After dethroning ‘King of Clay’ Rafa Nadal on the French Open, Novak Djokovic will subsequent face first Grand Slam finalist in Stefanos Tsitsipas, because the world primary turns into the primary man to win all 4 Majors within the open period. went. a minimum of twice.
Roy Emerson and Rod Laver are the one males to have received 4 Grand Slams on two or extra events, however none have achieved the feat since 1968, when the game allowed skilled gamers to compete within the majors. was.
A second trophy on Sunday at Roland Garros, following his 2016 win on pink clay, may also give the 34-year-old Serbian his nineteenth Grand Slam title – one in need of Nadal and Roger Federer’s males’s document.
His challenger can be 22 years outdated, who’s bidding to turn into the primary Greek to win a singles main.
Tsitsipas has lengthy been marked as a future Grand Slam champion and has already collected trophies from the season-ending ATP Finals and Masters 1000 tournaments.
But he reached the last-four stage 3 times in a Major earlier than Friday’s semifinal, the place he defeated US Open finalist Alexander Zverev in an exhilarating five-set duel.
Greece’s first Grand Slam finalist will attain Court Philippe Chattier on Sunday with a 2-5 win-loss document towards the Serbian, however will draw inspiration from the truth that he has a Tour-leading victory in 2021.
“I’m looking forward to that challenge,” Tsitsipas stated Friday whereas awaiting his first main last.
“I’m looking forward to upping my game in a kind of challenge to take it forward.”
Anything lower than his ‘A’ sport can be sufficient for the Greek as he by no means managed to beat Djokovic on clay, though he did lead the Serbian to 5 units within the semi-finals on the similar venue final 12 months.
The emotions of Friday’s resounding victory over 13-time French Open winner Nadal could go away a hangover for many gamers, however that will not be an issue for Djokovic together with his unimaginable psychological power.
“This isn’t the first time I’m playing an epic semi-final at a Grand Slam and then I have to come back and play the final in less than 48 hours,” he stated.
“My recovery ability is great, I must say, throughout my career … I know what to do.”
Djokovic was completely satisfied to relaxation a bit and revel in a semifinal victory over his nice rival, however would take nothing towards the Greek.
The Serbian stated, ‘He is in wonderful type. “I feel he is matured lots as a participant. Clay[is]arguably his finest floor.
“We performed an epic five-setter within the semifinals right here final 12 months. Yes, I do know it may be a tricky one.
“I hope to recharge my battery as much as I can because I will need some power and energy for that.”
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
