A new chapter in the grand slam tennis history books will be written on Sunday when Novak Djokovic takes on Andy Murray in the 2016 French Open final.
the roland garros championship is the only major tournament that has eluded world no. 1 djokovic over the years, and a win in paris will finally see him complete a well-deserved grand slam of grand slams.
Meanwhile, Murray is playing in his first French Open final and is aiming to become the first British winner of the famous trophy since 1935, when Fred Perry was the High King.
here we anticipate what will be an exciting finale.
date: Sunday, June 5
hours: 9 a.m. et/2 p.m. bst
place: roland garros, paris
TV information: nbc (us only)/itv (uk only)
live broadcast: nbc sports live extra/itv hub
story in progress
whatever happens in the rest of djokovic’s career, he will go on to become one of the greatest tennis players to ever wield a racket.
However, players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal can end their time at the top of the game with a claim the Serb cannot match: a career grand slam.
djokovic has been a roland garros finalist three times in the last four tournaments, but has always come up short.
In last year’s matchup against Stan Wawrinka, Djokovic saw a run of 28 matches end without tasting defeat as he was forced to wait another 12 months for a shot at the elusive French Open title.
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now, however, the world does not. 1 is back, and he told reporters after his comprehensive semi-final win over dominic thiem that he’s happy to have the opportunity to become a legend, via simon cambers of the guardian:
I’ve put myself in a position I’ve wanted to be in since last year’s final. I give myself another chance to win the trophy. I think in my mind when we walk on the court, maybe to some extent, there’s a small percentage going for him [murray], but he’s in great shape. it’s another grand slam title at stake for both of them. It’s going to be a very physical battle, as is always the case.
Murray is, in fact, showing exceptional form on clay of late and even bested Djokovic in the Rome Masters final last month.
In the Italian capital, he showed incredible patience and then had the shots in his locker when opportunities presented themselves.
Sure, Djokovic will be much more excited about Sunday’s meeting than he is about the Rome Masters final, but Murray will remain confident.
and tennis legend pat cash says he also has good reason to be optimistic, as the surface suits the Scot more than the Serbian, via david law of bbc sport:
murray, however, said it will be a very close final and whoever emerges victorious from the grueling baseline rallies will put themselves in an excellent position to lift the trophy, according to bbc sport:
I don’t know who the conditions will be good for, Novak plays well on all courts. it probably means there will be long rallies, you have to be patient in these conditions. It is not easy to hit the winners. I am sure it will be a final with a lot of emotions and exchanges from the baseline because we have a similar style of play. I know his game, he knows mine. I’m sure we’ll both give it our all.
djokovic’s final three losses have put a lot of pressure on Sunday’s match, but you don’t become one of the greatest of all time without being able to cope.
meanwhile, murray will play the underdog role, and if he can take the first set and gain some momentum, then it would be foolish to bet against him lifting the trophy.
grand slam finals are full of drama and intensity, and as two of the best players in the business collide at roland garros, expect nothing more.