It's 20 for Novak Djokovic

World No.1 equals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's record of 20 Grand Slam wins

It's 20 for Novak Djokovic
©wimbledon.com

LONDON: World number one Novak Djokovic won his sixth Wimbledon title, defeating Italian seventh seed Matteo Berrettini 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

His third consecutive victory at the All England Club also earned the Serbian his 20th Grand Slam title, matching the men's record held by Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafa Nadal.

"It means none of us three will stop," Djokovic said during the presentation ceremony when asked what the milestone meant to him.

"Rafa and Roger deserve special mention. They are our sport's legends, and they are the two most important players I have ever faced in my career. They are the reason I am where I am now.

"They've shown me what I need to do to improve and become stronger mentally, physically, and tactically.

"The last ten years have been an incredible adventure. It's not going to stop here."

Djokovic, who won the Australian and French Opens in 2021, now only needs to win the US Open to become the first man to complete the calendar slam since Rod Laver in 1969.

"That is something I could definitely see happening. I'm definitely going to give it a shot "Djokovic went on to say.

"I'm in great shape and, obviously, playing well and at my best at Grand Slams. At this point in my career, it is the most important thing to me. So let's keep it going."

In addition, he completed the third leg of the Golden Slam. No man has ever won all four grand slams as well as an Olympic gold medal in the same year.

The 34-year-old, who had beaten Berrettini in both of their previous meetings, broke early in the first set to take a 5-2 lead, but the Italian fought back to force a tiebreak, which he won to draw first blood.

It was only the Serbian's second set loss in this year's championships. He responded by racing to a 4-0 lead in the second set before leveling the match.

Djokovic won the match with a single break of serve in the third set and two more in the fourth, in front of a raucous Centre Court crowd that kept chanting the Italian underdog's name.

When Berrettini's backhand slice landed in the net on his third match point, Djokovic sealed his place in history.

"It wasn't just a battle," Djokovic said.

"When I was a kid, one of my biggest dreams was to win Wimbledon....

I have to remind myself how unique this situation is and not take it for granted."

Courtesy: Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency