Novak Djokovic crushes Andy Murray to win first ever French Open title

By beating Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 here to win the French Open, Djokovic also became only the eighth man in history to win all four Grand Slam titles. Djokovic won last year’s Wimbledon and U.S. Open and this year’s Australian Open before winning the French title. Maybe more importantly, Djokovic is now one step closer to Roger Federer’s record 17 career Grand Slam titles. He falls to 2-5 against Novak Djokovic in Grand Slam finals, including three straight losses since his win at Wimbledon in 2013.

Djokovic’s 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory on Court Philippe Chatrier was played out in the familiar gloom of the past week – and then, to everyone’s amazement, the sun burst through to embroider the champion’s victory celebration on court.

The only time Murray’s focus wavered was when he became distracted by French TV journalist Nelson Monfort sitting in his box, yelling and gesticulating until he left. Three came in finals, against Nadal in 2012 and 2014, against Stan Wawrinka a year ago.

By reaching his first final at Roland Garros, something he never imagined was possible until he found his feet on clay past year, Murray equalled Fred Perry once more by appearing in his 10th slam final.

After the first set, Djokovic began to set the tone in points, controlling play with both his return game and on his serve.

“I’ve worked very hard for so many years to be able to achieve that”. A couple of minutes later, the smile had gone as Murray chased and harried and found a few last ounces of strength to launch his final charge: he broke Djokovic, held his own serve and then set about his old foe one last time as Djokovic tried to serve for the match again.

“Winning this trophy today gave me so much happiness and fulfillment”. Djokovic won the fourth set and finally got his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires, the one trophy that was missing from his cabinet.

As the world saw past year, when Serena Williams came within two wins of securing the first women’s Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988, the attention and pressure that come along with such an endeavour can be overwhelming. Djokovic’s shot placement was on point as ever and he looked like the world No. 1 that his ranking grants him.

PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 05: Kim Sears the wife of Andy Murray of Great Britain applauds during his Men’s Singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day fifteen of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on June 5, 2016 in Paris, France. “It’s so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match”, said Murray.

By notching the title at the Roland Garros on Sunday evening, Novak Djokovic entered the pages of the tennis history as one of the all time greats.

Dominic Thiem, a 22-year-old from Austria who lost to Djokovic in his first Grand Slam semifinal, climbed to a career-best No. 7 from No. 15.

“Next to this one, I would probably say it’s Wimbledon back in 2011 and the Davis Cup (2010) – these are moments that are quite remarkable and unforgettable”. The second time, he brought up two match points but his arm was so tense he could hardly connect ball with strings.