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Djokovic: “I never thought it was a mission impossible"

  • Matt Trollope

Novak Djokovic considers his triumph at Roland Garros 2021 to be among the top three achievements of his career.

And it positions him perfectly for a shot at more history at Wimbledon, which begins in just two weeks’ time.

The world No.1 re-wrote the record books thanks to dramatic five-set victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s final, recovering from two-sets-to-love down to win a duel spanning more than four hours.

REPORT: Djokovic wins 19th major title in Roland Garros thriller

It makes him the first male player in the Open Era to win all four major titles at least twice, something only Australians Roy Emerson and Rod Laver achieved back when the sport’s amateur and pro eras overlapped. 

Perhaps even more significant was his semifinal victory over 13-time French champion Rafael Nadal.

That monumental upset prevented Nadal’s seemingly inevitable march towards a men’s record-breaking 21st Grand Slam singles title. 

Instead, Djokovic has boosted his tally of major singles trophies to 19, putting him just one title behind Nadal and Roger Federer on the all-time list.

“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,” Djokovic said. 

“I couldn't be happier and more satisfied with this kind of scenario in the last 48 hours. Probably ranks at the top three all-time achievements and experiences that I had in my professional tennis career.”

Based on its own merit, Djokovic could be excused for luxuriating in this achievement for as long as he wished.

Roland Garros has always been, for him, the most challenging of the four Grand Slam tournaments to conquer. 

He owned titles at all of the other Slams by late 2011, but it took until 2016 for him to finally break through in Paris, after three defeats in finals. Another five years passed before his second Roland Garros victory – the longest gap between first and second titles at the tournament in the Open Era.

But in the wider context of his career, and the sport’s history, Djokovic cannot afford that luxury.

There is more work to be done, more ambitions still to be realised, and more incredible – perhaps even unprecedented – milestones to reach.

One journalist said to Djokovic that it was “almost inhumane to ask you about the next Grand Slam after a performance like that”. 

That next major is Wimbledon, where Djokovic could win that record-equalling 20th Slam title and keep alive his shot at a calendar-year Golden Grand Slam – a first in the history of the men’s game. 

Such a scenario is catnip to tennis reporters and fans. 

And the world No.1, admirably, does not even bother to pretend he is not considering exactly the same thing.

“I don't have an issue to say that I'm going for the title in Wimbledon. Of course I am,” said Djokovic, the two-time defending champion at SW19.

“Everything is possible, and I did put myself in a good position to go for the Golden Slam.

“But I was in this position in 2016 as well. It ended up in a third-round loss in Wimbledon. Obviously I will enjoy this win and then think about Wimbledon in a few days' time. 

“I never thought it was a mission impossible to reach the Grand Slams (totals) of these guys (Nadal and Federer). I mean, I'm not there, but it's one less. 

“I'll keep on going. I'll keep on chasing.”