Novak Djokovic is new king of clay, wins French Open title

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic rallies from two sets down to beat No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in thrilling French Open finale

Novak Djokovic is new king of clay, wins French Open title

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the French Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday. Pics/AFP

Novak Djokovic claimed a 19th Grand Slam title and became the first man in 52 years to win all four majors twice when he came from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping French Open final on Sunday.

The World No. 1 triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 over the young Greek, 22, playing in his first Slam final. Djokovic is now just one major away from equalling the all-time record of 20, jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Historic win

It was a second French Open for Djokovic after 2016 and adds to his nine Australian Opens, five Wimbledon titles and three at the US Open. Djokovic, 34, is the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Slams on multiple occasions and just the third in history. He is also the first man ever to win a Slam title by twice coming back from two sets down in same the tournament. Djokovic now has 84 career titles in total while Sunday’s win pushed him to the brink of $150 million in
prize money.

“It was an electric atmosphere. It’s difficult to win the title against a great player. It was a difficult three days physically and mentally,” said Djokovic, who had spent over four hours on court on Friday to knock out defending champ Rafael Nadal.

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas falls during the French Open final yesterday

Nervous start

Tsitsipas survived a nervy opening service game, saving two break points. Djokovic, didn’t concede a point in his first three service games but suddenly faced set point in the 10th game. He broke for the first time for a 6-5 lead but was unable to serve out the opener. In a dramatic tiebreaker, Tsitsipas saw a 4/0 and 5/2 lead disappear. He had to save a set point before claiming the opener after 70 minutes when Djokovic fired a forehand wide. Dropping the opening set at this year’s Roland Garros was familiar territory for Djokovic. He was two sets against Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16 and lost the opener against Nadal too. Tsitsipas, 12 years Djokovic’s junior, broke again in the first game of the second set and went up 5-2 before winning the set. But Djokovic wasn’t finished. He broke in the fourth game of the third set to cut the deficit and 30 minutes later, it was two sets apiece after Djokovic secured a double break. In Set 5, Tsitsipas slipped 1-3 down. He fought off two more break points in the seventh game but Djokovic took the title on his second championship point.

Also Read: French Open: Herbert, Mahut clinch doubles title, create history for France

4 hr, 14 mins
Duration of the French Open men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday

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