London: Novak Djokovic was at his brutal best as he claimed his fourth Wimbledon title, and his 13th Grand Slam crown of his career, in ruthless fashion beating South Africa’s Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(7-3) on a sweltering Centre Court Sunday.
Anderson, bidding to become the first South African to win the men’s singles title, had spent 21 hours on court to reach his first Wimbledon final and his tank appeared to be empty in the opening two sets as a clinical Djokovic dominated.
Djokovic, who defeated World No.1 Spaniard Rafa Nadal in an epic semifinal Saturday, lost some intensity at times in the third set and saved five set points as Anderson hinted at an improbable comeback. But he forged ahead in the tie-break and celebrated his 13th Grand Slam title when Anderson netted a return.
“It feels amazing because for the first time in my life I have someone screaming ‘Daddy Daddy’,” Djokovic said on court as he cradled the trophy with son Stefan having joined the rest of his family and entourage.
“This was my first Grand Slam final for a couple of years and there is no better place to make a comeback. Congratulations to Kevin. He had been brilliant in the tournament,” said the Serb.
Djokovic, who had suffered a dip in form and fitness in the past two years and he was seeded only 12th for the championships, made only 13 unforced errors in the final as he offered more evidence that he is back to his best.
Grand Slam titles
Australian Open: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
French Open: 2016
Wimbledon: 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018
US Open: 2011, 2015