Stan Wawrinka beat Novak Djokovic 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4
Stunning. Incredible. Unexpected. All words that could be used to describe the surprising (there's another) victory by Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka over the world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday. His 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 French Open final triumph seemed to defy those who believed that it was the Serb's destiny to succeed Rafa Nadal in 2015 at Roland Garros. As it is 'Stan' now joins Britain's Andy Murray as a proud member of the double Grand Slam winning club, adding to his Australian Open title from 2014.
Extra day off for Wawrinka
Wawrinka may of course have benefited from the extra day's recovery he enjoyed after completing his semi-final match on Friday. By contrast, Djokovic had to return yesterday to complete his last-four clash with Murray, instead of being able to relax and prepare for the final.
End of the winning streak
That would be far too easy an explanation for the Serbian's demise in the final though, thus ending his imperious 28-match winning streak up to that point. It was basically the perfect ending to the tournament for the Swiss player, as he knocked out both of the top seeds on his way to lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
As if to add to the dreamlike quality of his victory, Wawrinka referred to feeling "emotion like I never have before" while on court for the final.
Djokovic did not begrudge his opponent his success afterwards, stating: "Stan you are a great champion with big heart."
Swiss player went for his winners
Still only number two in his country, despite beating his countryman Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, Wawrinka played brilliantly against Djokovic over three hours and twelve minutes of absorbing Tennis.
To almost double the amount of winners from the Djokovic racket (59-30) takes some doing, although he also narrowly edged the far less dignified unforced error count (45-41). Against a player with the ability of the Serb that was perhaps understandable.
He responded to the disappointment of losing the opening set, when a poor service game at 3-3 cost him dearly.
Wawrinka came out firing to bamboozle Djokovic with an array of winners thereafter. The second set went his way as he finally took the fifth break point on offer, after squandering four previous chances. Attacking play paid off once again in the third set for the Swiss man, as he broke the Serb's serve with some unbelievable winners off either wing. That led to another set and a 2-1 lead in the match.
No denying 'Stan'
The fourth set began brightly for the favourite, as he moved into a 3-0 lead. Yet it seemed to represent just a temporary lull in the intensity from Wawrinka, who regained his focus to level at 3-3. Better still the Swiss player broke brilliantly with the scores tied at 4-4, his backhand by now becoming a weapon of destruction from his rival's viewpoint.
Djokovic forced a break point in the next game but could not capitalise. That allowed Wawrinka to steady himself and yet another searing backhand clinched his deserved victory. For the number one seed that familiar sinking feeling returned in Paris, a third loss in four years after reaching the final.
Almost number eight
Djokovic will have to wait at least one more year before his name can be added to the seven-man career Grand Slam roll call. That elite list features tennis stars from both the past and the present:
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Fred Perry
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Donald Budge
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Rod Laver
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Roy Emerson
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Andre Agassi
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Roger Federer
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Rafa Nadal