Serbia’s Djokovic upsets Spain’s Nadal for the 2011 Wimbledon Men’s Championship

Serbia Novak Djokovic muscled his way past Spain’s heavily favored Rafael Nadal on Sunday to gain his first-ever Wimbledon Men’s Championship, the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

The score was 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.

His victory ensure that on Monday, Djokovic will become the 25th men’s No. 1 since the rankings began in 1973. His 48 victories in 2010 include five over Nadal: in the finals in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid Rome, and now at Wimbledon.

Nadal, ever gracious, said this of Djokovic: “I’d like to compliment Novak for his performance today and his amazing season.”

Djokovic, known for his court antics and often irritating mannerisms, was equally gracious. He praised Nadal for being a “great champion.”

The Serbian second seed saw off the top seed and defending champion to claim his first Wimbledon crown and confirm his status as the new world number one.

The first set went with serve until Mr. Djokovic pounced in the 10th game to break Nadal and he played inspired tennis to romp through the second set in 33 minutes and take complete control of the match.

Mr. Nadal, twice Wimbledon champion and winner of 10 grand slam titles, finally got a foothold in the match when a rare Djokovic error handed him a break in the second game of the third set and he broke again before taking it 6-1.

Mr. Nadal looked to have the momentum but Mr. Djokovic displayed nerves of steel to break for a 2-0 lead in the fourth.

The Spaniard broke back quickly but Mr. Djokovic struck again in the eighth game and he served out for victory.



(Mustapha Ajbaili, a senior editor at Al Arabiya English, can be reached at: [email protected])