Novak Djokovic will have to wait at least another year to achieve the career Grand Slam.
Stan Wawrinka saw to that when he stunned the world’s No. 1 player in four sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, to win his first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown. The Swiss won his first over Rafael Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open.
The loss snapped a 28-match winning streak for Djokovic, who was attempting to join an elite club of men who have won the career Slam. That list includes Nadal, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Don Budge, and Fred Perry.
“I play my best tennis today, it was amazing match, amazing level,” Wawrinka told John McEnroe on court. “Was not easy, a little bit windy. And when you play Novak No. 1, you have to go with your shot and I’m surprised I was playing well but I’m really, really happy to get that trophy.”
He added: “I feel great. For sure. I’m playing my best tennis at 30 now.”
Wawrinka, 30, became just the second man not named Nadal to win the French since 2005. The other was Federer, Wawrinka’s Swiss countryman and Davis Cup teammate. Wawrinka also became the first man to win a Slam after the age of 30 since Federer did it at Wimbledon in 2012.
Following the victory, Federer Tweeted, “CHAMP @stanwawrinka.”
Wawrinka, long in Federer’s shadow, had taken out his countryman in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic, who blew a 3-0 lead in the fourth set, needed only the Roland Garros title to complete the career Slam. After knocking off nine-time champion Nadal in straight sets in the quarterfinals and Andy Murray in five sets in a semifinal that started Friday and ended Saturday, he entered as the favorite to do it.
Serving at 5-4, 40-30, Wawrinka appeared to serve an ace on his first match point but the umpire ruled the ball out. Djokovic then won the point with a winner at the net to force deuce.
On his second match point, Wawrinka smacked a one-handed backhand winner down the line to win the title. He finished with 60 winners, including 11 on his backhand side.
Asked by McEnroe which stroke was better, Wawrinka said, “My backhand in general is there. Today I had some amazing shots, some great passing, some really important points. When I’m moving well, I know I can really go for long line cross or short cross, so it’s really important for me.”
When the match ended, the two men embraced at the net and Djokovic graciously congratulated Wawrinka on the championship.
“Congratulations to Stan, he completely deserves to be a winner today,” Djokovic told McEnroe.”He played much better tennis, more aggressive. He was more courageous. I tried my best and it wasn’t the day unfortunately and I have to keep on going.”
Djokovic had lost his two previous French Open finals appearances to Nadal and has now lost in three of the last four finals in Paris.
With the loss, he fell to 8-8 in Grand Slam finals, 0-3 at Roland Garros.
“I will continue to work to win this trophy,” Djokovic said in French following a huge ovation from the crowd that almost made him cry.
FRENCH OPEN WINNERS SINCE 2005
2015 – Stan Wawrinka
2014 – Rafael Nadal
2013 – Nadal
2012 – Nadal
2011 – Nadal
2010 – Nadal
2009 – Roger Federer
2008 – Nadal
2007 – Nadal
2006 – Nadal
2005 – Nadal
Photos: USA Today Sports
