The 5-Set French Open Thriller 19th Grand Slam: Serbian Djokovic battles back to beat Greek Tsitsipas

Let's give some time to the world of tennis for a change. It was a 52-year Landmark event on the red clay in Paris that somehow got missed.

It goes like this, "Novak Djokovic’s remarkable powers of recovery came to the fore once again as the Serb battled back from two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set French Open final thriller.

Serbian warrior Djokovic battles back to beat Tsitsipas in French Open final thriller and match 52-year landmark

13 Jun, 2021 17:24 / Updated 2 days ago 

    

Photo credit:Djokovic recovered from two sets down and a nasty fall to claim glory in Roland-Garros. © Reuters / Twitter

 

Making a maiden appearance in a Grand Slam final and becoming the first Greek ever to play at this stage of a major tournament, the 22-year-old Tsitsipas seemed on course for a shock victory when he opened up a two-set lead over the world number one.

But as many have found out before, Djokovic’s stamina is perhaps the greatest tennis has ever witnessed and the Serb fought back to take the final to a decisive set – the fist time it has gone the distance at Roland-Garros since 2004 – before getting the job done 6-7 (6-8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to claim a 19th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, 34, also became the first man in 52 years to win all four Grand Slam titles twice – something neither of his GOAT rivals Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal have achieved.

The last man to register the feat was Australian great Rod Laver in 1969, while Laver's countryman Roy Emerson achieved the landmark two years before him. 

Djokovic added to his last Roland-Garros title won in 2016, and is now just one Grand Slam behind the all-time record men's mark of 20 held by Nadal and Federer. . .

At one stage Djokovic took a nasty tumble as he chased down a drop shot from his Greek rival, with the Serb sliding and then tripping, almost slamming his head into the courtside equipment.  

#RGxESPN ¡Qué caída, Nole! Djokovic se exigió contra la red, no se pudo deslizar, se trabó y aterrizó contra el polvo de ladrillo. pic.twitter.com/RY1uJsaGtn

— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) June 13, 2021

The top seed picked himself up and dusted himself off, and from the third set the comeback was on as a previously dejected Djokovic began to find his rhythm. 

Tsitsipas required a medical timeout after seeing Djokovic cut the deficit to two sets to one, a sign of the struggles he was facing. . .

Tsitsipas battled valiantly and staved off match point, but Djokovic hauled himself over the line – just as he has done so many times before – to get his hands on a second title on the red clay of Paris. 

What a tournament 💪#RolandGarros | @DjokerNolepic.twitter.com/BJEXSR8xnj

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 13, 2021

"It was an electric atmosphere. I want to thank my coach and my physio, everyone who has been with me on this journey," Djokovic said afterwards. 

"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."

He also had a special message for people back home in Serbia, . . "

READ MORE > https://www.rt.com/sport/526474-novak-djokovic-french-open-grand-slam-record-laver/