Novak Djokovic was staring at defeat in the 2021 French Open final after Stefanos Tsitsipas took a commanding two-set lead at Roland Garros. The Greek was playing the biggest match of his career and looked
increasingly comfortable against the world No. 1. However, Djokovic once again showed why he was regarded as one of the toughest competitors in tennis, producing a remarkable comeback to win his second French Open title.
The final on June 13, 2021, was particularly challenging for Djokovic, who had come through a gruelling four-set semi-final against Rafael Nadal just two days earlier. That victory had ended Nadal’s hopes of winning a 14th French Open title, but it also appeared to have taken a physical toll on the Serbian. Tsitsipas took full advantage. He won the opening set 7-6 after a closely contested tiebreak and then dominated the second, breaking Djokovic twice to take it 6-2. At 2-0 down, the 22-year-old was just one set away from winning his maiden Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic turns the final around
Novak Djokovic needed a response, and it came after a break between sets. He returned with greater aggression and began putting Tsitsipas under pressure from the baseline. An important break of serve in the third set helped him take it 6-3 and stay alive in the contest. The momentum had shifted as Djokovic continued to dictate rallies, while Tsitsipas struggled to maintain the level he had produced in the opening two sets. The Serbian broke twice in the fourth set, racing to a 4-0 lead before closing it out 6-2 to force a decider. The fifth set was a test of nerves. Djokovic secured an early break to move ahead and maintained his advantage despite Tsitsipas attempting to fight back.
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After four hours and 11 minutes, the Serbian sealed a 6-4 victory in the deciding set to complete one of the most memorable comebacks of his career. The final score read 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. Djokovic claimed his 19th Grand Slam title, moving within one of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who were then tied on 20 majors. The victory also made him the first man in the Open Era to win all four Grand Slam singles titles at least twice. Having already completed that achievement at the 2021 French Open, he would go on to strengthen his place among the sport’s greatest champions.
