Djokovic beats Murray to win his first French Open title

Paris, June 5 (IANS) Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic on Sunday won his first French Open title, after defeating Britain's Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in 3 hours and three minutes in an overcast day here, thus becoming the eighth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam.

It was his fourth Grand Slam title in a row. The last man to hold all titles at the same time was Rod Laver in 1969.

The crowd has not always been in the favour of Djokovic in previous years but this year he has had to overcome the heavy conditions by playing three matches on four consecutive days and he garnered a lot of the support of spectators after his celebratory dance with the ball kids after winning the matches. The atmosphere at times was more like that of Davis Cup rather than a Grand Slam. Ironically it was Murray who had spent more time on court as compared to Djokovic.

It was the British World No.2 who made the stronger start as he won four of the first five games after dropping serve in the opening game. He was able to dictate play with his powerful serve and then easily served out the set at 6-3.

In the second set, Murray got an early break point but Djokovic snuffed that out and held serve in the opening game. Murray's first serve began to falter and the World No.1 was able to gradually stamp his authority on the match with his aggressive returns and dominated proceedings.

In the third set, Murray checked the onslaught by holding in the first game but at 1-1, some poor volleying from Murray enabled Djokovic to reach breakpoint and he broke serve on another simple volley error from Murray.

Thereafter Murray was in constant trouble on his serve and the Serbian was quick to run down a good drop shot to hit a cross court winner for the double break to 4-1. Murray, to his credit, showed character gaining four breakpoints but couldn't get the vital break and he went down two sets to one.

Djokovic now had the momentum and quickly went up 2-0. Soon it was 5-2 and Djokovic was serving for title at 5-2. The Serbian showed he was human showing some nerves with a double fault and Murray seized the opportunity to break serve.

At the second time of asking, Djokovic reached double championship point after Murray missed a lob. Again there was drama as Murray saved both. However, on his third championship point, Murray's backhand won the net and Djokovic fell on his back after completing a famous victory.

--IANS

rajesh/vd