Dejected Andy Murray admitted that it “sucks” to lose in the French Open final.
Advertisement
And now, the French Open – all the major tennis trophies belong to Novak Djokovic, who won his first title at Roland Garros on Sunday, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 against Andy Murray. Roger Federer holds the all-time record, with 17.
For Murray, it was an all-too familiar feeling as high hopes gave way to helplessness in the face of Djokovic’s brilliance, with five of his final defeats coming against the man he first faced as an 11-year-old.
By reaching his first final at Roland Garros, something he never imagined was possible until he found his feet on clay previous year, Murray equalled Fred Perry once more by appearing in his 10th slam final.
“Novak, this is his day”.
Djokovic can now turn his sights towards a calendar Grand Slam that was last achieved in 1969 by Laver. Everyone here is extremely lucky to see it. The tournament was left cursing once again the absence of a covered court – a roof will be built on Philippe Chatrier court only as early as 2020.
Aside from the first game, Murray was flawless in that set as he tried to become Britain’s first male champion in Paris since 1935.
He first reached the semi-finals in 2007 and now, nine years and four finals later, finally the Coupe des Mousquetaries is his. Djokovic clearly found a reserve of resolve.
The only time Murray’s focus wavered was when he became distracted by French TV journalist Nelson Monfort sitting in his box, yelling and gesticulating until he left.
In the first set, he was managing to get the first strike in more often than not – but he could not keep it up.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is cheered by ball girls after defeating Britain’s Andy Murray in their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Sunday, June 5, 2016 in Paris.
He served for the title at 5-2 in the fourth set before Murray broke and held to get to 4-5.
Djokovic kept his foot on Murray’s throat, breaking in the first game of the fourth set as the second seed carried on a running argument with the umpire over the positioning of the overhead camera.
The spectators really raised a ruckus when Murray served for the first set and put one right near a line.
Andy Murray was proud to be part of history even though it meant another heartbreaking loss in a grand slam final. Djokovic, meanwhile, was off – jitters, perhaps? – and particularly so with his forehand, to the tune of seven unforced errors on that wing before Murray made one. “That’s tough and I wasn’t able to dictate enough points after the beginning of the match”.
And then, presto, from the second set on, Djokovic loosened up-and barely missed.
The Scot could do little but attempt to stay with Djokovic in lengthy baseline rallies, which was playing to Serbian’s strength.
Murray saved the first but then volleyed a forehand into the net to give Djokovic the first break of the set.
If anyone can slow Djokovic’s inexorable progress, it will be likely be No. 2 Murray – the only man, at the moment at least, who looks capable of going toe-to-toe with him for a set or two in best-of-five matches.
Djokovic imitated former three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten by drawing a giant heart in the Paris clay before collapsing inside it.
Advertisement
Had he turned the tables on a player he has beaten just twice in the past 14 meetings, Murray would have become the first British man to win the French Open since Fred Perry in 1935.
