LONDON – Ten months ago Novak Djokovic stood devastated on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium as his attempt at the elusive Calendar Slam foiled in the US Open final.
Ten turbulent months.
In between there’s been a global controversy ending in deportation from Australia due to his unvaccinated status, and Rafael Nadal then won the Australian Open to break the record for major titles. Not to mention, a fall from No. 1 and a crushing loss in the quarterfinals at the French Open to Rafael Nadal.
But now Djokovic, 35, is finally back on top of the tennis world.
On Sunday here, he returned to major glory with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon on Sunday. The title, his 21st at a Grand Slam, once seemed like a foregone conclusion, but nothing has been predictable or straightforward since his run in New York.
And somehow all of those obstacles and heartbreak make Sunday’s victory in front of a star-studded crowd, which included two future Kings of England and Hollywood royalty, all the more sweet. Djokovic stayed locked in and focused – despite repeated theatrics and antics across the net from his opponent – and won his fourth-straight title, and seventh overall, at the All England Club.
While he had been calm and collected for most of the match, he couldn’t hide his emotions at the end – raising his hands in triumph and letting out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
“I lost words for what this tournament, what this trophy means to me,” Djokovic said on the court. “It always has been, and will be, the most special tournament in my heart, the one that motivated me to start playing tennis.”
Djokovic’s status for the 2022 US Open is in doubt due to pandemic-related restrictions for entry into the United States, and remaining unable to apply for a visa to Australia at least at the present time, Djokovic knew this might be his only chance for the foreseeable future to win a major title. He seized the opportunity, knowing it might be the last Grand Slam chance he gets until the French Open next spring.
He made sure it counted.
This time a year ago, after Djokovic collected his latest hardware at the All England Club, things were different. He was on pace for the elusive Calendar Slam, joining just two men in history to do so, and even had the chance to join Steffi Graf as the only players to achieve the Golden Slam at the then-upcoming Olympic Games.
His time in Tokyo was a disappointment. He was upset by Alexander…
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