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
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