Novak Djokovic wins first French Open defeating Andy Murray
The Serb battled back after losing the first set to take the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. The world number one now holds all four Grand Slam titles, only the third man to do so.Halep - Stephens: French Open 2018 final
Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murray to win his first ever French Open title.
As we say goodbye to our hosts at Roland Garros it is possibly fitting that we close with the world number one Djokovic joining the small ranks of those men who can say they did the "career Grand Slam". Only seven others in the history of the sport can claim likewise. More than that the Serb currently holds all four and, with the Australian and French now in the bag in 2016, a "calendar Slam" is also on the cards...not to mention the chance of an Olympic title.
The other seven who won each of the four big tournaments at least once were Fred Perry, Donald Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. Only Budge and Laver (1962 and 1969) completed the pure Grand Slam
Djokovic gave great praise to the achievement calling it "the biggest moment" of his career.
World number one Djokovic rallied from losing the opening set to down Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 and join Don Budge and Rod Laver as the only players to simultaneously possess the French Open, Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon trophies.
Feeling the sun and the love
"It's a very special moment, perhaps the biggest moment of my career," said Djokovic. "It's nice to see the sun has finally come out after ten days of rain, and it was great to see many fans for this final and I hope you enjoyed watching our tennis.
"I felt today something that I never felt before at Roland Garros, I felt the love of the crowd, I drew the heart on the court, like Guga (Gustavo Kuerten), which he gave me permission to do. My heart will always be with you on this court."
Disappointed but proud
Murray suffered an eighth major final defeat in 10 appearances, five of which have been inflicted by Djokovic, but the Briton was quick to lavish praise on his opponent.
"What he's achieved, the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all the Grand Slams in one year is an amazing achievement," said Murray. "It's so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match, but I'm proud to have been part of today."
The next challenge awaits Djokovic at the end of this month when the strawberries and cream trade gets its summer boost in London.
Novak Djokovic:
Australian Open 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Wimbledon 🏆🏆🏆
US Open 🏆🏆
French Open 🏆
One of the all-time tennis greats. pic.twitter.com/NPnIUDqk6R
— BBC Sporf (@BBCSporf) 5 June 2016