Novak Djokovic admitted his “relief” last night after winning his seventh Wimbledon title - and his first Grand Slam since his January deportation from Australia.
But Nick Kyrgios was hit with a fine for swearing in front of Prince George and Kate after rowing with his entourage and calling for a drunken spectator to be ejected from Centre Court. Djokovic joined fellow legends Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer in winning four consecutive Wimbledon titles.
His 21st Grand Slam title is his first since here last year - and since he was thrown out of Australia after entering without a vaccination. His coach Goran Ivanisevic claimed it has been a “very emotional” and “**** year”. But the Serbian superstar, who last lost on Centre Court to Andy Murray in the 2013 final, claimed Wimbledon brings out the best in him.
“It always has been and will be the most special tournament in my heart,” he said. "I'm always very inspired to play my best tennis in London.
“It's a relief, as well, considering what I've been through of course this year. It has been a huge challenge and obstacle for me to overcome emotionally.
“It adds more value and more significance and more emotions, of course.” Djokovic, 35, faces an uncertain playing schedule as his anti-vaxx stance currently rules him out of the US Open while he has a three-year ban from Australia.
He has overtaken Roger Federer’s tally of Major titles for the first time and is now only one behind Rafa Nadal ’s record of 22. He also drops to world No.7 with no points at Wimbledon.
“I don't feel I'm in a rush really to end my career in a year's time or two year's time or whatever it is,” he said. “I just want to keep myself mentally sane and motivated to compete with the young guns.”
Djokovic, who celebrated his eighth wedding anniversary with wife Jelena yesterday, paid credit to Krygios - and said he will pay for dinner for them both. “That’s why he lost,” he laughed. “Okay, officially it is a bromance.”
But Kyrgios was fined $4,000 for an audible obscenity on court. The loud fan was allowed to stay after a warning from security.
“I've been on a couple nights out in my life, and I knew that she had too many,” he said. An Australian human rights activist was ejected for staging a protest in support of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.
An All England Club spokesperson said, “A spectator was removed from Centre Court after disrupting play by shouting, running down the stairs and causing a nuisance to their fellow spectators. The individual was removed by security colleagues and escorted off the Grounds.”
