Novak Djokovic beats Tsitsipas to win second French Open crown

The 34-year-old is the first man to win all four majors at least twice in the Open Era.

In the end, it was not meant to be for Stefanos Tsitsipas who succumbed to the might and fortitude of one of the great tennis players, Novak Djokovic. The Serbian defeated Tsitsipas 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to clinch his second French Open title.

This is the 19th Grand Slam crown for Novak Djokovic, as he beat the 22-year-old despite going down two sets in the opening exchanges. He is now just one behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam titles.

Tsitsipas draws first blood

The first set proved to be a real nail-biter between the two finalists. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic held the advantage on their services for the first 10 games. The Serbian finally broke his opponent's serve in the 11th game, but the Greek answered back by taking Djokovic serve in the next game. Tsitsipas took the set as he won the tie-breaker.

He took the momentum into the next set. However, the seesaw affair continued with both the players splitting the next four games between them. Stefanos Tsitsipas made sure that his early set lead did not go in vain and won the seventh and eighth games to take the set 6-2. The imposing 2-0 lead put the Greek in firm control over the proceedings.

The unrelenting Serbian

Novak Djokovic however refused to be fazed in the French Open final. The Wolrd No. 1 channelled his experience to win three straight games in the third set, after splitting the first two. The sudden lead proved to be insurmountable and Djokovic rode the momentum to register a 6-3 win.

The Serbian continued his fine run into the fourth set, winning four straight games to open the set. Tsitsipas failed to offer much resistance, as Djokovic cruised to a 6-2 victory to tie the match at two sets apiece.

The comeback is complete

Tstsipas opened the deciding set of the Roland Garros final by winning the first game. However, Djokovic won the next three games to gain an advantage in the battle. The tenth game proved to be an intense affair with neither player giving an inch. Djokovic had the chance to claim the title at 40-30, but Tsitsipas forced a deuce. However, when another championship point presented itself, Novak Djokovic took it with open arms to claim his 19th Grand Slam title.

Other results

Earlier, Barbora Krejcikova made it two titles in two days when she teamed up with Katerina Siniakova to win the French Open women’s doubles title. They beat Iga Swiatek and Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-4, 6-2 to clinch the glory.

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