Djokovic defeats Murray, grabs French Open title [Updated]

World numero uno Novak Djokovic has defeated Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 for the just-concluded French Open crown.

The wait was finally over for him.

In his fourth Roland-Garros final, the Serbian triumphed at last to become the eighth man in history to complete the career Grand Slam.

Djokovic fought back from a set down to beat Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 6-4 over three hours and five minutes.

As a result, the 29-year-old also becomes the third man ever to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time.

He joins American Don Budge and Australian Rod Laver in a quite remarkable feat.

Djokovic came out knowing he had a dominant hold in recent times over Murray, winning 12 of their last 14 meetings since the 2013 Wimbledon final.

He also had the crowd on his side, with a mixture of passionate Serbian fans and those hoping to witness history.

His break in the opening game pleased his legions of fans but Murray immediately broke back with a neat drop shot and lob combination.

Serving big and controlling the rallies with his forehand, Murray broke for 3-1 as Djokovic looked tense on his forehand.

With Murray serving for the set, Djokovic and his fans were furious when umpire Damien Dumusois decided to award a point to Murray rather than replay it after an incorrect out call by the line judge.

After a cacophony of booing, Murray sealed the set as Djokovic dumped a backhand into the net.

Murray knew how crucial winning the first set was.

He had lost to Djokovic on all 19 occasions that he had lost the first set and all 10 of his wins over his arch-rival had come after winning the first set.

He then came close to a break in the opening game of the second set, but Djokovic saved break point with a smash and managed to hold.

This proved the turning point as a Murray double fault gave him the break for 2-0.

Galvanised and re-energised, Djokovic was in full flow and claimed a double break for 5-1 with a backhand winner down the line.

Murray’s level had dropped and a backhand return into the net saw Djokovic serve out the set to level the match.

Murray had to work hard to hold his serve at the start of the third set as the Serbian ground him down.

A poor volley from Murray, though, saw his opponent break for 2-1 and a stunning angled pick-up sealed a double break at 4-1 as the match started to slip away from Murray.

Djokovic then served out the set and, for the first time, moved to within one set of the Roland-Garros title and a career Grand Slam.

A break at the start of the fourth set took Djokovic a step closer, his defence unbreachable at times.

Murray typically hung in there as he so often does but struggled to make any impact in his return games.

A double break for 5-2 gave Djokovic two shots at serving out history but the nerves were clear to see as he failed the first time.

Murray then held to force Djokovic to try and serve it out a second time.

Two championship points came and went amid almost unbearable tension before finally claiming his third, falling onto his back on the clay in both celebration and relief.

[Sportsmo]

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