With high hopes of securing his first ever French Open title, Novak Djokovic was denied the win when he was stunned by his opponent Stanislas Wawrinka in the finals yesterday.
Djokovic was defeated for the third time on the French clay court, taking home his runner-up title again since 2012 and 2014.
The top seed was ousted by Wawrinka in a match of four sets. Djokovic won the first set 6-4 but Wawrinka obliterated the Serb 4-6, 3-6 and 6-4 in the following sets to claim his ultimate title.
Djokovic had downed reigning world champion Rafael Nadal and third seed Andy Murray to reach the final hurdle but was granted a disappointing finish. Despite the defeat, he received a lengthy standing ovation from the crowd. He had also praised his opponent in the post-match interviews.
“One thing is for sure there are two players who want this trophy, not just me,” he said in a news conference.
“Some people wanted to create a story where it’s just me. It feels like (people thought) I was the only player who wants to win this trophy.”
“I’m not trying to release the pressure, it’s part of what I do, but today I went on the court knowing I’m close but across the net there was a player who wanted to win and had not much to lose.”
“I’ve got a lot of respect for you Stan, you’re a great champion with a big heart, you deserve this title.”
Wawrinka is currently the oldest player to win the French Open at the age of 30.
“I played the match of my life, it’s hard to believe. Playing against Novak was one of the biggest challenges. I know how much he wanted this Roland Garros” he said.
“It was a crazy atmosphere these two weeks. I’d like to thank you.”
Photo credits: The Daily Star
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