How Roland Garros is the luckiest court in Novak Djokovic's career ft. Paris Olympics 2024 gold
Roland Garros has often been the most dreaded court for many among the men's tennis stars. Rafael Nadal's incredible dominance at the French Open has meant that not many other players have enjoyed their outings in Paris. However, Novak Djokovic has changed that and etched his name into the Roland Garros history books in recent times.
Despite his initial struggle on the hallowed clay courts of Paris, Djokovic has now made Roland Garros one of the most important stadiums in his career. The Serbian has achieved a lot of success in Paris, creating historic records, and most recently winning the Olympic gold medal for Serbia.
The story of Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros
It took Novak Djokovic eight years after his maiden Grand Slam victory, at the Australian Open, to win the French Open in Paris. The Serbian came close several times but could not get the better of Roger Federer, and more importantly Rafael Nadal, on the Paris clay. However, the 2016 title win in Paris changed the course of Djokovic's career.
![Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the French Open in 2016 [Source: Getty]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/08/5e5d4-17228523441472-1920.jpg?w=500)
Djokovic defeated Andy Murray 3-2, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling four-setter to win a historic French Open title in 2016. The Serbian was coming off an extraordinary previous season where he won three Grand Slam titles. The only Major he didn't win in 2015 was the French Open. However, Djokovic changed his fortunes in 2016 on the clay court and completed his Career Grand Slam with a title win in Paris.
While Djokovic's 2016 triumph was a breakthrough moment for him, his 2021 French Open win was historic. The Serbian defeated his rival Rafael Nadal in the semi-final to set up a final clash with Stephanos Tsitsipas in the final. In a topsy-turvy final, Djokovic trailed the Greek star by two sets to love before mounting a memorable comeback.
The Serbian came back to win the match 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 to win his second French Open title and his 19th Grand Slam title overall.
With his 2021 Roland Garros triumph, Djokovic became the first male player in the Open Era to win all the Grand Slams at least twice. The magnitude of his achievement can be measured by the fact that even the great Roger Federer only managed to win on the clay courts of Paris once in his illustrious career.
Djokovic's record was soon matched by Nadal when the latter won the Australian Open title in 2022. The Spaniard's victory in Melbourne meant that he joined Djokovic in winning all Grand Slams at least twice, but the Serbian soon took his record a notch higher in 2023.
Djokovic romped to another French Open title in 2023 when he defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets. The Serbian superstar won the match 7-6 (1) 6-3 7-5 to win a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title. This win meant that Djokovic moved past Nadal's record of 22 Grand Slam titles and became the first male player in the Open Era to win all Grand Slams thrice.
Now, with an elusive Olympic gold medal, Djokovic has etched his name into the Roland Garros history books. A place that was once dreaded by the Serbian is now one of the most successful courts of his career. With historic records set and broken by Djokovic at Roland Garros in Paris, the 37-year-old would be keen to add more success in the coming years.