After a classic encounter against rival Nadal in the semi- finals, Novak Djokovic had to came from two sets down in a grand slam final for the first time in his career, as he narrowly got the better of 22-years-old Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling French Open final.

The 22-year-old Greek star, appeared in only his first grand slam final and left his mark after displaying experience and poise beyond his years to race into a two-set lead, but Djokovic’s grit, experience and determination proved too much, with the world No. 1 eventually prevailing 6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 in a match that lasted more than four hours.

Victory takes Djokovic to 19 grand slam titles, just one shy of the all-time record jointly held by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The world number one will have the opportunity to move level on 20 titles with his great rivals Nadal and Federer when he defends his Wimbledon crown later this month.

The 34-years-old Serbian international is now the first man in Open Era history to win all four Grand Slams twice. The extraordinary effort he put in to beat Nadal would likely have been rendered pointless by Djokovic had he lost to Tsitsipas in the one that mattered even more.