Novak Djokovic's Roland Garros
The prestigious French Open has a new winner, after Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray to add to his growing list of career triumphs.
It is the Serbian's 12th Grand Slam title and he is the first man to hold all four at once since Rod Laver in 1969.
Murray, 29, suffered his eighth grand slam final defeat despite taking the first set 6-3 as Djokovic went on to claim the following three - 6-1, 6-2 and 6-4 at Roland Garros.
Djokovic finally took the French Open title and with it his place in the highest pantheon of tennis.
To achieve something even Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fell short of in the same era is truly remarkable and, by winning his 12th slam title, Djokovic is only five short of Federer's all-time record.
For Murray, it was an all-too familiar feeling as high hopes gave way to helplessness in the face of Djokovic's brilliance, with five of his final defeats coming against the man he first faced as an 11-year-old.
The Scot, the first British man in 79 years to reach the final here, fought for all he was worth in the fourth set but ultimately he had no answer.
Djokovic lay flat on his back in the clay as he soaked in his achievement.
"It's a very special moment," he said. "Perhaps the biggest of my career."
Murray apologised for not speaking French before thanking his team and the crowd.
He added: "Finally to Novak, this is his day today. What he's achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an amazing achievement and this is something that is so rare in tennis.
"It's going to take a long time for it to happen again. Everyone here is extremely lucky to see it. Me personally, being on the opposite side, it sucks to lose the match but I'm proud to be part of today."
It is the Serbian's 12th Grand Slam title and he is the first man to hold all four at once since Rod Laver in 1969.
Murray, 29, suffered his eighth grand slam final defeat despite taking the first set 6-3 as Djokovic went on to claim the following three - 6-1, 6-2 and 6-4 at Roland Garros.
Djokovic finally took the French Open title and with it his place in the highest pantheon of tennis.
To achieve something even Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal fell short of in the same era is truly remarkable and, by winning his 12th slam title, Djokovic is only five short of Federer's all-time record.
For Murray, it was an all-too familiar feeling as high hopes gave way to helplessness in the face of Djokovic's brilliance, with five of his final defeats coming against the man he first faced as an 11-year-old.
The Scot, the first British man in 79 years to reach the final here, fought for all he was worth in the fourth set but ultimately he had no answer.
Djokovic lay flat on his back in the clay as he soaked in his achievement.
"It's a very special moment," he said. "Perhaps the biggest of my career."
Murray apologised for not speaking French before thanking his team and the crowd.
He added: "Finally to Novak, this is his day today. What he's achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal, winning all four of the grand slams in one year is an amazing achievement and this is something that is so rare in tennis.
"It's going to take a long time for it to happen again. Everyone here is extremely lucky to see it. Me personally, being on the opposite side, it sucks to lose the match but I'm proud to be part of today."
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