Novak Djokovic’s 7 best French Open match wins ahead of latest title defence

Oli Dickson Jefford
Novak Djokovic Geneva
Novak Djokovic is gunning for a fourth French Open crown.

The French Open has proven to be one of the most special tournaments of Novak Djokovic’s career.

It has not always been easy for Djokovic in Paris, especially with Rafael Nadal also in action, but some of his sweetest victories have come at Roland Garros.

The world No 1 begins his quest for a fourth title on Tuesday night, against Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

And ahead of that contest, we look at seven of Djokovic’s biggest wins at this major.

2006 R4: def Gael Monfils 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-3

As a 19-year-old, Djokovic defied his unseeded status to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the tournament 18 years ago.

After beating 23rd seed Tommy Haas in round three, he was handed a golden chance to reach the last eight for the first time in a round four match against 25th seed Monfils.

Monfils had knocked out eighth seed James Blake previously but the Frenchman was unable to edge either of the two opening sets, with the future No 1 claiming both in tiebreaks.

And he ultimately raced through to triumph and make a significant career breakthrough.

Read More: The 5 men to win consecutive Australian and French Open titles – ft. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

2012 SF: def Roger Federer 6-4, 7-5, 6-3

World No 1 Djokovic had won all three other majors by this stage of his career – but was yet to reach a Roland Garros final heading into 2012.

But that changed against 2009 winner and four-time runner-up Federer in 2012.

The top seed in Paris and reigning champion in Melbourne, SW19, and New York, Djokovic was undoubtedly the favourite against third seed Federer – but had lost to him at this stage 12 months before.

There were no issues for the Serbian this time though, picking up a comprehensive win to reach his first Roland Garros final.

2015 QF: def Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3, 6-1

Nadal was far from his best in 2015, but mentally this would have been a significant win for Djokovic.

The Spaniard was on a 39-match win streak at Roland Garros before this contest, and had won all six of his previous French Open matches against his great rival.

He had also only ever lost once at the tournament before this year, but Djokovic became the second man to triumph over him on this day.

After losing an initial early lead, Djokovic eventually edged a tight first set – and that ultimately powered him to a straight-sets triumph.

2016 Final: def Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4

The match that finally handed Djokovic the French Open title that had eluded him for so long.

After three previous final losses, the world No 1 was a significant favourite against Murray – who he had also beaten in the Australian Open final that season.

It was the Brit who got off to a quick lead, claiming the opening set.

But Djokovic battled back and – after a minor wobble towards the end of proceedings – eventually sealed an emotional Roland Garros victory.

2021 SF: def Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-2

One of the most memorable matches of recent times saw Djokovic become the first – and only – man to beat the ‘King of Clay’ in multiple matches at this tournament.

In a rematch of the 2020 final, Nadal raced into an early lead by claiming a high-quality opening set, but Djokovic then flipped the script.

The Serbian claimed the second set and then, after an extraordinary third set, took a two-sets-to-one lead over his great rival.

As Nadal faded physically, Djokovic sealed a stunning four-set triumph.

Read More: Novak Djokovic – John McEnroe issues ‘more human’ verdict on the Serb at French Open

2021 Final: def Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

After beating Nadal in the semi-final, Djokovic was a significant favourite for the final against Tsitsipas, who was in his first major final.

But it was the Greek who edged a tight opening set in a tiebreak and then raced to a two-set lead after a dominant second set.

Djokovic had never come from two sets down in a Grand Slam championship match previously, but in sport, there’s always a first time for everything.

The Serbian rallied in style to claim victory and become the first man in the Open Era to win all four majors on multiple occasions.

2023 Final: def Casper Ruud 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5

Two years after becoming the first man to win every major at least twice, Djokovic became the first man to win all four majors at least three times with victory in the 2023 final.

The third seed in Paris 12 months ago, Djokovic dropped just two sets on his way to the final, where he was the favourite against Casper Ruud – who had also lost the final the previous year.

The first set was tight but Djokovic raised his level in the tiebreak to claim a one-set lead, and never really looked back.

Djokovic controlled the contest, and a straight-sets victory saw him claim his third crown.

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