Former doubles World No.1 lauds Djokovic's performance in the 2022 Wimbledon final - "Only one player could have beaten Nick Kyrgios that day"

Former doubles World No. 1 Paul McNamee praised Novak Djokovic's return technique against Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final this year. The Serbian clinched his seventh grasscourt Major title by defeating the Australian 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) in July.

Kyrgios' serve is one of his strongest skills, as evidenced by the 30 aces he served throughout the match and his 73% first serve success rate. While his serve approach succeeded in the first set, Djokovic demonstrated why he is the champion by adjusting his return technique.

Read also

Nick Kyrgios makes biggest jump in ATP Rankings during 2022 season, Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz also top list

The depth of his return caused Kyrgios to become uncertain about his next shot as the 21-time Grand Slam champion began to put more and more balls into play. In the end, the former World No. 1 emerged victorious.

The Tennis Podcast took to social media to ask its followers about their favorite tennis moments, stories, or matches from 2022.

“What is the one tennis moment/story/match that you will remember 2022 for, above all other?” tweeted The Tennis Podcast.

Read also

Novak Djokovic, Genie Bouchard and tennis community congratulate Canada on first Davis Cup victory

Australian former doubles World No.1 Paul McNamee responded to the post, stating that it was the Wimbledon Final. He said that only a player at the top of his game, like Lew Hoad, could have defeated Kyrgios that day. He went on to say that Djokovic returned exceptionally well against the best server in the sport.

“Wimbledon Final… only one player (and perhaps Lew Hoad) playing at his zenith, could have beaten @NickKyrgios that day… truly remarkable returning against the best serve in the sport,” wrote McNamee.