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.
