 4 at Wimbledon!

There it is! A fourth Wimbledon crown for the Serb. He gets there after Anderson nets a return. Remarkable win after a longish Grand Slam drought. The final score: 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)

He just crouches, gets up to shake hands with Anderson and the referee. But lets out a primal scream, raising both his hands after. Then, he does his little ritual of plucking some grass and eating it.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-6 (6-2) Anderson: Net chord and four championship points for the Djoker.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-6 (5-2) Anderson: Djokovic misses an easy backhand to not get to the Championship point. But he’s still leading by a big margin.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-6 (4-1) Anderson: Two points off Anderson’s serve and he’s inching closer to his fourth Wimbledon crown.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-6 (3-1) Anderson: A crucial passing shot by Djokovic gets him the mini-break in the tie-breaker.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 6-6 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Three set points saved by Djokovic in that nail-biting game. Anderson tried his best to take advantage of Djokovic’s nerves. But he keeps his cool and takes this third set to a tie-breaker.

Who else is doing this?

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 5-6 Anderson (service: Anderson) Brilliant hold by Kevin Anderson. All his serves over 130 mph. This set will go to a tie-breaker if Djokovic holds his serve again – as he’s done throughout the match.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 5-5 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Has to be the most thrilling game of the match so far. Twice Djokovic double-faulted. Twice Anderson had a set point. But Djokovic – suddenly looking tensed – is saved by a wide forehand by Anderson and he closes the game immediately.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 4-5 Anderson (service: Anderson) A superb backhand slice volley by Anderson to finish off the game. Don’t think this match will get over before the World Cup final. Anderson’s very much in this match. The serves that knocked out Federer and Isner are back. And, even for Djokovic, they are difficult to return.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 4-4 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Anderson earns a break point because of a net chord. But Djokovic serves one wide and hits a forehand winner to go to deuce. A service return that goes long takes Djokovic to 4-4.

Meanwhile, more World Cup final jokes:

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 3-4 Anderson (service: Anderson) Both Anderson and Djokovic are slugging it out from the baseline. But Anderson’s trying not to rally with Djokovic. He’s counting on his serves to finish off the points. A 133 mph ace closes out game no. 7 in the third set.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 3-3 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Djokovic’s been indomitable on his serve. He’s won 15 straight points whilst serving now. Anderson can’t touch his serve. Easy hold for 3-3.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 2-3 Anderson (service: Anderson) For the first time in this final, Anderson has won more than two games in a set. He’s throwing the kitchen sink at the relentless Djokovic. But this set, Anderson’s looked a lot more positive. But with Djokovic constantly pushing him, how long can Anderson keep doing this?

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 2-2 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Djokovic has served really well this final. Over 75% of his first serves have gone in so far. Anderson’s first-serve percentage range in the 60s. Djokovic holds another game to go 2-2.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 1-2 Anderson (service: Anderson) A flurry of 130+ mph serves help Anderson hold his serve in the third game. He clenches his fist and is pumped up. He’s looked better since the beginning of the third set. He knows it’s now or never against a determined Djokovic, who’s looking at his best.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 1-1 Anderson (service: Djokovic) A hold at 40-0 for Djokovic. Anderson’s returns still lack any threat. But he’s ramping up his serves. The third set, let’s hope, will be more even than the first two.

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 0-1 Anderson (service: Anderson) For the first time in this match, Anderson has held his serve in the first game of a set. A 118 mph wide serve to clinch the game.

The Djoker’s a set away from title no. 4 at SW19

Djokovic 6-2, 6-2 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Anderson gets his first break point with a delectable drop shot and a down-the-line backhand winner. But hits a forehand out to lose it (this after Djokovic returned all his power-laden groundstrokes). And, Djokovic closes the second set with a wide serve.

Djokovic 6-2, 5-2 Anderson (service: Anderson) A hold for Anderson. Some reprieve there. The serve that was untouchable for the great Federer in the quarter-final has been put to test by Djokovic today. Of course, Anderson’s battle-worn and all now. But this is some masterclass by Djokovic so far.

Djokovic 6-2, 5-1 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Anderson does well to get to deuce with a couple of monstrous groundstrokes. But nets the next one to concede the advantage to Djokovic. An unforced error from the Serb takes it to deuce again. But Djokovic holds to go up to 5-1.

Djokovic 6-2, 4-1 Anderson (service: Anderson) Djokovic breaks Anderson again and does a quiet fist-pump. He knows he’s playing at a level above his opponent, who’s either nervy or weary (or both). Wife Jelena has a wide smile in the stands. Will this get over sooner than we thought?

Djokovic 6-2, 3-1 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Hold at 40-15. No problems whatsoever for Novak. Someone’s tweeted that Djokovic’s making sure none of us will miss any of the Fifa World Cup final. Wink.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-1 Anderson (service: Anderson) Net. Forehand sprayed to the crowd. Another forehand hit wide. And, another. Anderson gets into trouble. But a Djokovic error and a cheeky half-volley rescues him.

Djokovic 6-2, 2-0 Anderson (service: Djokovic) A comfortable hold after the break. The one-way-traffic continues. Anderson has hardly threatened to break Djokovic’s serve.

Djokovic 6-2, 1-0 Anderson (service: Anderson) Another break for Djokovic. Anderson’s made way too many errors from the back of the court. He hasn’t looked at his best so far in this match. And, time’s running away. He has to recuperate quickly now that Djokovic’s had an early break in the second set.

Djokovic runs away with the first set

Djokovic 6-2 Anderson (service: Djokovic) After breaking their backs to win the last sets they’d played in the semis, Djokovic and Anderson play out a quick one. But it’s the Serb who has won it with ease. He capitalised on Anderson’s early nerves and tiredness(?). He wins it 6-2.

Djokovic 5-2 Anderson (service: Anderson) Anderson smashes a forehand way wide to the crowd to trail 0-15. But he steadies himself and goes on to win the game. He’s still alive in the set.

Djokovic 5-1 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Another easy hold for the three-time champion. Anderson has looked out of sorts this match so far.

Djokovic 4-1 Anderson (service: Anderson) BREAK AGAIN! Anderson can’t get his serves right. Not many of his first serves go in. And, Djokovic’s attacking the second serves. Anderson tries coming to the net to volley but it’s too low and hits the net. He concedes the second break of the match.

Djokovic 3-1 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Djokovic’s serves mightn’t be the monsters that Anderson regularly serves but they are good enough to keep him in the game. Anderson hasn’t come close to breaking it so far. Another hold for the Serb.

Djokovic 2-1 Anderson (service: Anderson) Alright then, Anderson gets his mark on the scoreboard. A 137 mph service to seal the third game of the set. Get ready for more such thunderbolts.

Meanwhile, some star presence at the Centre Court

Djokovic 2-0 Anderson (service: Djokovic) Easy hold for Novak. He consolidates the break with his solid serves. Once again, Anderson’s movement appears a little rusty. Perhaps because of all that marathons that he played?

Early break for Djokovic

Nervy start for Kevin Anderson after he chose to serve first. A few unforced errors and a double fault. His movements look a little restricted, too. This is his first final at Wimbledon. Understandable. But the Djoker is up and away.

Alright then, toss time! Anderson has won it and he has chosen to serve first.

Don’t think you would have watched anyone at Wimbledon this year as much as you did Kevin Anderson – the South African has spent 21 hours and a minute on court so far. How long will he play today?

Djokovic:-

I managed to overcome challenges and obstacles, get myself to the final of a Slam. Obviously if you told me that six months ago, I would take it right away. But did I truly believe that I can get back on the level? Yes, I mean, it’s hard for me to play tennis and not believe that I can be the best in what I do.

Anderson:-

Along the way, there were many small breakthroughs – making top 10 in 2015, beating Andy Murray in the round of 16 at the US Open, almost beating Novak here, being up two sets to love, losing very close in the fifth set.

Then getting injured in 2016 was tough. I mean, I think the biggest thing as I try to sort of say, I don’t feel like there’s massive secrets. I work really hard. I have good goals.

I’m always looking to improve. I’ve got a great team behind me. I have a lot of support. I feel like, as I’ve been saying, some of my best tennis I feel is still ahead of me.

06:25 pm We are a few minutes away from the start of the men’s singles final. Are you ready, guys? As we await, here’s a fun fact for you:-

06:15 pm This will be the first Wimbledon men’s singles final in the Open Era with two players 30 or older.

6:05 pm Djokovic, of course, is the clear favourite heading into the contest. The Serb has been there and done it. For Anderson, it would perhaps be tough not to let the pressure of a big match and a mighty opponent affect him.

Djokovic’s road to final:-

vs Sandgren 6-3, 6-1, 6-2

vs Zeballos 6-1, 6-2, 6-3

vs Edmund 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

vs Khachanov 6-4, 6-2, 6-2

vs Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2

vs Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(11), 3-6, 10-8

05:35 pm

Anderson’s road to final:-

vs Gombos 6-3, 6-4, 6-4

vs Seppi 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-3, 6-4

vs Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5, 7-5

vs Monfils 7-6(7), 7-6(7), 5-7, 7-6(7)

vs Federer 2-6, 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-4, 13-11

vs Isner 7-6(8), 6-7(7), 6-7(11), 6-4, 26-24

05:25 pm While you wait for the final to begin, why don’t you read Zenia D’Cunha’s piece on Angelique Kerber’s incredible triumph at Wimbledon?

05:15 pm One player has accomplished so much than the other. But all that won’t matter when they take on each other at the hallowed Centre Court.

5:05 pm Look who’s at SW19 to witness the men’s singles final!

4:45 pm Good evening, ladies and gents. We welcome you to the live coverage of the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Kevin Anderson. Both players were involved in gruelling five-set matches – each exceeding five hours – to make their way into the final. “Hopefully we can play,” joked Djokovic ahead of the match. Anderson, despite his six-plus-hours slugfest against John Isner, will have the edge because he had more time to recover than Djokovic, who finished his semi-final victory against Nadal yesterday. Going by their playing styles, the final, too, has all the possibilities of going down to the wire. But do both men have it enough in them to go that far?