March 28, 2024

Djokovic, Kvitova win Wimbledon singles titles

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s large lead in the rollicking Wimbledon final was slipping away, due in no small part to Roger Federer’s regal presence and resurgent play.

Steeling himself when he so desperately needed to, Serbia’s Djokovic held on for a 6-7 (7), 6-4, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4 victory after nearly four hours of momentum shifts Sunday to win Wimbledon for the second time — and deny Switzerland’s Federer what would have been a record eighth championship at the All England Club.

Cradling his trophy during the post-match ceremony, Djokovic addressed Federer directly, saying: “I respect your career and everything you have done. And thank you for letting me win today.”

Petra Kvitova plays so much better at the All England Club than anywhere else, and now she owns two championships to prove it.

In one of the most dominant performances in a women’s final at Wimbledon, the sixth-seeded Kvitova of the Czech Republic overpowered and overwhelmed 13th-seeded Eugenie Bouchard of Canada 6-3, 6-0 in only 55 minutes Saturday to add to her 2011 title at the grass-court Grand Slam.

“I know,” Kvitova said, “this is the best tournament for me.”

Absolutely true. Her career record of 26-5 at Wimbledon translates to an . 839 winning percentage, compared to her marks of .667 at the three other majors and .681 at all other events.