When tennis conversations take place now or a decade later, it is impossible to keep Novak Djokovic out of it with him becoming the first player to win all four Grand Slams twice
Novak Djokovic has quite effectively etched his name as one of the finest tennis players in the sport’s folklore. The Pride of Serbia, after debuting at 2003, perhaps has almost all the records there is to be accomplished, yet there is a glint of hunger every time he steps on the battlefield. The 125th edition of the French Open or Roland Garros this year saw him achieve another unique record.
Novak Djokovic Wins French Open 2021
Novak Djokovic perhaps played a near-perfect in the semi-final against the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal and the decider against Stefanos Tsitsipas. From being 0-5 down in the first set in the semi-final, the Serb won the following three sets. While Nadal and Djokovic inflicted a comprehensive loss in the first two sets on each other, it was only a trailer of what was to come.
The two men played some of the physics-defying tennis ever witnessed as none of them was ready to budge and was willing to go the extra mile. Both tennis legends from Europe produced crushing forehands and unbelievable backhands by sprinting from one end of the court to another madly. The tennis was of the highest quality that the whole world had to witness the artistry that two out of the big three of the current era were portraying.
But Djokovic managed to outplay his opponent or the defending champion in an epic tiebreaker to edge ahead. However, it also made the fans wonder whether the 34-year old could maintain the ruthlessness as the adrenaline levels would have been predictably sky high. Nevertheless, the 2016 Roland Garros winner had aimed for nothing but victory on that day and that’s when his relentless level increases manifold.
Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal
Djokovic launched an all-attack on Nadal and broke the serve by hitting a series of powerful groundstrokes, with each of them flattening Nadal and making the Spainard lose hope. It was a remarkable turnaround triggered by Djokovic to beat the 13-time champion on his own game and nothing was going to deny him victory. It was also the 35-year old’s only third defeat in the French Open and his second against the Serb at the event.
It almost seems jaw-dropping that the Nadal versus Djokovic encounter was not the final and the latter had to compete to lift the trophy. But irrespective of what transpired in the decider, Djokovic’s greatness was to come under no doubt. Yet, 34-year old did not want to leave even a flicker of doubt in anyone’s mind. Just about any victory could have given the Serb his second Roland Garros title.
Novak Djokovic vs Tsitsipas: Djokovic Becomes First Player To Win All Four Grand Slams Twice
But the decider witnessed the world number one raise the bar a little higher against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, playing in his first Grand Slam final. The Greek remained well on track to script his first Grand Slam title win by going two sets up to love. But this wasn’t the time for Tsitsipas to be optimistic and instead, he had to be more vigilant than over since Djokovic brings out his A-game when his backs are against the wall.
Tsitsipas was still the underdog and everyone knew the Serb would push his opponent to the breaking point to make him get over the line. And when it actually occurred – the Greek took a medical timeout for a back issue when he was still ahead by two sets to one – one could sense a Djokovic victory is on the cards.
While Tsitsipas never gave up the fight and Djokovic has produced comebacks of the highest quality consistently, this seemed a shade even for his standard.
How Novak Djokovic Won The French Open
But that is how players justify their number one ranking. Djokovic expertly puts behind all the comprehensive setbacks and the insurmountable hurdles to showcase his mental toughness that transcends everything. Novak Djokovic kept growing in confidence with every passing game and his heavy forehand shots made the Greek slump lower and lower, making him exhausted. It’s highly inexplicable for Djokovic to outmatch his opponent, who is 12 years younger physically.
By winning the final three sets, Djokovic became the first player in the open era to win all four grand slams at least twice and took his grand slams tally to 19 – one short of his rivals in Roger Federer and Nadal.
Novak Djokovic Net Worth And Grand Slams
The Serbian, whose current net worth is $160 million and has spent a record-breaking 325 weeks at number one (still going), has emerged victorious in nine Australian Open tournaments, two French Open tournaments, five Wimbledon championships, and three US Open crowns. With Nadal and Federer already showing signs of wear and tear, but Djokovic showcasing his indefatigability, are there any doubts on whether he can retain the Wimbledon this year?