ATP Tour wrap: Djokovic clinches second Roland Garros title
NOVAK Djokovic has claimed his 19th Grand Slam title overnight, turning around an early deficit to Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the 2021 Roland Garros trophy. While his 22-year-old Greek opposition got off to a flying start to capture the first two sets, the world number one fired up from then on to win the remaining three comfortably to come away with the 6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory in four hours and 11 minutes.
In the process, Djokovic became the first man in the Open Era to win all four majors twice – and third man to do so overall – with his maiden Roland Garros title coming in 2016, before Rafael Nadal swept the next four years. Djokovic overcame the champion Spaniard in the semi-finals, dealing him only his third ever loss at the event.
“Of course, I am thrilled and I’m very proud of this achievement. I think part of the history of the sport that I love with all my heart is always something that is very inspiring and very fulfilling for me,” Djokovic said. “I couldn’t be happier and more satisfied with this kind of scenario in the last 48 hours. “Probably ranks at the top three all-time achievements and experiences that I had in my professional tennis career.
“Going through a four-and-a-half battle with Rafa on his court, then bouncing back after not practicing yesterday, just coming in today with as much as recharged batteries and energy regained to fight another battle of four-and-a-half hours against Tsitsipas, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final.”
Tsitsipas’ hot start was led by an 18-winner first set and just two unforced errors in the second, before the world number one picked up the pace. From then on, Djokovic controlled proceedings and despite trailing in winners (56-61), he claimed a 78 per cent win rate off his first serve and won 40 per cent off the receive on his way to victory.
“[I left] the court, as it was the case against Musetti (Lorenzo Musetti) in the fourth round when I was two sets down, and came back as a different player,” Djokovic said. “Just refreshed, [and I] managed to make a break, early break in the third. “After that, I felt like I got into his head. “I feel like I started swinging through the ball better. “The momentum was on my side, it shifted. “There was no looking back from that moment.”
Tsitsipas will reach a career-high number four ranking this week, telling media that he has faith in his game despite losing his maiden Grand Slam appearance.
“I believe, yes, I’m able to play for titles like this. Despite my loss today, I have faith in my game. I very much believe I can get to that point very soon. I was close today,” insisted Tsitsipas. “It’s very sad because it was a good opportunity. “I was playing good. “I was feeling good.” Yeah, I lost an opportunity to do something better today. “But I think with the same attitude and if I don’t downgrade myself, I see no reason for me not to be holding that trophy one day.”
“I don’t know, he left the court after two sets to love down, I don’t know what happened there, but he came back to me like a different player suddenly. I have no idea. He played really well. He gave me no space,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s different. “It’s all about endurance, if you can keep your level there for longer periods of time, then of course that’s what is needed in a Grand Slam. “I played two good sets. “I wouldn’t call them incredible. “I just played really well. “It wasn’t enough. “That’s a Grand Slam for you. “It’s the way it is.”
“It’s a difficult journey, it takes a lot of work every day… I hope to be back next year to put on a good show again.”
“Knowing him and his team, he’s going to come out of this much stronger,” Djokovic said of Tsitsipas.
ROLAND GARROS FINAL RESULTS:
[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) defeated [5] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4
Picture credit: Nicolas Gouhier/FFT
Djoker, Kyrgios return for Brisbane
THE first of the 2025 ATP Tour tournament entry lists are out, with former world number one Novak Djokovic and Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios both set to headline the Brisbane International which kicks off at the end of this month. Though technically a 2025 calendar event, the first round of action takes place from December […]
Italy do double; Dutch fall short
ITALY is officially the back-to-back champion of the Davis Cup after successfully defending its title in Malaga overnight. The combination of Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner proved too good for brave Dutch pair Botic Van de Zandschulp and Tallon Griekspoor, winning in straight sets against their respective opponents to salute. Since being added alongside SInner […]
Australia goes Down Under Italy’s Davis Cup power
FOR A second successive year, Italy found what it took to upstage Australia in the Davis Cup, defeating the green and gold to move one win away from defending its 2023 title. While spearheaded by Jannik Sinner who steered the Italians to victory 12 months ago, former Top 5 star Matteo Berrettini showed the glimpses […]
Dutch dare to dream in Davis Cup
NETHERLANDS is through to its first ever Davis Cup final after defeating Germany 2-0 in a couple of tight three-set singles matches to reach the decider. The Dutch pair of Tallon Griekspoor and Botic Van de Zandschulp fought past German duo Jan-Lennard Struff and Daniel Altmaier to set up a grand finale against one of […]
Sinner steps up to steer Italy into Davis Cup semis
ITALY is two wins away from going back-to-back at the Davis Cup after coming from behind against a plucky Argentinian outfit. Following a surprise win by Francisco Cerundolo over Lorenzo Musetti, world number one Jannik Sinner had to step up, and step up he did. Sinner won his singles in convincing fashion before teaming up […]
Aussies upstage US after doubles shock move
AUSTRALIA is through to the 2024 Davis Cup semi-finals for a chance at redemption against Italy after taking down a star-studded United States lineup. The green and gold had the Malaga stadium pumping when Thanasi Kokkinakis stunned Top 25 talent Ben Shelton, and then the experienced doubles duo of Matthew Ebden and Jordan Thompson used […]
Germany charges into 2024 Davis Cup semis
GERMANY is on a mission to break a 31-year drought at the Davis Cup, and ticked off the first challenge with a victory over 2022 winners Canada overnight. The Germans last won a Davis Cup way back in 1993 during a golden era for the nation, winning three titles in a six-year span between 1988-1993. […]
Dutch dash dream Rafa retirement party
THERE was no room for sentiment from the Dutch at the Davis Cup Finals, with Netherlands sending off 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal by eliminating his Spanish side in the quarter finals. Going down to the deciding doubles tie, the experienced doubles talent of Wesley Koolhof worked well with Botic Van de Zandschulp against […]
2024 Davis Cup Finals preview
EIGHT nations will vie for glory in the 2024 Davis Cup Finals that kicks off overnight in Malaga. Headlined by reigning champions Italy with world number one Jannik Sinner named for his nation, the only element that tops it is the fact that 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will bid farewell to tennis at […]
