Photo: APHe pounded shots from the baseline, exchanging - and winning - long and powerful rallies with one of the best baseliners in memory. His defense and cat-like quickness covered the court like a blanket.
His volleys were deft and precise. His return of serve, as usual, was among the best in the game. And his improved serve was a key weapon, often driving his opponent back or off-court.
Novak ("The Joker") Djokovic (No. 2, Serbia) decisively defeated Rafael Nadal (No. 1, Spain) in a gripping Gentlemen's Singles final on Centre Court at the 125th Wimbledon Championships before a sold-out crowd and world-wide television audience in 4 sets, 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.
It was his first Wimbledon title, and 5th win over Nadal this year. Together with his amazing 48-1 win-loss record in 2011, Novak's Wimbledon victory lifted him for the first time to World No. 1, only the 25th man in tennis history to achieve No. 1 rank.
Probably every player's dream is to win tennis' most prestigious tournament and become No. 1 in the world. Novak realized that dream on a brilliant sunny July day at the All England Club before a jubilant family and team, and fans and supporters.
"I managed to achieve a lifetime goal and I managed to make my dream come true," said Djokovic. "It's just an incredible feeling that I'm never going to forget. This is the best day of my tennis career."
Today, the man called "Joker" was the King of Tennis.
Yesterday, meanwhile, 20-year old Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) blasted a victory in straight sets over Maria Sharapova (Russia) in the Ladies' Singles title match, 6-3, 6-4. It was Kvitova's first Wimbledon Championship and Grand Slam crown.
Her smooth and efficient groundstrokes generated uncanny pace and accuracy. And her easy transition to net and powerful volleys were natural and flowing.
Her convincing win likely represents a new generation of power and assertiveness in women's tennis.
"She's like the first-strike queen," said Mary Jo Fernandez, TV Commentator and Fed Cup Captain. "She hits harder than anyone I've ever seen."
Meanwhile, the Bryan Brother Twins (Mike & Bob of USA) lifted another Wimbledon Doubles' Wimbledon Championship trophy, this time over Robert Lindstedt (Sweden) and Horia Tecau (Romania), 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (2).
It was the Bryan Brothers' second Wimbledon title, and overall 11th Grand Slam title, tying them with the legendary "Woodies" doubles team (Aussies Mark Woodford and Todd Woodbridge).
"To equal the Woodies - a team that we idolized, the greatest team in our mind - is unbelievable", Mike Bryan said.
Congrats to all the winners, competitors, fans and supporters on a fantastic 125th Wimbledon Championships!
See you next year!
Best,
Gary
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