It wasn’t an easy task for Novak Djokovic when he returned to Wimbledon’s courts two weeks ago to begin a new season. Before the year’s first Grand Slam, he was deported, although he didn’t fare well in the follow-up event. In the meantime, it’s not certain where he will be able to play. This year, he has struggled to rediscover the mental edge that has eluded him thus far this season.

It appears to have returned. It was one of the most anticipated grand slam championship matches of the year, and Djokovic held his own against Nick Kyrgios, who had a flawless start to the match. Djokovic then raised his level and gradually smothered his opponent, as he often does, to win his fourth Wimbledon title in a row. Wimbledon is Djokovic’s second-most successful grand slam, but he’s now tied with Pete Sampras for the most singles titles won with seven. He’s tied with Roger Federer for second place in the all-time men’s rankings, with eight titles, and has now surpassed Federer’s record of 20 grand slam titles won, taking him up to 21 and closing in on Rafael Nadal in the never-ending grand slam chase.

After Bjorn Borg, Sampras, and Federer, Djokovic is only the fourth player in history to win four Wimbledon titles in a row. There is a deity in him,” stated Kyrgios about his opponent. In my opinion, I did a good job. “I’m not going to lie,” I said. Throughout his career, Kyrgios has established himself as a fearless big-match player, but it was not obvious if he would be as fearless with so much at stake. He was, without a doubt. For most of the opening set, Kyrgios was unfazed by Djokovic’s forehand, which he used to weave a web of variety and even beat him from the backhand corner. As one of the greatest returners of all time, Novak Djokovic struggled to understand his opponent’s serve, and the set was decided by a double-fault on break point.