Novak Djokovic said he never had doubts about launching a dramatic fightback from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s French Open final and claim a 19th Grand Slam title and become the first man in 52 years to win all four majors twice.
The world No 1 triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 over the Greek 22-year-old who was playing in his first Slam final.
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His victory over four hours followed having to also play four hours to beat 13-time champion Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals on Friday.
“I have played almost nine hours over the last 48 hours against two great champions, it was really tough physically over the last three days, but I trusted in my capabilities and knew I could do it,” said the 34-year-old Djokovic.
“It was an electric atmosphere. I want to thank everyone who has been with me on this journey.”
Djokovic is now just one Major away from equalling the all-time record of 20, jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Here’s a look at some of the key stats in men’s tennis after Djokovic’s latest triumph:
Most Grand Slam men’s singles titles (all time)
| Player | Titles |
|---|---|
| Roger Federer | 20 |
| Rafael Nadal | 20 |
| Novak Djokovic | 19 |
| Pete Sampras | 14 |
| Roy Emerson | 12 |
Men who have won every Major more than on once
| Roy Emerson | Rod Laver | Novak Djokovic |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Open (6) | Australian Open (3) | Australian Open (9) |
| French open (2) | French open (2) | French open (2) |
| Wimbledon (2) | Wimbledon (4) | Wimbledon (5) |
| Us Open (2) | Us Open (2) | Us Open (3) |
Comebacks from 0-2 in Major finals (Open Era)
| Players | Tournament | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic d. Stefanos Tsitsipas | 2021 Roland Garros | 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 |
| Dominic Thiem d. Alexander Zverev | 2020 US Open | 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(6) |
| Gaston Gaudio d. Guillermo Coria | 2004 Roland Garros | 0-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 8-6 |
| Andre Agassi d. Andrei Medvedev | 1999 Roland Garros | 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 |
| Ivan Lendl d. John McEnroe | 1984 Roland Garros | 3-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 |
| Bjorn Borg d. Manuel Orantes | 1974 Roland Garros | 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 |
(With AFP inputs)
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