LONDON — After days of grueling, thrilling matches, Wimbledon went out with a whimper.

Novak Djokovic needed just three sets Sunday to dispatch Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3) to claim his fourth singles title at this storied tournament.

Anderson, who was bidding to become the first South African man to win a Wimbledon title, was incredibly gracious in defeat, heaping praise on his Serbian opponent and choking up when he thanked his family. Djokovic, who won his first Grand Slam title since the 2016 French Open, relished the moment with a tearful embrace of his young son.

It is the 13th Grand Slam victory for Djokovic, fourth all time behind Roger Federer (20), Rafael Nadal (17) and boyhood idol Pete Sampras (14).

“To be just one step away from his record is quite incredible,” Djokovic said.

But the tennis itself was devoid of the high drama that led up to final.

A quick review: Anderson upset Federer in the quarterfinals, then outlasted John Isner in a 6-hour-36-minute marathon that had a 50-game fifth set.

Djokovic and Nadal had a semifinal odyssey of their own with a five-set battle that lasted 5:15.

But Sunday’s match breezed past in 2:19, with Anderson offering little resistance in the first two sets.