Novak Djokovic beats 22-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was playing in his first Slam final at the Roland Garros in Paris, to win the 2021 French Open.
Novak Djokovic claimed a 19th grand slam title and became the first man in 52 years to win all four majors twice when he came from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping French Open final on Sunday.
The world number one triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 over the Greek.
Djokovic is now just one major away from equalling the all-time record of 20, jointly held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
After the game, he says “everything is possible” as he targets a ‘golden’ Grand Slam in 2021.
The 34-year-old Serb has won both majors this year after lifting the Australian Open title in February.
He defends his Wimbledon title this month before the Olympics and US Open.
“I have put myself in a good position to go for the Golden Slam,” said Djokovic, who won his 19th major by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Paris.
“Everything is possible. I’ve achieved some things that a lot of people thought it would be not possible for me to achieve.”
Djokovic, also champion at Roland Garros in 2016, became the first man to win all four Grand Slams twice since the fully professional Open era began in 1968.
Shortly afterwards, his coach Marian Vajda said the player’s goal was to win Olympic gold at the delayed Tokyo Games before completing a calendar Grand Slam at the US Open in September.
But Djokovic was quick to point out he was in the same position in 2016 and then lost in the third round at the All England Club.
“I will enjoy this win and then think about Wimbledon in a few days’ time,” he said.
“I don’t have an issue to say that I’m going for the title in Wimbledon. Of course I am.
“Hopefully, I can use this confidence that I have right now [to take] into Wimbledon, as well. Then let’s take it from there.”
After sealing victory, Djokovic went over to the stands and gave his racquet to a young fan who the Serb said had been providing tactical advice as well as support.
The youngster was beside himself with joy after being given the gift, looking incredulous as he bounced up and down in delight.
“I don’t know the boy, but he was in my ear the entire match basically, especially when I was two sets to love down,” a smiling Novak Djokovic said.
“He was encouraging me. He was actually giving me tactics, as well. He was like, ‘hold your serve, get an easy first ball, then dictate, go to his backhand’.
“He was coaching me – literally.
“I found that very cute, very nice. So I felt like to give the racquet to the best person was him after the match.
“That was kind of my gratitude for him sticking with me and supporting me.”