Novak Djokovic Wins Seventh Wimbledon Title, Fifth As Tournament Favorite
Clive Brunskill/Getty. Pictured: Novak Djokovic.
We may as well call the Sunday in July that hosts the Wimbledon final Groundhog Day, because that is what Novak Djokovic has made it feel like.
The now-seven-time Wimbledon champion recovered from a set down in classic Djokovic fashion to control his match against Nick Kyrgios and overcome yet another Slam challenger, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3).
Djokovic came into this event as a heavy favorite to win it, and as he's done many times before, he delivered.
At -120, the Serbian was listed ahead of Matteo Berrettini (+550), Rafael Nadal (+700) and Carlos Alcaraz (+1200) pre-tournament, but ultimately his opponent in the final, Kyrgios, opened at +2500.
| Year | Opening Odds | Championship Match Odds | Pre-Tournament Favorite? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | -120 | -350 | Yes |
| 2021 | -135 | -500 | Yes |
| 2019 | +145 | -190 | Yes |
| 2018 | +600 | -500 | No |
| 2015 | +110 | -115 | Yes |
| 2014 | +175 | -160 | Yes |
| 2011 | +325 | +125 | No |
Odds via sportsoddshistory.com
Coming into this match, Djokovic opened between -450 and -550, but heavy action on Kyrgios moved the line closer to -350 /+270 by the start of the match.
After dropping the first set, Djokovic dipped to as low as -150, but he never got below that point as he took firm control of each set beyond there.
It's the fifth time that Djokovic has come into the Championships as a favorite. On two occasions he didn't open as such.
In 2011, Roger Federer (+200) was the pre-tournament favorite, and Nadal (+225) was also listed ahead of Djokovic, who ultimately beat Nadal in the final.
After securing more titles in 2014 and 2015, Djokovic came into the 2018 Championships as a +600 underdog after one of the most tumultuous years in his career due to form and injuries.
Federer (+190) was the original favorite, but Djokovic beat Kevin Anderson in the final.
Kyrgios is the fifth different person whom Djokovic has beaten in a Wimbledon final, after the aforementioned Federer, Nadal, Anderson and last year's opponent, Berrettini.
How would you rate this article?
Follow Us On Social
