But viewers in the The Dunblane Centre were spared Djokovic’s final winning point when the television feed cut out just as the soon-to-be champion was about to serve.
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“When I broke him the second time and I got to 5-2 in the fourth, I just started laughing”. I don’t know. I had that kind of emotion. “I felt that support and love from the people around that allowed me to be sitting here with the trophy”.
While Federer (17 majors), Nadal and Pete Sampras (both 14) still top Djokovic in the list of all-time grand slam title holders, it is not inconceivable that within a few years, the Serb will have left everyone in his wake.
“I’m very proud, very thrilled, obviously”.
The world No.1 said: “On the last point I don’t even remember what happened.
I’m trying to grasp, and I’m trying to cherish, obviously, these moments right now”, Djokovic said, eyes fixed on that once-elusive Le Coupe des Mousquetaires, resting a foot or so away on a table.
By reaching his first final at Roland Garros, something he never imagined was possible until he found his feet on clay a year ago, Murray equalled Fred Perry once more by appearing in his 10th slam final.
Djokovic drew the heart to mirror Gustavo Kuerten’s celebration when the Brazilian won the French Open in 2001.
“He’s the best player now”, said Marian Vajda, who co-coaches Djokovic with Boris Becker, “and (getting) the French will give him a boost”.
The 29-year-old took his racquet and carved a heart in the clay on court before lying on his back in the centre of it.
By winning his first French Open title and fourth consecutive major title, he has accomplished a feat last seen in 1969, reports Morocco World News.
“This is something that is so rare in tennis”, said Murray, who is now 2-8 in Grand Slam finals.
Andy Murray must feel something in the pit of his stomach every time he discovers he will play against Novak Djokovic in the final of a grand slam. Djokovic is already one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and he is bang in the middle of his prime, with no rivals and the wherewithal to complete one of the most hard feats in tennis easily.
Laver hailed Djokovic’s game earlier this year.
Murray, who had spent almost five hours longer on court than Djokovic, was beginning to look very tired and, at 5-2 in the fourth, the match appeared to be over. By the time he got up, Murray was climbing over the net to greet him.
So when he’d finally succeeded in becoming the champion at Roland Garros, beating Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday, Djokovic was naturally focused on that particular accomplishment.
He came back strongly in the second set after having to defend against a break point in the opening game, taking it six games to one after Murray’s first serve percentage dropped and he lost the first three games.
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The Serb broke to love for 5-2 and history was just moments away.
