Novak Djokovic Defeats Andy Murray in the Final to Lift his First Roland Garros Trophy

The world’s No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic has finally clinched the Roland Garros trophy, after previously finishing as runner-up in the competition on three separate occasions.

(Image credit: Eurosport)

The world’s No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic has finally clinched the Roland Garros trophy, after previously finishing as runner-up in the competition on three separate occasions.

Djokovic won his first Roland Garros trophy against Andy Murray with 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the final on Sunday, which makes it his 12th title from a major event. His latest accomplishment also marks the first time for a player to hold all four Grand Slam titles at once, since Rod Laver did the feat in 1969.

“It’s a very special moment, the biggest of my career. It felt today something that I never felt before at Roland Garros, I felt the love of the crowd. I drew the heart on the court, like Guga, which he gave me permission to do. My heart will always be with you on this court,” said the 29-year-old player.

The French Open triumph has also seen him break another record in terms of earnings. Djokovic already holds the number 1 spot for all-time earnings in the sport, however with his victory on Sunday he has become the first tennis player in history to break the $100 million barrier in prize money. According to ATP World Tour, he’s accumulated a total of $101,917,404 in prize money during his career so far, and considering he’s only 29 years of age he could easily add another $40-$50 million in prize money over the years to come.

The Serbian superstar has reached the final of the French Open on three previous occasions, but has failed to get his hands on the coveted Roland Garros trophy. In 2012, Djokovic faced Rafael Nadal – who is the most successful French Open player with eight titles – but lost to the Spaniard 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Two years later, he had a chance to exact revenge over Nadal in the 2014 final, however he succumbed to defeat that time as well (3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4).

The following year the Serbian once again failed to lift the Roland Garros trophy, as this time he lost to Swiss star Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. But it seems that fourth time is the charm for Djokovic, after he overcame Murray on Sunday.

Andy Murray, who was also competing to win his first Roland Garros trophy, praised the Serbian for his remarkable success over the past year which has led to him holding all four Grand Slam titles at once.

“To Novak, this is his day. What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal; winning all the Grand Slams in one year is an amazing achievement. It’s so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match, but I’m proud to have been part of today,” said Murray.

Djokovic is aiming to get his hands on his fourth Wimbledon title this year
(Image credit: ATP World Tour)

The Scot admitted there’s no one better at the moment than Djokovic, by stressing he fully “deserves” the number 1 spot on the rankings. “His performances over the last 18 months to two years have been exceptional. He deserves to be No.  1,” said the French Open runner up.

Over the past few years, Murray has faced fierce opposition which has wasn’t able to overcome – something that he’s also highlighted after the loss on Sunday to the world No. 1. “Obviously, the guys I have been around the last few years have made things difficult for me. I mean, you know, I have been close-ish to winning all the slams now and, unfortunately, all of them have done it instead.”

Bet365 online sportsbook offers a wide selection of tennis markets that have multiple betting options. After winning the Roland Garros trophy on Sunday, Djokovic will be looking to retain the title next year – he’s the favourite to win it 2.00 (1/1), per online sportsbook odds. 8-time French Open winner Nadal is right behind him on the odds charts 6.00 (5/1), and Murray holds the same chances of success 6.00 (5/1) in 2017, following his heroic display in the final against the world No. 1 Djokovic. Wawrinka and Kyrgios are both underdogs with odds of 9.00 (8/1) and 13.00 (12/1) respectively.

Although the Serbian is relishing the moment after lifting his first Roland Garros trophy, he’s gearing up for Wimbledon which starts later in the month (June 27). This year’s competition could see him win the event for the third successive time, and fourth overall after he won his first Wimbledon title in 2011. He’s been assigned favourite statues to win the Wimbledon as well 1.72 (8/11), while this year’s French Open runner-up Murray is considered an underdog 4.00 (3/1). Federer holds the record together with Pete Sampras for the most Open Era titles, with each of them winning the competition on seven occasions. That’s why the Swiss is third favourite to win is this year 9.00 (8/1), per online sportsbook odds. His fellow compatriot Wawrinka is a heavy underdog 17.00 (16/1), while Milos Raonic holds the same odds 17.00 (16/1), and Nadal is practically an outsider 21.00 (20.1) to claim the Wimbledon title.

(Check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review for more info about the online sportsbook.)