An improvement in his serve and mixing up his game at vital times leaves no real weaknesses to be exploited
As the fourth set of Sunday’s Wimbledon final hung in the balance for whoever had the courage to take it, Matteo Berrettini made his move while leading 3-2, 15-30 on Novak Djokovic’s serve. He struck an exquisite down-the-line backhand slice, then unloaded on an inside-out forehand into the other corner. The crowd gasped, anticipating the end of the point. But somehow Djokovic chased down both shots. Then he reached Berrettini’s subsequent drop shot, slotting an angled forehand past the Italian at the net.
It was the type of point that has defined Djokovic for so long – the movement, the flexibility and the composure to see out the point with such delicate touch at the end. As the fourth set wore on, it became the definitive moment of the match as Djokovic took the final four games to win his 20th grand slam title.
Related: Novak Djokovic wins sixth Wimbledon title after battle with Matteo Berrettini
Related: First among equals, Novak Djokovic basks in his everlasting summer | Sean Ingle