Novak Djokovic tipped Nick Kyrgios to be a repeat Grand Slam finalist after edging him out for a seventh Wimbledon title.
Djokovic defeated Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 in what was the Australian’s first final of one of the four majors.
But the Serbian said: “Nick, you’ll be back. Not just Wimbledon but in finals.
“I know it’s tough but you showed why you deserve to be one of the best players in the world particularly on this surface. Hopefully this is the start of a wonderful relationship between the two of us.”
The pair had a pre-match pact that the winner take the other out for dinner, which Kyrgios joked was the reason he had lost what proved to be a high-quality final.
The result took Djokovic level with Pete Sampras on the number of Wimbledon singles titles and just one behind Roger Federer.
Following his latest title, which also saw him pass Federer with a 21st Grand Slam crown, Djokovic said: “I’m lost for words for what this tournament and trophy means to me. It always has been the most special tournament in my heart… that inspired me to start playing tennis.
“I always dreamed of coming here and playing on this court. Realising the childhood dream and wining this trophy. Every single time it gets more and more meaningful so I’m very thankful to be standing here with the trophy.”
Asked if making the final had given him the thirst for more, Kyrgios remarked: “Absolutely not! Myself and my team are all exhausted.
“I need a well-earned vacation. I’m really happy with this result - one of the best of my career. Maybe I’ll be back here one day but I don’t know about that.”
