Novak Djokovic claimed a nineteenth Grand Slam title and have become the primary man in 52 years to win all 4 majors twice when he got here from two units right down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping French Open closing on Sunday. The world primary triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 over the Greek 22-year-old who was taking part in in his first Slam closing. Djokovic is now only one main away from equalling the all-time file of 20, collectively held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
It was a second French Open crown for Djokovic after his 2016 victory and provides to his 9 Australian Opens, 5 Wimbledon titles and three on the US Open.
The 34-year-old is the primary man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all 4 Slams on a number of events and simply the third in historical past.
He’s additionally the primary man ever to win a Slam title by twice getting back from two units down in identical the match.
Djokovic now has 84 profession titles in whole whereas Sunday’s win pushed him to the brink of $150 million in prize cash.
“It was an electrical ambiance,” mentioned Djokovic after the four-hour 11-minute closing.
“It is a dream. It is troublesome to win the title towards a terrific participant. It was a troublesome three days bodily and mentally,” he added.
Djokovic had additionally spent greater than 4 hours on court docket on Friday to knock out defending champion Rafael Nadal.
Tsitsipas survived a nervy opening service sport, having to save lots of two break factors.
Djokovic, against this, did not concede some extent in his first three service video games.
However all of the sudden he confronted a set level within the tenth sport courtesy of an unsightly shank however saved it after a 26-shot rally.
Fired up by a time violation, Djokovic broke for the primary time for a 6-5 lead however was unable to serve out the opener as a collection of razor-sharp returns put Tsitsipas again on stage phrases.
In a dramatic tiebreaker, Tsitsipas noticed a 4/0 and 5/2 lead disappear.
He needed to save a set level earlier than claiming the opener after 70 minutes when Djokovic fired a forehand large.
Dropping the opening set at this yr’s Roland Garros was acquainted territory for Djokovic.
He needed to get well from two units right down to beat Lorenzo Musetti within the final 16 and misplaced the opener towards Nadal on Friday.
Tsitsipas, 12 years the world primary’s junior, broke once more within the first sport of the second set because the 2016 champion seemed more and more weary within the 30-degree afternoon warmth.
The Greek edged forward 5-2 and pocketed the second set along with his eighth ace of the competition.
However the high seed wasn’t completed, breaking within the fourth sport of the third set to chop the deficit.
Tsitsipas then known as the coach to deal with a again drawback which additionally gave him the chance to alter the clay-covered shirt he’d worn since a primary set tumble.
Thirty minutes later, it was two units apiece after Djokovic secured a double break.
Promoted
Because the shadows swept throughout Courtroom Philippe Chatrier, Tsitsipas’ temper additionally darkened as he slipped 3-1 down within the decider.
Because the clock ticked previous 4 hours, he fought off two extra break factors within the seventh sport however Djokovic was to not be denied his newest slice of historical past taking the glory on his second championship level.
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