French Open 2023 – Four keys to Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic received his nineteenth main title and second at Roland Garros on Sunday with a comeback victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. He’s now only one Grand Slam title away from tying Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s file of 20.

Regardless of being the overwhelming favourite coming into the match, Djokovic struggled early because it remained to be seen if he had something left mentally and bodily after his grueling semifinal victory over Nadal on Friday.

However after falling right into a 0-2 gap, Djokovic rallied for the victory in entrance of an enthusiastic crowd at Court docket Philippe Chatrier.

How did Djokovic pull it off? Listed below are some keys to his victory.

Comfy being uncomfortable

Djokovic’s victory marked simply the sixth time within the Open period a participant has come again from an 0-2 deficit to win a serious title. But it surely wasn’t the primary time throughout this fortnight that Djokovic discovered himself towards the ropes. He fell into the identical 0-2 gap towards Lorenzo Musetti within the fourth spherical.

After that match, Djokovic stated he loved the expertise as a result of he knew he had the sting towards youthful gamers in a best-of-five match.

“I wish to play younger guys in best-of-five, as a result of I really feel even when they’re main a set or two units to like because it was the case at present, I nonetheless like my probabilities, as a result of I really feel like I’m bodily match and, you realize, I understand how to put on my opponent down, you realize, within the best-of-five match,” Djokovic stated after the win over Musetti. “And, you realize, I’ve received many of the five-setters I’ve performed on this event and in my profession, so I feel that have helps.”

That very same mentality and toughness was very a lot on show Sunday. He remained composed and took management of the match within the third set towards Tsitsipas and by no means appeared again.

Conditioning paying off

As Djokovic stated after beating Musetti, he’s match. On Sunday, he confirmed he can take some bruises, too.

Djokovic had a scary second within the first set when he tripped attempting to get to a drop shot and fell laborious to the bottom. It took him a second to stand up and it was initially unclear if there have been any accidents. However by the top of the four-hour, 11-minute match, it was the 34-year-old who appeared as if he may hold taking part in if want be.

Djokovic dominated Tsitsipas within the longer rallies within the closing two units, profitable 34 of 55 rallies that lasted greater than 5 pictures.

Rediscovering the second serve

Whereas Djokovic struggled together with his second serve within the opening two units, his comeback started as quickly as he improved in that class.

Djokovic received 73% of factors on his second serve within the third set, and 80% within the fourth set — in comparison with 25% and 50% within the first and second, respectively. It jump-started his rhythm and introduced him again into the match.

Fifth-set nerves for his opponent

Maybe conscious that his alternative to win his first Grand Slam was quickly slipping away, Tsitsipas had 16 unforced errors and a double fault within the decider. As Tsitsipas couldn’t discover the identical rhythm he had proven all through the event together with his booming serve, Djokovic seized on his opponent’s weaknesses and solidly closed out the match. (Djokovic had eight unforced errors within the closing set and no double faults.)