Djokovic beats Tsitsipas in 5-set thriller to clinch French Open title

Novak Djokovic created history in Paris after coming back from two sets behind to win his 19th grand slam at Roland Garros. Despite making a slow start, the world number one recovered in fine fashion to win 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 against the number five seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.

After dethroning the “King of Clay” in a marathon semi-final encounter on Friday which lasted over four hours, Djokovic tapped into his reserves during the final to outlast Stefanos Tsitsipas and take home his second French Open title.

The world number one continues to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible on a tennis court and with this victory, Djokovic becomes the only player in the open era to win at least two titles at each of the Grand Slams. 

“It has been an unforgettable few moments for me in my life and my career. I will definitely remember these last 48 hours in my life,” said Djokovic after the final. According to some, this 19th Grand Slam crown might be regarded as his greatest ever majors victory as he shocked Rafael Nadal on his court in Paris before beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in another 5-set encounter in the final.

At just 22 years old, Stefanos Tsitsipas was the first Greek player to make a grand slam final and was looking to be the youngest man to win a grand slam since 20-year-old Juan Martin Del Potro’s triumph at the 2009 US Open.

The world number five looked calm and composed in the first set, saving a set point before going 1-0 up after the tie-breaker. Tsitsipas carried that momentum in the second set, breaking the Serbian in the first game and eventually finishing off the set 6-2 to take a 2-0 lead.

But if one thing Djokovic has proved over the years, its that you would be foolish to write him off at any given time. 

Earlier in the tournament, the world number one came back from 2 sets behind to beat Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16, and once again showed signs of doing that in the final. Djokovic displayed his immense character and unshakeable willpower to come back and take the third set and you could feel the momentum shifting towards him as the game wore on. 

Djokovic followed that up by winning the first four games in the fourth set and eventually forcing the decider after only dropping three service points throughout the set. In the fifth set, Djokovic found the decisive break to take a 2-1 lead and his experience and fighting spirit shone through as he closed the match on his second Championship point to win his second grand slam of 2021.

With this victory, Djokovic continues to lay down his legacy amongst the pantheon of greats and is now only one major’s title away from equalling Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slams.