Novak Djokovic: French Open ‘most beautiful moment’ of career | CNN

Novak Djokovic: French Open ‘most beautiful moment’ of career

By Matias Grez and Ravi Ubha, CNN
2 minute read
Published 11:37 AM EDT, Mon June 6, 2016
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Novak Djokovic wins French Open
01:26 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Novak Djokovic calls French Open win "most beautiful moment" of career

Becomes just eighth man to complete career grand slam

Overtakes Rod Laver's tally of 11 grand slams

First man since 1969 to win four consecutive major titles

CNN  — 

Novak Djokovic has become accustomed to writing chapters in the history books – but even he admitted Sunday’s French Open victory was his sweetest yet.

The world No. 1 became the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam titles and just the eighth in history to complete the career grand slam with victory over Andy Murray in the final at Roland Garros.

“Today, I probably experienced one of the most beautiful moments in my professional tennis career,” the Serb told CNN.

“Next to this one, I would probably say it’s Wimbledon back in 2011 and the Davis Cup (2010) – these are moments that are quite remarkable and unforgettable.”

Djokovic has now won 12 grand slams, just two behind Rafael Nadal and Pete Sampras and five behind Roger Federer’s record of 17.

Read: Djokovic beats Murray to claim French Open title

Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to win the French Open and complete a career grand slam.
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to win the French Open and complete a career grand slam.
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The world No. 1 becomes just the eighth man in history to win all four grand slam titles -- the French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open and U.S. Open.
The world No. 1 becomes just the eighth man in history to win all four grand slam titles -- the French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open and U.S. Open.
MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Murray took the first set of the encounter but was going up against a career record of 10 wins and 23 losses against Djokovic.
Murray took the first set of the encounter but was going up against a career record of 10 wins and 23 losses against Djokovic.
MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Cheered on by wife Kim Sears and coach Jamie Delgado, the Brit was aiming to win his third grand slam after winning the 2012 U.S. Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
Cheered on by wife Kim Sears and coach Jamie Delgado, the Brit was aiming to win his third grand slam after winning the 2012 U.S. Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
But Djokovic dominated from thereon, dropping just seven more games en route to winning the match.
But Djokovic dominated from thereon, dropping just seven more games en route to winning the match.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Both Murray and Djokovic were angered on a number of occasions during the match. Murray continued to have trouble with the overhead camera...
Both Murray and Djokovic were angered on a number of occasions during the match. Murray continued to have trouble with the overhead camera...
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
While Djokovic felt aggrieved after the umpire awarded a point to Murray following a late call from a line judge.
While Djokovic felt aggrieved after the umpire awarded a point to Murray following a late call from a line judge.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A whole host of famous stars were out to watch the final, including Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio (C).
A whole host of famous stars were out to watch the final, including Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio (C).
MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
As well as going up against Djokovic, Murray was facing a crowd heavily in the Serb's favor.
As well as going up against Djokovic, Murray was facing a crowd heavily in the Serb's favor.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
French Open 2016: Djokovic beats Murray to complete career grand slam

And the 29-year-old feels fortunate to be mentioned in the same breath as these history-makers, in particular the man whose haul of 11 he surpassed Sunday: Rod Laver.

“It doesn’t get much better than that,” he said. “It’s very flattering, I respect tennis history a lot and you need to as a tennis player, or any other athlete for that matter.

Read: Djokovic becomes tennis’ first $100M man

“You need to be respectful of the sport. You mentioned Rod Laver and what he has brought to our sport and contributed, and many different legends and champions that have won this trophy so many times.

“They allowed us to be here and experience such wonderful moments, so I’m very flattered, privileged and honored to be alongside Rod Laver.”

Djokovic’s latest success invites three questions: Just how many grand slams can he win? Will he complete the calendar grand slam? Can he win Olympic gold?

But, for now, Djokovic is just relishing his first triumph on Paris’ red clay.

Read: Muguruza upsets Williams for French Open title

“I’m trying to enjoy and cherish this moment,” he said. “I never experienced this kind of moment before, of holding the Roland Garros trophy.

“I’ve worked very hard for so many years to be able to achieve that.”

Keep up to date with all the latest tennis news on CNN and on our Facebook page.

Employees set the last layer of clay on the Suzanne Lenglen court on May 7, 2012 at the Roland Garros tennis stadium in Paris, where the French Open tennis tournament will run from May 22 to June 10, 2012. AFP PHOTO JACQUES DEMARTHON (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/GettyImages)
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Roland Garros clay: A layered cake - with red frosting
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