Novak Djokovic’s Six French Open Finals
Novak Djokovic will be competing in his seventh final at Roland Garros, facing Casper Ruud on Sunday. Let’s take a look back at Djokovic’s previous six championship matches at the tournament, where he has achieved two victories and suffered four defeats.
In 2012, Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal in a rain-delayed final that extended into the third week. Nadal, playing in his 16th Grand Slam final, secured a remarkable 52nd win in Paris, with Djokovic’s double fault sealing the victory. This loss ended Djokovic’s hopes of holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, preventing him from emulating Don Budge and Rod Laver.
In 2014, Djokovic faced Nadal again in the final. Despite dominating the early stages, Djokovic couldn’t maintain his lead, and Nadal claimed his ninth French Open title and 14th Grand Slam overall. The match lasted for 3 hours and 31 minutes, ending on a disappointing note for Djokovic as he double-faulted on match point.
The following year, in 2015, Djokovic was defeated by Stan Wawrinka, shattering his dream of completing a career Grand Slam. Despite being the favorite, Djokovic couldn’t overcome Wawrinka’s challenge. The loss left Djokovic in tears on the presentation podium, but it also fueled his motivation to keep striving for success.
In 2016, Djokovic finally triumphed at Roland Garros, defeating Andy Murray. This victory marked his first French Open title and his 12th Grand Slam. Djokovic joined an elite group of players, including Don Budge and Rod Laver, as one of the few to simultaneously hold all four major trophies.
In 2020, Djokovic faced Nadal again, but this time suffered a resounding defeat. Nadal won his 13th French Open title without dropping a set, equaling Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles. The match highlighted Nadal’s dominance on clay, as Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm.
In 2021, Djokovic made a remarkable comeback in the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. After losing the first two sets, Djokovic rallied and emerged victorious after a grueling four hours and 11 minutes. This win secured Djokovic’s 19th Grand Slam title and made him the first man in 52 years to win all four majors twice. He also became only the third player in history, after Rod Laver, to achieve this feat.
Djokovic’s journey at Roland Garros has been filled with ups and downs, but his determination and resilience have propelled him to multiple finals and remarkable achievements in the world of tennis.
