Johnette Howard is an award-winning writer and author who previously worked for Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post, and Newsday.
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Djokovic dropped 14,000 jaws inside Court Philippe Chatrier, a four-set victor over world No. 2 Andy Murray.
He was missing forehands he usually makes. “Is this Roland Garros or the Serengeti?” They returned when an announcer introduced Djokovic during the warmup period.
And now he was creating doubts that his 12-year wait might stretch to 13.
Just as importantly for Djokovic, his victory meant he had now achieved a “career Grand Slam”.
Novak Djokovic is now up 4-1 in the third set after he produced a magnificent victor.
Djokovic continued to press, setting up break points at 1-1 in the third set with a forehand victor and watching as Murray dropped a volley into the net with the court gaping. However, on his third championship point, Murray’s backhand won the net and Djokovic fell on his back after completing a famous victory.
France hasn’t had much to cheer about of late in other competitions at Roland Garros, either.
Fortunately for Djokovic, Murray was nowhere near peak form. There’s no shame in that. Djokovic on his quest for the Calendar Grand Slam.
Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal may still have more titles in total, but in winning all four at the same time, Djokovic finally emerges from their shadow. Laver was the last man to do that, too, in 1962 and ’69.
Djokovic is proof of that.
The world No.1 joined a select band of tennis greats including Rod Laver in completing the clean sweep. “None of the big events I have won have I done it without beating one of those guys, you know, or a couple of them”.
With three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten watching from the stands, Djokovic then emulated the Brazilian by drawing a heart in the clay with his racquet. Djokovic again held Murray to three winners (against eight unforced errors) and maintained his service momentum. “It was something completely different”.
“I drew the heart on the court, like Guga, which he gave me permission to do”.
Less than two weeks ago, Murray came within two points of losing in the first round to Radek Stepanek, and he was also stretched to five sets by Mathias Bourgue in the second round.
When Novak Djokovic looked up to the crowd after breaking Andy Murray for a second time in the fourth set to lead 5-2, his reaction was unexpected – he started laughing.
The grass court tournament starts later this month.
By the third, Murray was overhead yelling to his box of supporters that his legs were shot. I think when I finish I will maybe be more proud of my achievements.
Can he win the calendar Grand Slam? “Obviously, one had to lose but I am sure we will be seeing you with the big trophies in the future”.
But Djokovic is still the favorite in every tournament he enters.
That is perhaps the most unsafe thought: As Federer (bad back) and Nadal (hurt wrist) continue to fight their bodies, and Murray (10-24 lifetime against Djokovic) has a hard time solving Djokovic, the 29-year-old Serbian only looks to do more. Neither of them ever accomplished that, either. The second time, he brought up two match points but his arm was so tense he could hardly connect ball with strings. As Djokovic bowed his head, Murray ran backward to the changeover chair, pointing at his right temple.Aside from the first game, Murray was ideal in that set, trying to become Britain’s first male champion in Paris since 1935. “At the beginning I was not glad to be part of their era”. “Of course the money helps me have a certain standard of life and lifestyle”.
“I realized that I needed to get stronger because I was competing with these two tremendous champions”. He will never have Federer’s persona or Nadal’s battling energy.
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Novak Djokovic hoists the French Open trophy aloft in Paris.
