Serbian top seed Novak Djokovic won Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam title, for the seventh time in his professional career, defeating Australian Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). In the final.

It’s the 35-year-old Serb’s fourth title in a row in the 35-year-old Serbian’s eighth Wimbledon final and 21st at the Grand Slams, cutting the gap to one title from Spanish record holder Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from the semi-finals with a stomach injury, and partnering with Switzerland’s Roger Federer disbanded (20 major titles).

In an interview after the victory, he said: “I can’t find words to express what this tournament and this cup represent for me.”

He added, “That has always been the most important thing in my heart. It was this tournament that made me want to play when I saw American Pete Sampras win. That’s when I asked my parents to buy me a racket.”

Djokovic equaled Sampras in the number of titles at Wimbledon, and is now one title behind the record holder for the number of titles in the English Championship Federer, noting that the absolute record in the tournament belongs to American Martina Navratilova (9 times).

Djokovic also became the fourth modern player to win four Wimbledon titles in a row, after Federer, Sampras and Bjorn Borg.

Djokovic praised Kyrgios after the thaw in their relationship at Wimbledon and said: “It’s an official friendship.”

“Nick, you will not only return to Wimbledon, but to the final. I know it’s hard to find words of comfort after such a hard defeat, but you showed why you deserve to be one of the best players in the world. especially on this floor.”

He continued, “I have a lot of respect for you and I think you are a great tennis player, athlete and amazing talent. You’ve been hearing this for years, but now things are starting to add up for you, so I’m sure we’ll see a lot more from you in the next Grand Slams.”

Kyrgios failed in the first major final of his professional career and, at the age of 27, commented on Djokovic’s coronation, saying: “Novak is a god, I’m not going to lie. Congratulations, I don’t even know how many times he has won the title now.”

“I’m tired and my team too, but I’m very happy with this result and maybe one day I’ll be here again, but I don’t know anything about it.”