Novak Djokovic v Nick Kyrgios: Wimbledon men’s singles final – live!

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Djokovic 4-6 6-3 3-4 Kyrgios*

A double fault for 15-15, and then Kyrgios is beaten by a big winner from Djokovic. Some rude words come out. Big Nick is gabbling on, and challenges a call, winning a point for 30-30. A huge serve sends Djokovic falling, and Kyrgios is ranting and raving. Prince George looks on, looking at the nasty man saying rude words but holding his serve nonetheless.

*Djokovic 4-6 6-3 3-3 Kyrgios

Djokovic will not be getting distracted by Kyrgios. He ain’t no Tsitsipas, bro. Kyrgios is he losing his cool, and it’s 40-0 soon enough. And game, with another of those gentle drop shots. Kyrgios turns away as if in disgust.

Djokovic 4-6 6-3 2-3 Kyrgios*

With the tennis rabona, Kyrgios somehow wins a point, Djokovic missing a volley. He almost does it again, Kyrgios missing a forehand that can’t make it over the net. But a forehand cruncher hands him game point. Kyrgios is still playing well, picking his shots well but here comes disquiet. Another double fault, an untimely one, and it’s deuce. He gets a code violation for complaining about noises off. He’s done worse and got away with it. “I am being distracted in a Wimbledon final, she’s drunk out of her mind, she’s the one who looks like she’s had about 700 drinks, bro,” he tells the ump, having held his serve. Is this the blowup?

*Djokovic 4-6 6-3 2-2 Kyrgios

A delay in play? Some kind of protest seems to be taking place in the stand. It doesn’t last long, and Kyrgios begins the game with a winning volley before a Djokovic ace. Kyrgios challenges a call down the baseline and is inches off being right. Soon enough, it’s 40-15, with a whipped backhand, and game with a big serve unable to be returned.

Djokovic 4-6 6-3 1-2 Kyrgios*

The drop shot is damaging Kyrgios, but he levels at 15-15 when the court’s bounce catches out Djokovic. Then Kyrgios produces his first double fault of the match, and doesn’t challenge when the ball looks in. Is he becoming distracted? He has no answer to a passing shot that means deuce. The shouting at his box resumes, but then a massive second serve and a huge ace see him out.

*Djokovic 4-6 6-3 1-1 Kyrgios

Djokovic’s turn to make some noise as he top-spins a baseliner to level at 15-15, then comes an ace that crashes into a spot near the boom mic for a satisfying sound. But then some self-admonishment as he nets a backhand. A battle of chip and charge is won by Krygios shovelling his attempt out of bounds, and Djokovic serves out. He’s getting by far the better of the rallies now.

Djokovic 4-6 6-3 0-1 Kyrgios*

Krygios wobbling? At 15-30, it looks possible but then comes a huge serve, and then he loses the run of a rally, and can only miss when sent scrambling by a drop shot. Break point at 30-40, but that’s saved by backhand stop volley. Then comes Djokovic, his eye now in, cranking a winner for another break. This one is saved, by a volley that only Kyrgios could deliver, scooped just over the net by those long arms. “C’mon,” says Big Nick as he aces himself to safety.

Djokovic takes the second set 6-3 to level at 1-1

Kyrgios makes it to 0-30 by galloping to chase down a scooped volley. The best play and the loudest roar of the match so far. Then, when Djokovic misreads a forehand, three break points come into play. The first is saved as Krygios starts talking to himself again, or whoever will listen. Then he barks at his coaches and friends in the box as an ace sails by. Then, they get another volley as he misses a backhand return and it’s back at deuce. Another break point as Djokovic misses the baseline and loses a challenge. But an amazing save from Djokovic, a spinning, swirling drop shot, that bounces lower than a snake’s belly. A fourth break point saved. Then a chopping backhand forces game point and a Krygios tantrum. “Say something,” he bellows, but Djokovic drills in a serve that cannot be returned. “0-40,” wails Kyrgios, who seems not to realise it was him that squandered his chance.

Djokovic 4-6 5-3 Kyrgios*

Kyrgios is taking it quite slow compared to the Olympic pistol-shooting pace of previous rounds. And it doesn’t seem to work for him; Djokovic tempts him into missing a backhand for 30-30. The serve deals Kyrgios out of danger for 40-30 and then to a hold. Now he must find his way back on the Djok serve.

*Djokovic 4-6 5-2 Kyrgios

Kyrgios needs to get back in, and he wins the first rally for a while on the game’s first point. A howl of anguish as he makes a mistake on the next but a fine return for 15-30 opens up an avenue of opportunity. A heavy Djokovic serve – these are new balls – and then another takes the champion to 40-30. Then Kyrgios goes for broke and can’t stay within the lines.

Updated at 10.10 EDT

Djokovic 4-6 4-2 Kyrgios*

The big serve is Kyrgios’ main weapon and it stays on target for an easy hold.

Updated at 10.11 EDT

*Djokovic 4-6 4-1 Kyrgios

Djokovic’s turn to serve like a demon, racing to 30-0, then 40-15 as Kyrgios is foxed by a disguised serve. But Kyrgios may not be done yet, his winner for 40-30 is majestic. And then comes two huge smashes, the first of which is saved by Djok, and it’s deuce. Then, another of those rallies that are now going away from Kyrgios, as he nets for an advantage to Djokovic, who holds when the same happens off the next point. Ominous signs from someone who tends to build up and up as a match progresses.

Djokovic 4-6 3-1 Kyrgios*

Two beautiful returns of serve, and Djokovic inches back into the match. 0-30, and then a whipped backhand, and he’s in possession of three break point chances. Kyrgios starts talking aloud, and then, off a net-cord, Djokovic takes the break. He apologises for his luck but he is back back back.

Djokovic returns to Kyrgios. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 10.04 EDT

*Djokovic 4-6 2-1 Kyrgios

A shovelled backhand from the baseline levels it at 15-15. And Djokovic, still struggling in the long rallies, nets for 30-30. But then comes a better point from him, outlasting Kyrgios for 40-30, and another, a falling leaf of a drop shot wins another exchange and the game.

Djokovic 4-6 1-1 Kyrgios*

A fine return of serve from Djokovic is soon levelled for 15-15 by an ace. Then another, right down the line. And another, down the same line for 40-15. Then comes an odd challenge of a ball he must have seen go in. No matter, a huge serve can’t be returned by the Djokovic wingspan.

*Djokovic 4-6 1-0 Kyrgios

What can Djokovic produce? Losing the first set need be no impairment towards him winning his 21st grand slam. He serves out to love.

Krygios takes the first set 6-4

To serve out the set, Kyrgios begins with an ace. Then, as a rally happens, he chops and slices Djokovic asunder and it’s soon 30-15. But here are nerves, as he misses a very easy backhand volley at the net for 30-30. Then comes a huge second serve that cannot be returned. But at set point, he clanks a backhand wide. It’s deuce. Then comes a big serve, and the first Kyrgios rebuke to his box. No matter, he serves a huge ace and he’s a set up.

Kyrgios serves another ace. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 10.02 EDT

*Djokovic 4-5 Kyrgios

It’s been a while since a rally, but at the end of one at 40-0 up, Djokovic holds his serve to love. Now he must break the Kyrgios serve, something is yet to achieve in any of their meetings.

Djokovic 3-5 Kyrgios*

Three crashing serves for 40-0. Make that four. Awesome. It look just over a minute, he’s lost just two points on serve.

*Djokovic 3-4 Kyrgios

How does Djok respond? Well, though the plaudits go to rabona between the legs from Kyrgios that gets the ball back over the net. Still, Djokovic holds to love.

Kyrgios returns to Djokovic. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 10.00 EDT

Djokovic 2-4 Kyrgios*

Can Kyrgios now defend his own serve? The answer is to love. He clatters a baseline winner for 15-0, then comes an ace, his fourth. Then a slam-dunk backhand for 40-0. Then a low volley at the net gets the job done.

Kyrgios gets an early break

*Djokovic 2-3 Kyrgios

For the first time, the Kyrgios forehand is served to, and successfully, only for a drop shot to catch out the champion for 15-15. At 15-30, there is a glimmer, and Kyrgios challenges a line call for a let-cord, and successfully. He returns the second serve, and then wins the rally with two low backhands that send Djokovic sprawling. Two break points, and Djokovic saves the first, digging out a return with supreme defence. The second is a double, and the break point is taken, handed over. “Let’s go,” barks Djokovic.

Djokovic 2-2 Kyrgios*

After the first break and sit down, the crowd murmurs away. Kyrgios begins with a big serve, and then Djokovic can’t get over the net from the baseline. A grunt signifies a thrashing ace for 40-0. No grunt this time, and a faked underarm is followed by another, skidding ace.

Kyrgios serves another ace. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 09.41 EDT

*Djokovic 2-1 Kyrgios

It’s breathless, speedy stuff. Djokovic scampers to win a battle of drops for 15-0, but then can only watch as Kyrgios clatters a winner home. High-quality play from the Australian. Djokovic regains his steps with a good serve. 30-15. Then Kyrgios is tempted into attempting a baselines pass. It doesn’t come off. And Djokovic serves out.

Djokovic 1-1 Kyrgios*

Again, a long rally sees Djokovic go long, for 15-0, and then another sees Kyrgios win the rally at the net, dinking a volley home for 30-0. Then comes a 133mph second-serve ace, 40-0. Then comes an underarm serve, but Djokovic reads it, and comes to the net to punch home. When it goes to 40-30, it looks like the tomfoolery might be a mistake, but then another long rally is won by a chopping, fading backhand.

Kyrgios returns to Djokovic. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 09.43 EDT

And away we go, Djokovic to serve

He begins with a double fault, and a murmur from the crowd. The second point sees Kyrgios unable to return, as does the third. The first long rally sees Kyrgios tempt Djokovic into going long, and it’s 30-30. A good serve from Djokovic, is followed up by a fine second serve that Kyrgios’s backhand can’r keep the ball in. The champion takes the first game.

A smile from Kyrgios as a young man carries out the toss, and then as he and Djokovic pose for a photo. He seems determined to enjoy himself. Both players are in white caps, you needn’t guess which one has his on backwards. They begin a gentle knock-up. Kyrgios elected to receive serve having won the toss. Unorthodox, as ever.

All smiles before the match. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Updated at 09.44 EDT

And here they come, to loud applause, and loud roars. No boos yet. All in good time.

The two players are making their final preparations, up the steps in the hallowed halls of Wimbledon. Not long now. Nick Kyrgios is the first man out, and trying his best to look casual, his loping stride giving off some real masculinity. Djokovic, the old stager, hangs back, doing his stretches.

There was a first-time winner yesterday, will there be one by the end of today?

After navigating all of the nerves and tension that accompanied her maiden grand slam final and an extremely solid start from her opponent, Rybakina fought her way back from a one set deficit to overpower Ons Jabeur, the third seed, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and become Wimbledon champion.

The 23-year-old is the first Kazakh player to win a grand-slam singles tournament. Having been born in Russia, she switched her nationality to Kazakhstan in 2018 after being offered financial support by the national federation. The Duchess of Cambridge was present to hand over the trophy.

Odd as it may seem, these two have only met twice on the ATP Tour, and Kyrgios has won both times. Per Sporting News.

Both meetings came in 2017 and on both occasions, Kyrgios won in straight sets. Their first match came at the quarter final at Acapulco in Mexico. While the match only lasted two sets, it was a hard-fought encounter in which Kyrgios won 7-6(9) 7-5.

Kyrgios’ serve was the difference on that occasion as he sent down an incredible 25 aces to Djokovic’s two. Their second clash was just a few weeks later, this time in the round of 16 at the ATP Masters Indian Wells.

Kyrgios again emerged victorious 6-4 7-6(3) on the back of his winning 86 per cent of points on first serve. Both previous meetings came on hard court as opposed to the grass courts at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic’s press conference was a little more circumspect.

The experience that I have at this level, playing in the finals against someone that has never played a Grand Slam final, could be slightly in my favour. But at the same time, knowing who he [Krygios] is and how he goes about his tennis and his attitude on the court, he doesn’t seem to be falling under pressure much.

He plays lights-out every time he steps out onto the court. Just [has] a lot of power in his serve and his game. So I’m sure he’s going to go for it. No doubt he’s going to be aggressive. I expect him to do that.

Some incendiary quotes from “Nasty Nick” in his press conference. Scorched earth very much the policy here.

The only great that’s ever been supportive of me the whole time has been Lleyton Hewitt. He kind of knows that I kind of do my own thing. I’m definitely the outcast of the Australian players. It sucks.

It’s pretty sad because I don’t get any support from any of the other Australian tennis players, the male side.

Not the players, but like the past greats. It’s weird they just have like a sick obsession with tearing me down for some reason. “I never thought I’d be here at all, to be brutally honest with you,” he said. “But I’m just super proud and I’m just ready to go. I’m going to give it my all and we’ll see what happens.

Weather Report: no, not Jaco Pistorius Pastorius, but it’s the hottest day of Wimbledon so far.

Today, Britain is expected to bask in sunshine with people in London and south-east England told to expect highs of 29C and clear skies. Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: “We should see pretty much wall-to-wall sunshine across the bulk of England and Wales and a good portion of Scotland.”

Updated at 08.22 EDT

And a Wimbledon fortnight photo essay from Tom Jenkins.

Updated at 08.03 EDT

An Australian perspective.

Djokovic had history. A year earlier, he’d penned an open letter to the people of Australia, which ought to have been grounds for a 14-day quarantine in itself. Some of his more lowly-ranked brethren were holed up in hotels whacking forehands against fridges, trapping rodents and going nuts. Djokovic’s call for preferential treatment fell on deaf ears.

But he really pushed his luck this January. Djokovic’s mug led the news for more than a week. His supporters were camped outside his quarantine hotel, singing Balkan folk songs. The live stream of his visa appeal was bedevilled by lengthy dropouts, porn and spamming. The local newspapers published columns by comedians, immigration lawyers and experts on Serbian nationalism. They pondered which actor would play him in a mini-series. The prime minister, always energised on border control matters, played the hard man.

Tumaini Carayol previewed the battle of the bad guys.

In the final, Kyrgios will reacquaint himself with Novak Djokovic, who he has had a turbulent relationship with. In a 2019 interview with the No Challenges Remaining podcast, Kyrgios unloaded on Djokovic, claiming he was obsessed with being liked. It was a one-sided dispute, with Djokovic never criticising Kyrgios publicly and he was confused by Kyrgios’s public hostility given their previous amicable encounters.

But in January, Kyrgios supported Djokovic when he was detained and then deported from Australia. While Kyrgios joked they now have a “bit of a bromance”, Djokovic was less enthusiastic, but he expressed his appreciation for Kyrgios’s support: “When it was really tough for me in Australia, he was one of the very few players that came out publicly and supported me and stood by me. That’s something I truly appreciate. So I respect him for that a lot.”

Djokovic: “It took you five years to say something nice about me.”

Kyrgios: “But I defended you when it mattered.”

Djokovic: “You did, I appreciate that.”

Kyrgios: “We friends now?”

Djokovic: “If you are inviting me for a drink or dinner, I accept. PS winner of tomorrow pays.”

Kyrgios: “Deal, let’s go to a nightclub and go nuts.”

This is a day for sad goodbyes.

Who else could have done a court-side chat with Chris Evert that went straight in on her ovarian cancer and still kept the mood high? Who else could have made a new wave of British hopefuls – including the surprise semi-finalist Cameron Norrie – so comfortable under the sudden spotlight?

Updated at 08.07 EDT

Preamble

If it can’t be Rafa Nadal that Novak Djokovic faces to try and win his 21st grand slam, then why not Nick Kyrgios, the beneficiary of Nadal’s injury withdrawal. This does feel like a case of bad guy versus villain, with apologies to all the Djoko and Big Nick fans out there. Controversy follows both, though in different forms perhaps best not gone into here. Can Krygios, with his pistol serve deal with Djokovic, the sport’s ultimate competitor, or can he get into the head of a six-time singles champion at SW19? Can his silly games get into the head of Djokovic, who these days is not as implacable as a few years back. Kyrgios is going for his first ever singles grand slam, having been seen as someone who had squandered his talent. There is something of Djokovic’s close friend and mentor about Kyrgios, and the two finalists do seem to have something of an affinity, a shared outsider status despite one of them being one of the three greatest men’s players to have ever hit a crosscourt forehand. It could be a classic, it could be a walkover, it’s bound to feature one or both of them roaring like a lion somewhere along the line.

It starts at 2pm, London time.