Novak Djokovic crowned his rise to number one in the world in perfect fashion with a dramatic 6-4 6-1 1-6 6-3 victory over Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon final.
The Spaniard was looking to make it three titles in four years at the All England Club and win back-to-back French Open and Wimbledon titles for the third time, but it was the player in his first final in SW19 who held his nerve the best.
Having been sublime in the opening two sets, Djokovic, the Australian Open champion in January, dipped in the third but he was not to be denied.
Microphone problems added an unfortunate twist to the presentation ceremony, with Nadal eventually managing to made himself understood.
“Now I can say well done to Nole (Djokovic),” he said to a great cheer. “I tried my best but today one player played better than me.”
Djokovic, who will overtake Nadal in the rankings tomorrow, said: “It’s really difficult to describe except it’s the best and most special day of my life. I think I’m still sleeping. I played probably my best match on grass ever.”