• Wimbledon

Djokovic in dreamland after winning Wimbledon

ESPN staff
July 3, 2011
Novak Djokovic had never previously beaten Rafael Nadal in a grand slam © Getty Images
Enlarge

Wimbledon Day 13 Gallery
Plays of the Day: Day 13
Djokovic downs Nadal to win maiden Wimbledon title

Novak Djokovic believes he produced one of the best performances of his life to claim his first Wimbledon title.

With the Serb guaranteed to leapfrog Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings regardless of the result in Sunday's final, Djokovic finally claimed his first major victory over Nadal.

Djokovic, who has won 48 of his 49 matches this season, had beaten Nadal on all four occasions when the pair have met in 2011, but had never beaten the Spaniard at a grand slam.

But the No. 2 seed outplayed Nadal to claim a 6-4 6-1 1-6 6-3 victory and fulfil a lifelong dream of winning Wimbledon.

"It's really hard to describe in any words," Djokovic admitted. "It's the most special day of my life. It's my favourite tournament and I always dreamt of winning. I think I'm still sleeping and having a dream.

"He has always been winning the big matches against me at grand slams. Today I think I played probably my best match on grass ever."

Nadal, who will slip to No. 2 when the new rankings are released on Monday, was gracious in defeat.

"Congratulations for his win today and for his amazing season," Nadal said. "Well done. Wimbledon has always been the most special tournament for me. To be here is just a dream. I can imagine how Novak feels today. It's a special day. I would like to congratulate him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices