(12) Novak Djokovic def. (8) Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3)
Novak Djokovic is once again a Grand Slam champion. He defeated South Africa’s Kevin Anderson for his fourth Wimbledon crown in three relatively comfortable sets.
The world No. 21 had not raised a major trophy since the 2016 French Open. In fact, it was at the All-England Club two years ago that the first cracks appeared in Djokovic’s game. The Serb went into that tournament as the reigning champion of all 4 Slams, having just won the French Open for the first time over Andy Murray. The overwhelming favorite was shocked in the third round by American Sam Querrey and then by Stan Wawrinka in the final of the U.S. Open later that summer.
Djokovic reasserted himself emphatically in the past fortnight. His five-set semifinal against Rafael Nadal, widely considered the de facto final, showcased some truly brilliant tennis from both men, the winner of which would take on an exhausted Anderson in the title match.
Anderson spent just over six and a half hours on court, including a 50-game fifth set, in the semifinals against American John Isner. He also spent more than four hours on court upsetting defending champion Roger Federer in the quarters. His body, no doubt hampered by tired and sore muscles, did not seem to cooperate in the first two sets. The stinging first serve was nearly nonexistent, as Djokovic breezed to a two-sets-to-none lead.
The match was so one-sided that when Anderson showed signs of life, the crowd got enthusiastically behind the South African. But it was not to be. Anderson finally earned five break opportunities on Djokovic’s serve but was not able to break through. Djokovic closed out the match with a commanding performance in the ensuing tiebreaker.
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