Novak Djokovic makes history after beating Stephanos Tsitsipas in the final of the 5th set of the French Open
Novak Djokovic won his 19th Grand Slam title after coming back from 2 sets down against 5th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French Open 2021 men’s singles final at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday. Djokovic clinched glory after downing the spirited Grand Slam final debutant 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic, who played 18 sets since his fourth-round match, became the first man in the Open Era to win all 4 Grand Slams at least twice. He is only the third man to do so after Roy Emerson and Rod Laver.
Not many can now argue against the theory that Novak Djokovic is a superhuman! The World No. 1 won his 2nd French Open title after overcoming adversities in a manner that reflects what he has been able to add to the sport over the years. The never-say-die attitude shone through as he notched up two stunning come-back-from-behind wins in a span of 3 days.
Have played two great champions for almost 9 hours: Djokovic
“It was an electric atmosphere. I want to thank my coach and my physio, everyone who has been with me on this journey,” Djokovic said after a relatively less animated celebration post the win.
“I have played almost nine hours over the last 48 hours against two great champions, it was really tough physically over the last three days, but I trusted in my capabilities and knew I could do it.”
Djokovic waited until he got towards his box and let out a loud roar.
The Serb, who is a firm contender for the GOAT tag, has moved one closer to the joint-record of 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Incidentally, he dumped out the 13-time French Open champion with a superlative effort in 4 sets in the semi-final on Friday.
Novak Djokovic also broke the ‘Nadal jinx’ at the French Open as he became the first man to win the Roland Garros title after outclassing the clay-court King in Paris. Djokovic himself and Robin Soldering had lost the final after overcoming Nadal in the past.
Djokovic showcases mental strength in another gladiatorial battle
Djokovic was involved in a gladiatorial battle once again. After overcoming 13-time champion Nadal in a 4-set epic in the semi-final, the Serb was made to work hard. Despite going up a break in the first set, Tsitsipas rallied back and took the opening set in the tie-breaker.
Djokovic looked down and out after going down 2-6 in the second set but he clinhed a come-back-from-behind win after being 2 sets down for the 6th time in his Grand Slam career.
Djokovic raised his game despite having spent more than 13 sets since the 4th round to push the young Tsitsipas to the limits. His serve, which was solid in the first half of the first set, was back again and he was hitting some atrocious winners to get the crowd going at the Chattrier.
There was no doubt that Djokovic would not force a decider after he got an early break in the 4th set. Despite Tsitsipas matching the Serbian great with every shot he played, Djokovic kept the momentum going his way and put relentless pressure on his younger opponent.
Serving first in the final set too, Tsitsipas was under pressure but he held his serve to prove once again that a Grand Slam title is not far away for him. However, the Djoker machine was at work in the final set too. In a match that extended to 4 hours and 11 minutes, it was the World No. 1 who proved once again you never write him off. Tsitsipas save a match point but Djokovic held his composure and flaunted his superhuman mental strength to get the job done.
