Novak Djokovic claims it is a “possibility” that he can go on and win the calendar Grand Slam following his first French Open success. The reigning World No. 1 has now clinched four back-to-back Grand Slam titles as his maiden French open victory came after he won the Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the U.S. Open bridging the 2015 and 2016 season. “What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an wonderful achievement”, Murray told the Philippe Chatrier crowd after his defeat. “I’m just so overwhelmed with having this trophy next to me that I’m just trying to enjoy this moment”.
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That very same crowd roared, chanted and cheered throughout Djokovic’s 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Andy Murray in Sunday’s final, forming a bond with the Serb he spent years trying to develop with the public.
By reaching his first final at Roland Garros, Murray equalled Fred Perry once more by appearing in his 10th slam final. When he was down 5-2 in the fourth set with Djokovic serving for the win, he still fought for every point, he still engaged in the long rallies. She becomes the youngest first-time major victor since Victoria Azarenka at the 2012 Australian Open and is the third straight first-time victor in as many major finals, following in the footsteps of Flavia Pennetta at last year’s US Open and Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open in January.
But despite his recent loss to Murray, Djokovic had a lot going in his favor.
Novak Djokovic was finally crowned at Roland Garros after winning an encounter between top two seed over Andy Murray on Sunday to round up a career Grand Slam.
“This is something that is so rare in tennis”, said Andy Murray, “It’s going to take a long time for it to happen again”. I’m very proud and very thrilled.
There have been eight new Grand Slam champions in the women’s game in the last five years, but none of the previous seven have been able to sustain a challenge to Serena Williams at the summit.
Muguruza also managed to deal with Williams’ unsafe serve, breaking three consecutive times from late in the first set to early in the second en route to beating Williams for the second time in three years at Roland Garros.
It will take Murray a few days to recover before his preparation for Wimbledon at the end of the month, when he will hope his chances of adding to his two slams are better than they were here, even allowing for his phenomenal improvement on clay over the past 12 months.
Murray won the next game, but would lose three consecutive afterwards giving the set to Djokovic.
Djokovic settled down and held serve to win his first French Open title.
Murray said he did not regret being part of an era in which his three biggest rivals have now won all four Grand Slam titles. This year, Wawrinka was put out of the tournament by Murray in the semi-final and Nadal withdrew due to injury before the third round.
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“On the last point I don’t even remember what happened”. I didn’t feel too much pressure, honestly. Murray launched four aces against the Serb during the first frame, also breaking the world no. 1 twice in four attempts.
