Novak looks all set to lift the ‘Golden Grand Slam’

By V.N. Prasad

In a rare feat, unseeded 25-year-old Barbora Krejcikova of Czec Republic not only lifted the coveted Singles Trophy but also shared the Doubles Title this year — with Katerina Siniakova. Her coach Jana Navotna would have been proud of her fellow Czec’s achievement. But, Jana succumbed to cancer in 2017. 

It was redeeming to witness Pavlyuchenkova, Krejcikova, Sakkari and Zidansek; all first timers; in the final four in Paris. That was only the second time when all the four semifinalists at a Grand Slam were the first timers. The 18th ranked Sakkari was the highest-ranked in the four. A very tenacious competitor knocked off defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland in the QF. In hard fought semifinals, she lost to Pavlyuchenkova.

Finals between Pavlyu-chenkova and Krejcikova was tense. Uncertainties hung on both as they went into the third set. In only the last 30 minutes of the final set did the champion overpower her                                                          opponent tactfully to lift the trophy; 6-1, 2-6, 6-4. Thank you girls, for the great entertainment you all provided over the fortnight.

Men’s section was full of theatrics. Alex Zverev providing max entertainment with his arguments with the Chair; but all in vain.Alex and Tsitsipas are surely the future of world tennis. Whereas young blood looks thirsty and competent in lifting the trophy, their inability to sustain resilience beyond the 3rd set looks apparent. Semi Finals between Novak and Rafa was hard fought and the Serb carried the fatigue into the finals — and that really was tough.

At the end, it was sheer concentration and unflinching determination of the 34-year-old Novak that enabled him to lift the trophy beating the young Greek Stefenos Tsitsipas, 22 years of age, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. 

Novak became the only man in the history of Grand Slams to have lifted each trophy twice. Now the world keenly looks at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows and wishes the highly crafty Serb to make it a “Golden Grand Slam”. All the best to the master.GGS is where an individual wins all the Grand Slams in a year.

“Golden Grand Slam” history reads thus. ‘Don Budge of USA in 1938’.‘Maureen Connolly of USA in 1953’.Rod Laver of Australia in 1962 and 1969 (twice)’, ‘Margret Smith Court of Australia in 1970’ and ‘Steffi Graff of Germany in 1988’.

It was very thoughtful for the Serb to present his racquet to the young lad in the stands — a great gesture indeed. It is very rare that sounds from the stands are audible when a player is concentrating on his games. It was heartening to learn of the youngster’s support. His thrill on receiving the racquet was visible.

The world pitied the young Tsitisipas. His grandmother had expired just 5 minutes before the finals. That apart, most certainly he looked audacious in the first two sets; 7-6 and 6-2. It was all power against calm of the Champion. The Serb drained the Greek in the two and gained ‘Vice-Like-Grip’ in the following three sets. Novak was graceful in appreciating the Greek on his talent and also on seeing a Champion in him in the times to follow.

All in all, it was a great Grand Slam. All the Champions look at the next one at Wimbledon – in a fortnight’s time. The world wishes them the best. And we keenly look forward to the event — both from the men and the women.