epa05347560 Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with ball children and the trophy after winning against Andy Murray of Britain their men’s single final match at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 05 June 2016.? Murray was able to put only 14 of his 35 first serves in play and wound up coughing up two breaks despite Djokovic struggling a bit.
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The 29-year-old Djokovic, who won a break in the very first game but was broken back in the next though having saved three break points, failed to hold his own game until 40 minutes into the final in the sixth game.
‘Of course the rivalries that we have are important for the sport and, in one way or another, you try to compare yourself to them and what they have achieved before. It’s like my spirit has left my body and I was just observing my body … hoping that Andy will make a mistake, which happened.
Asked on Sunday whether he feels he has now stepped out from under the shadow of Federer and Nadal, the world number one said: “Well, I don’t think it’s on me to judge that”.
“Unfortunately one (of us) had to lose but I’m sure we’ll see you with the big trophies in the future”.
The fourth seeded Muguruza, who lost to Williams in last year’s final, won this time, 7-5, 6-4.
Djokovic broke Murray in the first game of the match but the Scot responded by taking the next three to build up a 3-1 lead. You know, I didn’t do that today.
Since his defeat in the 2015 Paris final, he has been undefeated in 28 consecutive Grand Slam appearances since Wimbledon past year. After dropping the opening set, he responded well to dominate the rest of the match, breaking Murray twice in each of the last three sets, converting on his third match point to claim his maiden Roland Garros championship.
Djocovic went down 3-6 in the first set, making seven unforced errors off his forehand before Murray’s first, and argued with umpire Damien Dumusois for refusing to have a point replayed at 15-0 as Murray served for the first set.
Djokovic has now won 12 grand slams, just two behind Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras and five behind Roger Federer’s record of 17. This is the fifth time Djokovic has beaten Murray in a major final.
Djokovic also beat Murray in the Australian Open final in January and has now defeated the Scot in five of his 10 finals. Save for one double-fault, Djokovic was in complete control as Murray’s game began showing cracks. “What he’s achieved, the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all the Grand Slams in one year is an fantastic achievement”. Once tennis fans realize the opportunity to watch Djokovic play is to literally observe history, perhaps they’ll come around.
“I have never had a clay-court season like that one, never won that many matches”.
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With a win in both Australian Open and the French Open, the Serbian is in line for a Calendar Slam, if he manages to emulate his form in the remaining two Grand Slams, the Wimbledon and The US Open later this year.
