Novak Djokovic has won the 2021 French Open, defeating fifth-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set thriller.
In his first grand slam final, Tsitsipas won the first two sets. But he needed medical treatment for a back injury at the end of the third.
This gave Djokovic the chance to strike and claim victory in the final three sets: 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
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Djokovic looked exhausted during the first two sets after a gruelling match against the king of clay, 13-time winner Rafael Nadal a few days earlier.
“It was not easy for me, both physically and mentally,” Djokovic said.
But Novak Djokovic bounced back to claim victory, in his second grand slam title of the year. He said he was grateful to a young boy who offered support and advice throughout the final.
“I found that very cute and very nice,” he said.
“To give the racquet to the best person was him. That was my gratitude for him sticking with me,” he said.
Novak Djokovic becomes the first man to win all four majors twice since Rod Laver in 1969.
“Of course, I am thrilled and I’m very proud of this achievement. I think part of the history of the sport that I love with all my heart is always something that is very inspiring and very fulfilling for me,” he said.
The win marks the end of Roland Garros, which saw big names Naomi Osaka and Roger Federer withdrawing from the tournament.
